Elegantly furnished, a B&B in a Gothic revival style mansion one mile from the city. In a pastoral setting, the beautiful grounds contain lawns, an ornamental pond and a Victorian walled garden. Extensive Aga-cooked breakfasts, and complimentary tea or coffee and home made cake each afternoon in the Tea Room.

Floors slope, stairs are steep and narrow and views of the Cathedral and Green are wondrous from this old and quirky building. Downstairs, home-made Italian cuisine in Rugantinos restaurant.

In the heart of the city, this genial small hotel spreads over three Georgian houses on a quiet cobbled street.

In this Grade II listed building at the foot of the castle, tastefully decorated bedrooms are supplied with sparkling water, a pack of chocolate chip cookies, chocolates, and even a glass of sherry; most overlook the cobbled high street. Breakfasts are fresh and varied. In the evenings, guests are welcome to enjoy their own food or a takeaway in the bar (plates, glasses, cutlery, and the washing up! are all provided). There’s also a deli next door, and numerous eateries and bars nearby.

Tea and cake, invaluable local knowledge and recommendations, and many personal touches are provided by James and Jane at their welcoming B&B in a Grade II listed Georgian house near the castle. Just relax, or plan a day out from a selection of maps and guidebooks in one of the comfortable lounges. The spacious, well-equipped bedrooms have thermostatically controlled heating. Satisfying breakfasts include a Full Exmoor, freshly cooked.

Next to a fully restored and working water mill on the banks of the River Avill, a tranquil B&B with four pristine rooms. The lounge has books, magazines, games and DVDs; local maps and information. A small seating area at the front overlooks the river and across to Deer Forest.

A late-Victorian villa with a cosy guest lounge, bedrooms with contemporary features and a lovely terrace overlooking the enclosed garden. 20-minutes by foot to the centre.

There’s nothing pretend about the welcome at this Victorian villa. In a quiet conservation area, with a lovely park close by, it lies a short walk from the centre. Bedrooms mix period features and modern comforts; some have views over the city to the cathedral.

Set in seven acres of beautiful grounds, a historic house listed in the Domesday Book, and once owned by Elizabeth I’s Lord Treasurer, Lord Burghley. Rebuilt in 1840, it still features an original fireplace in the galleried hall. Casual dining, snacks and afternoon tea are served in the Restaurant and on the large terrace overlooking the garden. The hotel is in the village of Stanton Saint Quintin, four miles from Chippenham.

In the heart of the maritime quarter, an imaginatively modernised hotel in a converted Regency Port Authority building (Grade II* listed). Featuring Welsh produce, the restaurant is in an impressive former boardroom on the first floor (it is open to non-residents from Wednesday evening through to Sunday lunch). Catch major sporting events on the large screen in Morgan’s bar while enjoying a chilled beer, classic cocktail or wines from around the world. The Champagne bar is a sophisticated alternative. Some of the well-equipped modern bedrooms are across a small side road in The Townhouse.