Bridge Guest House

We had a pleasant stay in a cheap, cheerful double room, with friendly, accommodating staff. The ensuite room was on the back of the first floor and had a stunning view over the park, for a small surcharge. The station was close, but train noise was minimal. It was clean, peaceful and felt safe. My only complaint: one bed had partly collapsed at both the head and foot beneath the mattress, and the pillows were very thin.

The place has parking beside it and is five minutes from the train station, with the town centre about 20 minutes away, but I wouldn't stay again. The rooms are tiny, very dated and need modernising. Mine had a double bed made from two singles pushed together, a small shower cubicle with a fixed head spraying water everywhere, just one toilet roll and no shower gel or shampoo. The cupboard had no doors, apparently to save space. Bathrooms can be shared or ensuite for an extra charge. There's a fridge in the communal lounge and a dining area that seemed to double as a playroom. They do let you bring your own food.

After 18 hours on the train, the memory foam beds were bliss. The room was fantastic, and the shared shower and toilet were immaculate, with soft towels. When a delay made me miss my connection, I had a five-hour layover in Ipswich. I called, and they arranged for a staff member to get me the key in the small hours of the morning. It's literally a five-minute walk from the station. I'd highly recommend it to anyone travelling alone.

The manager was great when I arrived, explained everything I needed, and then left me to it. I knew how to reach him if anything came up, which suited me. The house is a short walk from the centre, and the large car park made it easy to come and go, with room for all the guests. For a recent one-night stay, the room was amazingly spacious, big enough for our kids as well as my partner and me. The bed was huge and comfortable, and I slept brilliantly, which is unusual for me. Great value too, and I'd definitely book again.