Market Place and King Street
The George and Archangel put the central streets at the heart of the stay. This is the useful comparison if dinner, shops or an evening event matter more than extensive hotel facilities. Choose by the actual room configuration and return route, not simply by which inn looks oldest.
Good for: First visits, local evenings and compact weekend plans.
Before you choose: Central inns can have stairs and sound from their public areas. The Archangel has no on-site parking, while the George’s bedroom route needs checking. Confirm unloading and overnight parking before arriving in the busiest streets.
Catherine Hill and St Catherine’s
Give this side of town priority when independent shopping and browsing are the reason for coming. Work up the street at a comfortable pace and leave room for stopping rather than treating it as a quick passage between attractions. A nearby central inn lets you put purchases down between outings.
Good for: Visitors who want browsing to be the main activity.
Before you choose: Catherine Hill is steep and cobbled. Check a suitable approach for wheels or limited mobility and avoid assuming the most picturesque route is the best luggage route. Individual shop opening days also shape the visit.
Riverside and the Justice Lane approach
Consider the lower central streets for a town day with breaks away from the hill. The information point at the library can help with the current town map and local programme. This is a useful orientation area rather than a promise that every riverside path is level or continuously accessible.
Good for: Visitors who want a flexible day and a clear town meeting point.
Before you choose: The railway station is a separate arrival point, so check the final route to the inn. Do not mistake a central map location for a hotel immediately outside the station, particularly after a late train.