Bingham Riverhouse

With gardens that roll down to the river, you don’t have to demand a room with a Thames view to enjoy this hotel’s spectacular waterfront setting.

A ferry (or Tube) ride quickly delivers you from the city centre to this lovely leafy west London address: two adjoining Georgian townhouses which once hosted a literary set, including WB Yeats.

From the lounge to the library rooms, a cosy bookish theme dominates, while guestrooms are simple, mid-century modern-yet-comfy with warm colours and rich natural fabrics, some with hand-forged copper tubs.

This is a proper city retreat, with a pretty terrace restaurant, and another helmed by MasterChef champ, Steve Edwards where you can refuel before exploring the towpath on one of the hotel’s Pashley bikes.

Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.