This is my pick of Bath B&Bs which provide a pleasant place to relax when you need a break from exploring the city.

Bath B&Bs reflect the personalities of their owners and all of these have their own distinctive characteristics.

The Townhouse is in a fabulous location in Bennett Street, just around the corner from the Circus and close to the Assembly Rooms, and so will give you a flavour of what it was like to live in Georgian Bath. It comes highly recommended and is ideal for a luxury break within easy walking distance of the shops, restaurants and museums.

Chestnuts House is a crisply refurbished house in Henrietta Road, close to the park and an easy level walk into the city centre. It has off-street parking for guests which is a real boon offered by few Bath B&Bs. It is run by an experienced hotelier who has had several hospitality businesses in the city.

Radnor Guest House has long been our favourite place to stay out of all the many Bath B&Bs, as it offers so many advantages! It is immaculate, run by very friendly and helpful owners, is a 10 minute walk from town and gives its residents street parking permits, which means you can park your car and leave it for the whole of your stay. Jane makes a delicious fresh fruit salad for breakfast and I always have seconds!

If you prefer to stay somewhere quieter, away from the bustle of the city, you will like Meadowland in Bloomfield Park, a large detached house, beautifully furnished and set well-back in a leafy garden in a residential street. Catherine and John provide friendly and efficient Scottish hospitality and are particularly good at advising you on where to go to eat.

Friends of ours who used to live in Bath and return occasionally for business and shopping trips swear by the Combe Grove Manor Hotel which is set in its own grounds right on the edge of the city, 3 miles from the centre. They have been able to get some good late deals apparently and enjoy the food in the informal bistro. There are excellent gym facilities and a large swimming pool if you are feeling active.

Finally one I’ve never been to and don’t know anybody who has – yet – but it looks pretty amazing. The Residence is on the western side of Victoria Park and so a 15 or 20 minute walk away from the centre of the city. Room rates start at £150 so not a budget option by any means, but if you like designer boutique hotels it is definitely worth a look. Reports please!

Not one of the Bath B&Bs but an interesting and economical alternative if you are staying for at least a week, Bath Holiday Homes is long-established with a good reputation and has a large selection of carefully-selected and well-maintained rental properties to sleep from 2 to 6 people, all located close to the city centre.