Fodor's Expert Review Victoria Spa Lodge

This B&B lies 1½ miles outside town and backs on to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal; the grand building dates from 1837 and is brimming with character. Queen Victoria once stayed here before taking the throne—look for her coat of arms, which can be seen in the gables and in some of the fireplaces in the bedrooms. Rooms come with flatscreen TVs and power showers alongside more period-style decor. Guests are welcome to relax in the drawing room (where there is a fire in winter), play board games, or have a game of pool. The B&B is next door to the Stratford Parkway train station and the Park and Ride, which has a bus service into town.