The Royal Crescent, Bath, was built in the 1770s by noted architect, John Wood. A keen occultist and freemason, when viewed from above, the crescent represents the moon as part of a series of buildings that mimic Masonic symbols. Shapeshifting Lizards notwithstanding, The Royal Crescent Hotel is a fine place to stay. It occupies 2 grand buildings in a row that Elizabeth Montagu described as a ‘beautiful situation… that cannot be understood by any comparison with anything in any town whatsoever’.

Traditional afternoon tea is a specialty here and when you have overindulged in tea and cake, you can take a walk in the fabulous landscaped garden. Bath was originally the site of a grand complex of Roman Baths and in that spirit, the Hotel offers you the chance to dip in its own spa baths – there is also a gym. You can take a glorious hot air balloon ride across the town and surrounding countryside or choose to have your trip coincide with the famous Bath music festival - a refined, English affair with lots of string quartets. Glorious.