With the perfect canal-side location in Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, England, Timbrell’s Yard provides quirky brilliance with modern décor, excellent service and plenty of atmosphere. Choose a room in the new wing, and enjoy a multilevel room with loft and views of the canal and its resident swans just beyond your window. Cozy touches include calfskin-covered chairs with sheepskin seats, sloped ceilings with skylights, original art, tea and coffee stations, complimentary WiFi and individual decorating surprises like retro clock radios, vintage what-nots and black-and-white geometric bathroom tiles.

Refurbished in 2015, the Grade II listed building has a total of 17 en-suite guestrooms, plus an excellent restaurant and bar. Look for freshly baked, oversized croissants at breakfast, and creative British fare from head chef Ricky Ford at lunch and dinner. The changing menu highlights fresh local ingredients, served up in dishes such as organic salmon cured in Plymouth gin with horseradish, bay and pickled beetroot; and celeriac, spinach, parsnip and driftwood pie with pumpkin. For dessert, select from an array of West Country cheeses — or head straight for the rum, cherry and chocolate tart, served with honeycomb and thick cream. While there, opt for a seasonal cruise along the Avon aboard a river cruiser from Barbara McLellan Canal Boats. Operated by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, the purpose-built, wide beam boats can accommodate up to 51 passengers (meeting on the move, anyone?) and are equipped with full bars.