Duke House

In a quiet neighbourhood of Victorian terraced houses on the edge of Christ’s Pieces, this boutique B&B is well placed for those wishing to see the city. Previous owners include a notable computer scientist, and the current Duke of Gloucester, to whom the house owes not just its name but some of its architectural features, including the staircase. The ‘very helpful’ owners, Liz and Rob Cameron, extended the association by naming each bedroom after a different dukedom. The first-floor Gloucester (HRH’s former room) is decorated in fresh tones of cream and white, and has the original fireplace. Cambridge, on the second floor, has a separate sitting room and its own balcony; York is smaller, but has a large bathroom with tub and shower. Guests can relax with a drink in the pretty sitting room, with pale lilac-blue walls, seagrass matting and open fireplace, before dining at a local eatery (there’s a good choice within walking distance). Breakfast brings free-range eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms and fruit, with Clarks of Ware sausages and bacon and salmon from the acclaimed River Farm Smokery in Bottisham. Reports, please.