Where and why:

A short stroll from the city centre in a quiet street, Brindleys is one of the new breed of posh B&Bs, for those tired of hotel chains. Each bedroom in this family-run boutique hotel is individually decorated in a “modern French style”, with lovely touches such as fresh flowers and mini KitKats next to the kettle. Our room had a powerful shower in a neat bathroom with REN products and the obligatory fluffy towels. Built from the city’s famed Bath stone, the endof-terrace Victorian house is five minutes’ walk across North Parade Bridge to the heart of Bath and its historic buildings.

On the menu:

Brindley’s effervescent  manager Jamie Grundy and his South African wife Anel serve breakfast in the dining room overlooking the B&B’s pretty garden. The full English was faultless and came with what seemed like limitless amounts of coffee and orange juice. A vegetarian breakfast with a vegetable, herb and potato sausage was also on offer, as well as creamy scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and toasted English muffin.

While you’re there:

The Roman Baths are a must. It’s also well worth taking a dip in the Thermae Bath Spa. From its rooftop pool you can take in the views across the city. Other major attractions are 15th century Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Jane Austen Centre – which commemorates the city’s most famous resident – and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

Wake-up call:

Doubles from pounds 110 a night with breakfast. To book or for info see www.brindleysbath.co.uk or call 01225 310444