Local knowledge

Taxis

Taxis cannot be flagged in the street, so ask your hotel to book them for you. There are usually plenty of taxis outside the train station.

Tipping culture

Discretionary, but around 15 per cent is appreciated in restaurants.

Packing tips

Mrs Smith finds it hard to resist taking an empire-line dress and a bonnet to Bath, to get the full Austen effect. The less whimsical among you might simply want to take an umbrella to fend off that pesky English rain (and perhaps to double as a pretty parasol).

Recommended reads

Anything by Jane Austen, Bath’s most famous resident. Try Northanger Abbey, with the promising passage: 'They arrived in Bath. Catherine was all eager delight; her eyes were here, there, everywhere, as they approached its fine and striking environs, and afterwards drove through those streets which conducted them to the hotel. She was come to be happy, and she felt happy already.' Ahh!

Cuisine

Good old-fashioned English fare abounds (with tea, scones and cheddar cheese taking centre-stage), but there’s plenty of modern European influence, too; Bath boasts several Michelin-starred eateries. There's also a real focus on local, seasonal produce and on ingredients sourced from England's south-west.

Currency

Pounds sterling (£).

Dialling codes

Country code for the UK: +44. Bath: (0)1225.

Do go/don't go

The Gulf Stream makes this area a bit more temperate than most of England, but your best bet for a dry stay is still to visit between June and September. Winter can be captivating, with snow dusting the streets; there are some great Christmas markets, too.