Timbrell’s Yard, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

Just beyond Bradford-on-Avon's bridge and 17th-century lock-up, Timbrell's Yard is well placed for exploring the pretty market town on foot. It is also right on the river, so a good starting point for a walk through Barton Farm Country Park to the aqueduct at Avoncliff. Bath is a 25-minute drive away. For an intimate dinner in Bradford-on-Avon try Bunch of Grapes, for a riverside brunch visit The Weaver's Shed, and for wine tasting, sample Cru Wines.

By car: the hotel is 45 mins from Bristol, 1 hour 30 mins from Oxford and 2 hours 30 mins from London. Free parking is available nearby.

By train: London Paddington to Bradford-on-Avon (via Westbury or Bath Spa) takes around 1 hour 50 mins. The hotel is a 3-minute walk from the station. Book trains to Bradford-on-Avon.

Once an 18th-century home, then a coaching inn, Timbrell's Yard has a hip, boutique style, with nods to the town's cloth industry heritage. Expect dressmaker dolls dotted about, lots of wood-clad walls, exposed lightbulbs and textured fabrics. The restaurant is spacious and the riverside terrace is deservedly popular in summer.

The reception desk is well-manned and the staff set the right tone. The desk is not open overnight though and guests should not expect extra services. The free car parking is handy but there is no room service. The bar and restaurant often get busy, so guests should book tables ahead of time.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Outdoor fire
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Most have a rustic, industrial style. Standard doubles, though, are dressed in white and have a restricted view. Ground-floor Riverwalk rooms overlook a busy path - better are the Mezzanine rooms, with a downstairs seating area looking onto the river.

Room types: Small Double, Standard Double, River Walk room, Medium Double, Large Double, Mezzanine Double

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with natural Lovegrove products, Smart TV, Pure radio, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The menus are designed by Tom Blake, who was once at River Cottage. They don't change daily but feature a range of dishes showcasing local produce and a winning combination of flavours and textures. The restaurant is large, with high ceilings and some river views. The cocktails are super and the bar is cosy but often full.

The restaurant: modern British cooking, West Country produce, snacks, ciabatta sandwiches. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £13.75.