Partly because of a lack of a better offer and partly because I cannot ask other people to have the dog over Christmas – so no foreign holidays – I am spending four days in a hotel in Bath. 15 miles from home but dog friendly and cheaper than some of the other options.

It’s quite eclectic inside with lots of decorations, things hanging from the ceiling etc but very comfy.

Arrived Tuesday afternoon to mulled wine and biscuits in the foyer. Most of the people here are mature-ish, a lot of them have dogs and there are NO children. I don’t know if that is policy or coincidence.

In the evening, after dinner (very nice) Dolly lurked in the room whilst I went to the Abbey for Midnight Mass.

The Abbey was completely full, the singing was glorious and the Bishop of Bath and Wells was very jolly and kept the sermon short.

Getting back at 1am, the hotel had provided sherry or Baileys and tiny mince pies. Dolly was convinced we were going home…..

On Christmas Day there was breakfast and dog walking. Never seen Bath so empty! There were dog walkers, the occasional jogger (who the hell goes jogging on Christmas morning?) and two very excited small children on new bikes.

The four course Christmas lunch was very nice (although the people who had turkey didn’t seem to be happy). This was followed by Christmas telly and free champagne in my room – and more dog walking.

It is currently Boxing Day and I am having late breakfast / brunch. There was an offer of ice skating or the pantomime this afternoon but I turned them both down – not sure Madame would enjoy either.