Tea at the top and more at hotel

F I suggested a lovely little seaside staycation, somewhere on the sunny south coast, then asked you to guess where we were going, I don't expect Plymouth would be the first name on your lips.

- STAN CULLIMORE

It might not even make the top ten to be honest. Seems to be one of those cities that is always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

But, having been there for a trip recently, I have to say, it is well worth a visit. Very much so. We stayed at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, the first ever (and therefore the oldest) luxury hotel in Plymouth. It was built in 1863, in an age of steam trains, steam ships and Victorian, modern gothic, grand designs. People raved about it back then. Loved its luscious looks.

These days, the hotel has retained nearly all of those youthful good looks, from the pretty roofline, complete with toy turret at one end, down to the wooden panelling throughout - it’s a marvellous mix of modern comfort and Victorian grandeur. A time capsule that somehow balances the benefits of being a living, breathing museum piece alongside the need to spoil its guests with wifi, soft beds and en-suite facilities.

The 73 rooms on offer range from stylish singles to four-poster bridal suites, with a few unique treats sprinkled in among them. I must say, next time I go back, I'll be plumping for the turret suite. For reasons that will soon become very obvious.