Mr & Mrs Smith

Settle in with the papers in the library or a board game in the drawing room, or track down Jane, the gardener, at work in the grounds to borrow some tips – she can give you a tour if you arrange it in advance. The sommelier is also on hand for wine tastings.

Explore Bath by canal boat, open-top bus or on foot, or head out of the city with a trip to ancient Stonehenge (www.stonehenge.co.uk), to see the animals at Longleat Safari Park (www.longleat.co.uk) or one of the National Trust’s properties nearby, such as Lacock Abbey.

Take an appetite along to Hudson Steakhouse on London Street (+44 (0)1225 332323; www.hudsonbars.com); if you’re not hungry, it’s worth a visit for the cocktails. The Circus on Brock Street is a family-run restaurant staunchly loved by locals; the locally sourced British menu has a few surprises – try the authentically slow-cooked Caribbean goat curry (+44 (0)1225 466020; www.thecircuscafeandrestaurant.co.uk). For the city’s finest Italian fare, you can’t beat Martini Ristorante on George Street (+44 (0)1225 460818; www.martinirestaurant.co.uk).

For cocktails in a sumptuous, secretive setting, head to Brugada Bar on John Street (+44 (0)1225 333323).

Sam’s Kitchen on Walcot Street, affectionately known as Bath’s artisan quarter, has breads, cheese and coffee that live up to expectations – pitch up with the papers and enjoy the best cake in town (+44 (0)1225 481159; www.samskitchendeli.co.uk). Even the most dedicated of carnivores will love the creative vegetarian food at Demuths, near Abbey Green (+44 (0)1225 446059; www.demuths.co.uk) – try the miso-roasted aubergine or courgette flowers with goat’s cheese.