Kirsty Smallman discovers the joys of a UK city visit.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol.

When we head abroad on holiday, my husband John and I always head for the major cities with the best attractions. So why don’t we do that in our home country?

Being heavily pregnant and unable to fly but in desperate need of a break before our new arrival came into the world we headed for a weekend break in Bristol. We wanted to find out why it was the only UK city to be named as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit this year by the Eyewitness travel guides.

As both John and myself were late home from work on the Friday night, we literally threw some clothes in a suitcase and left around 8pm. Fortunately as we had booked a two night break in a Saco serviced apartment (it was to be our first experience of an apartment stay) we did not have the pressure of arriving in time to check in but simply had an email confirmation with the key codes for the doors.

Just under two hours later we arrived and entered the beautiful waterfront apartment at Saco’s West India House apartments which boasted an open plan bedroom and lounge/dining area, a kitchen with our continental breakfast for the stay ready for us and a large bathroom.

A well earned rest and we were ready to explore the city on the Saturday – heading first for the famous Bristol Zoo.

The living area of one of the Bristol apartments

Not wanting to move the car from the nearby car park, we enjoyed the short walk to the city centre and jumped on a bus – it enabled us both to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the city and see many more sights than if we had tried to negotiate the route ourselves.

But before boarding the bus, as every woman should do, we enjoyed window shopping at the multi-million pound new Cabot Circus shopping centre – which boasts Raymond Blanc’s new restaurant Brasserie Blanc and Harvey Nichols – I was in my element.

Around three hours later we thought we’d enjoy the weather and walk back to the city centre via Brunel’s world famous bridge – the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

After a relaxing couple of hours – we made the nine steps across the road to the Glass Boat restaurant for our pre-booked evening meal. The beautifully converted barge on the water offered panoramic views of the docks and an exquisite meal.

The Sunday programme of events was much less strenuous – we had treated ourselves to a spa day at the Bristol Lido Restaurant, Spa and Pool in Clifton – a Grade II Victorian building which opened its doors last year after a £2 million revamp.

After a packed day we were ready for a well-earned brew at the apartment – with a fully equipped kitchen, television and comfortable sofa waiting, we couldn’t resist. It was like home from home – even with fresh milk in the fridge for our arrival – you don’t get that in a hotel room.

l The booking was made through Saco at www.sacoapartments.co.uk or call 0845 122 04 05.

For details on Bristol attractions visit www.visitbristol.co.uk.

To find about the Lido visit www.lidobristol.com