Wells in Somerset - The Smallest City in England

Wells is beautiful. Wells is small. Wells is a city. Wells is a must for any visitor to Somerset or to its bigger and more famous neighbor, Bath.

Within the City of Wells are plenty of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills Wells is easily accessible by bus, car or train from Castle Cary station, (Paddington Line), a few miles away.

There are ample car parks dotted around the center and the bus station is within walking distance of the main places of interest.

Most tourists will head straight for the cathedral, a most beautiful limestone building which dominates the Green. The West Front of Wells Cathedral is made up of approximately 400 carved stone figures of varying sizes, and other equally stunning carvings depicting Creation, Adam and Eve, the Last Supper, saints, clergy, all culminating in the Risen Christ at the top.

Inside the building the north transept houses a very unusual clock which strikes the hour with the help of a model bearded man. Visitors gather beneath the clock as each hour approaches.

Refreshments can be taken in the cloistered refectory in the cathedral and there is a shop for souvenirs, books and postcards.

Visitors are allowed to tour the home and grand gardens of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Bishop’s Palace.

Outside the walls of The Palace is a moat where swans are usually present. They are fed when a bell is rung at the gatehouse. This is a quiet area with seats and feels set apart from the activity of the little City on the other side of the gate.

On the other side of the Cathedral from the Palace is Vicars’ Close thought to be the oldest street in Europe. In the past the cobbles echoed to the sound of clergy hurrying to their duties. From Vicar’s Close they were able to access the Cathedral by a stairway and covered bridge at the end of the street.

Wells Museum is just across the street from the Cathedral and is a good place to find out more about the history of the City of Wells and the surrounding area of the Mendip Hills.

Out in the Market Square modern Wells is to be found. The street market held there on Wednesdays and Saturdays is excellent. Local produce of all kinds can be purchased, including fruit, vegetables, farm meats, breads, cheeses and preserves. There is usually an excellent fresh fish stall and a French stallholder with olives, pates and other delicacies on offer.

Alongside the permanent shops in the city center are an ample choice of cafes, restaurants, snack bars and pubs.

Beyond the boundaries there are many visitor attractions within a few miles of Wells City itself. The interesting town of Glastonbury, with its Abbey and hippie culture is four miles distance.

Local limestone hills have provided nearby Cheddar renowned for its cheese, caves and Gorge. Also Wookey Hole attracts many tourists.

Street is the home of Clarks shoes, a shoe museum and The Clarks Village shopping outlet where bargains galore are snapped up by several million shoppers each year.

Stay South West
Places to stay across the southwest of England