About Wells, Somerset
The smallest city in England and possibly the prettiest, Wells is a fairytale. It’s hard to describe just how lovely it is! There’s lots of great places to visit in Wells, all within a country setting. Believed to take its name from the natural springs that bubble up here, Wells is a medieval honeypot with Georgian additions and a glorious cathedral.
One of the most dreamy places to visit in England, Wells is full of historic buildings. You can’t help but smile as you turn upon yet another street graced by sash windows and pretty pediments. The traditional building material here is stone and many buildings still bear this pinky-brown rock. With numerous attractions and a picture-postcard aesthetic, let’s look at the top 8 places to visit in Wells.
Wells History
Wells is one of the most ancient towns in England. The natural wells here brought the Romans, then the Saxons. In 909 King Edward the Elder declared the local church a cathedral and Wells was given a bishop. Despite a slight blip when the bishop’s seat was moved to Bath following the Norman invasion, Wells was always important. In 1201 King John granted the town a Royal Charter, allowing Wells to set out its own civil liberties and customs. This has made Wells what it is today.
Medieval Wells prospered, growing rich from the trade in wool and cloth. Though the manufacture of cloth declined in the 16th century, its weekly market flourished. The city was the centre for Somerset trade and it was here the county’s famous Cheddar was sold. So valuable was cheese, that Wells boasted the biggest cheese market in England (oh to be alive then!)
Wells continued to be a fashionable spot into the 18th Century. The Georgians had a penchant for cathedral cities and many fine streets were laid out at this time. Tourism increased in the Victorian era. You might not believe it now, but Wells once had three railway stations (sadly, none survive).
A picturesque spot with a medieval heart, Wells was not a focus for industrial development. Little changed even in the 20th century. Today Wells remains remarkably unspoilt – with a population of around 12,000 people, it has a cosy feel with a strong sense of community. Historic, friendly and undeniably pretty, it is a real treasure.
Places to Visit in Wells
Wells is the perfect place for a weekend break. The centre is full of just enough attractions to keep you going for a couple days, and when you want a break from people, you’ve got the rolling Mendip Hills to roam. A number of things are free and unlike a lot of cathedrals – which charge a hefty admission fee – Wells cathedral simply asks for donations.
Places to Visit in Wells
- Wells Cathedral
- Wells Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
- Vicar’s Close
- Wells and Mendip Museum
- St Cuthbert’s Church
- Mendip Hills
- Storberry Park Gardens
- Wookey Hole Caves
Top Historic Places to Visit in Wells
The history of Wells is everywhere. This is one of the most historic spots in the UK and every street is filled with character. Like any ancient city, one of the best ways to experience Wells is to take a stroll around its historic streets. The heritage trail is a good way to add context to the historic town. When you’re done with wandering, there’s a host of historic attractions that will fascinate any lover of English history.
1. Wells Cathedral
You couldn’t possibly visit Wells without seeing the cathedral. Built in 1175, it was the first English cathedral to be built entirely in the Gothic style. Building took around eighty years, culminating in the majestic West Front – adorned with 300 medieval statues.
Inside you’ll see its unique architectural feature – scissor arches, constructed in 1348 to support the tower built on unstable foundations. Another highlight is the famous Wells clock. Possibly the second oldest clock mechanism in the world, it survives in its original condition and is still in use. The clock strikes every quarter, when jousting knights circle round the clock. The Quarter Jack bangs the quarter hours with his heels. It’s a fantastic site and a big hit with children.
2. Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells
Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, the Bishop’s Palace is a medieval palace with fortified walls and a breath-taking moat. The mute swans that reside in the moat have – over the centuries – been trained to ring bells via strings to beg for food. They only disappear when the bishop locks horns with locals for the annual Wells moat boat race.
The palace itself is a perfect example of the political power of medieval bishops. Visitors can explore the 13th century palace, with its beautifully vaulted undercroft and episcopal chapel – a superb example of decorated gothic. There’s also the Great Hall – a medieval dining and entertaining hall that came into ruin following the English Reformation.
Outside, there are 14 acres of sumptuous gardens that include the famous Wells from which the city derives its name. Taking water flowing off the Mendip hills as their source, in drier seasons you can see the springs bubbling up in the base of the pools. Delightful.
3. Vicar’s Close, Wells
The oldest medieval planned street in Europe, the 14th century Vicars’ Close is a sight to behold. Built to accommodate chantry priests known as the Vicars Choral, it still houses choristers, organists and cathedral staff today. Each displays the coats of arms of the bishop and canons of the day.
Construction started in 1361 and finished in 1412 – by which time the close held 42 vicars. That number is 12 today. The distinctive chimney shafts were added in the 15th century, as were the gardens at the front of each house. Some houses were later combined to accommodate families once clerical marriage was allowed following the reformation. Unfortunately most of the houses were prettified in the 19th century and given sash windows. However, Number 22 retains most of its medieval character.
4. Wells and Mendip Museum
Local history museums are great for getting to know a place, and the Wells and Mendip Museum is no different. Located in the historic Chancellors’ House, another one of Wells’ many historic buildings, the museum is nestled between the Cathedral and Vicars’ Close, You could easily spend a day here perusing the museum’s diverse collections.
The ground focuses on prehistory, whereas the first floor covers a range of subjects, from geology to wartime Wells. The Wells City Gallery is the best place to learn about Wells from the 18th century onwards. For those really looking to get into the story of Wells, further research can be done in the library or Wells City Archives (open Monday-Wednesday).
5. St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells
Another place worth visiting whilst you’re here is St Cuthbert’s Church. St Cuthbert’s is Somerset’s largest parish church; it’s so grand some mistake it for Wells Cathedral. The highlight for most is the 15th-century angel roof, which – would you believe – was hidden behind by plaster up to the 1960s.
Other Places to Visit in Wells
Though Wells is one of the UK’s most historic towns, there are plenty of more general activities nearby. From country walks to garden delights, the below activities are perfect for parties looking for an all-round crowd pleaser.
6. Mendip Hills
If you’re travelling to Wells, you’d best bring your walking boots. Wells is located at the tip of the Mendip Hills – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The limestone hills with its Chew Valley Lake are a wonderful landscape to explore. The terrain is made up of undulating hills, with steep slopes and spectacular gorges – the most famous being Cheddar Gorge.
You’ll find many ancient monuments dotted on the top of various hills, whilst the slopes are home to flower-rich grassland. Come here on a clear day to enjoy specular views over Somerset.
7. Storberry Park Gardens
There is nothing more lovely than an English garden in summer. Storberry Park gardens are just twenty minutes walk from Wells and boasts stunning views of the city. Its six acres provides a stunning combination of vistas punctuated with wildlife ponds, water features and sculpture.
8. Wookey Hole Caves
Just a stone’s throw from Wells itself is Wookey Hole Caves. It’s one of the pricier attractions in Wells but a fantastic experience, with lots on for children.
One of the chief attractions of the Mendip Hills, the caves were cut out of the limestone by acidic groundwater. Wonderfully atmospheric, the caves use coloured lighting and maintain a chilly temperature of 11°C – perfect for maturing cheddar cheese. In recent years ancient witch markings have been unearthed in the caves, dating back as far as the mid-16th century. Originally thought to be graffiti, experts now believe the symbolic carvings were made to ward off evil spirits. Thrilling.
20 Best Georgian Towns in England
Wells offers something from every period of history. However, if you’re into 18th century history and architecture in particular, you must check out my blog post on the 20 Best Georgian Towns in England. Enjoy!