Backwell House, Backwell

There aren’t many city-break destinations where you can rouse to the coo of wood pigeons, wander around a walled rose garden or breakfast in a sunny conservatory, says Kathryn Lewis

Strictly speaking, an escape at Backwell House isn’t really a city break. However, the Georgian manor’s unique location – a swift 15 minute drive from central Bristol and ten from the airport – warrants a pardon.

In fact, a stay in one of the nine effortlessly cool bedrooms offers weekenders the best of both worlds: a blanket of patchwork green fields rolling from the front door, the gastronomic draw of Bristol a short taxi ride away and the temptation of a “night in” courtesy of the talented kitchen team.

VISIT for country glamour, daaarling. Backwell House was a private residence until five years ago, and its latest owners have blended the Grade II-listed building’s original features with luxe interior design to create an authentically boutique hotel.

If you’re planning to stay for a couple of nights, booking Hobbs (each room is named after a family in Backwell’s history) is worth stretching the budget for. What’s an indulgent weekend away without an in-room copper tub, chaise longue and champagne ice bucket?

DON’T VISIT for a speedy airport stop off – this gorgeous house and its sweeping grounds deserve better than a rushed 6am check out. Make the most of your visit and indulge in a long morning soak in the roll-top bath, flick through a glossy magazine in the decadent lounge and take time over a breakfast of smoked salmon and creamy scrambled eggs.

WE LIKED the use of sustainable produce by head chef Andy Brooks. Every ingredient on the à la carte menu is carefully chosen with seasonality and provenance in mind.

On our summer visit, a starter of ham hock terrine starred pork from nearby Wrington alongside a nose-tinglingly punchy homemade piccalilli, while the Cornish cod main featured freshly plucked samphire and salty spheres of torched chorizo.