Wells, England’s smallest city, offers an extraordinary blend of medieval architecture, natural beauty, and cultural richness that makes it a captivating destination for travelers. Nestled in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, this historic city draws visitors with its stunning cathedral, ancient streets, and tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the things to do in Wells span centuries of heritage and contemporary charm.
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Exploring Wells Cathedral and Religious Heritage
Wells Cathedral stands as the centerpiece of the city’s identity, representing one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in England. Built between 1175 and 1490, this architectural masterpiece features the famous scissor arches, astronomical clock, and Chapter House with its graceful vaulted ceiling.
The cathedral’s West Front showcases over 300 medieval sculptures, creating what many consider the most extensive gallery of medieval statuary in the world. Visitors can climb the 200 steps to the top of the central tower for panoramic views across Somerset, making it one of the premier things to do in Wells.
Cathedral Precinct Discoveries
Beyond the main cathedral building, the precinct offers several compelling attractions:
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Vicar’s Close, the oldest continuously inhabited medieval street in Europe
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The Chain Gate, connecting the cathedral to Vicar’s Close
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Cathedral Green, perfect for picnics and photography
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The Wells Cathedral Library and Archives
Daily services provide opportunities to hear the cathedral choir, while special events throughout the year include concerts, exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations.
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
The Bishop’s Palace stands as another jewel among things to do in Wells, surrounded by a medieval moat complete with resident swans trained to ring a bell for feeding. This fortified palace has served as the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years.
The palace grounds encompass 14 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, featuring:
Natural water features including springs that give Wells its name, flowing at a rate of 40 liters per second
Historic structures such as the ruins of the Great Hall and medieval walls
Seasonal plantings that transform the landscape throughout the year
Wildlife habitats supporting various bird species and aquatic life
Visitors can explore the State Rooms, admire the Undercroft, and walk along the ramparts for exceptional views of the cathedral. The palace frequently hosts special events, outdoor theater performances, and seasonal festivals.
|
Feature |
Details |
Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
|
Gardens |
14 acres of landscaped grounds |
Spring (April-June) |
|
Swan Feeding |
Historic tradition at moat |
Daily at 2 PM |
|
State Rooms |
Medieval and Victorian furnishings |
Year-round |
|
Rampart Walks |
Panoramic city views |
Clear summer days |
Historic Streets and Medieval Architecture
Walking through Wells feels like stepping back in time, with narrow cobbled streets and buildings dating back to the medieval period. The Market Place has hosted commerce for over 800 years and remains the heart of the city’s social life.
Exploring the historic center reveals architectural treasures around every corner. The Penniless Porch, dating from the 1450s, once served as a place where beggars sought alms from cathedral-goers. St. Cuthbert’s Church, the largest parish church in Somerset, features impressive stained glass and a beautifully carved ceiling.
Shopping and Local Crafts
Market days bring the city to life with stalls offering local produce, artisan crafts, and specialty goods. Independent shops line the streets, selling everything from antiques to contemporary art. The monthly farmers’ market showcases Somerset’s agricultural heritage with locally sourced cheeses, ciders, and baked goods.
Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities
The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounds Wells, providing exceptional opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. These limestone hills offer diverse landscapes and activities that complement the city’s cultural attractions.
Popular outdoor things to do in Wells include:
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Walking the Mendip Way, a long-distance trail passing through the area
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Exploring Wookey Hole Caves, featuring underground rivers and chambers
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Hiking to Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve
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Cycling routes through Somerset countryside
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Bird watching at nearby wetland reserves
The Bishop’s Palace gardens serve as an excellent starting point for gentle walks, while more adventurous visitors can tackle the challenging terrain of the Mendip Hills. The area’s geology creates unique landscapes with limestone formations, hidden valleys, and ancient woodlands.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Wells and Mendip Museum, located in the historic Chancellor’s House, presents eight galleries showcasing local history, archaeology, and geology. Exhibits cover prehistoric settlements, Roman occupation, and the city’s medieval development.
The museum’s collections include:
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Paleolithic tools from nearby caves
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Roman artifacts from local excavations
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Medieval manuscripts and church treasures
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Victorian photographs documenting city life
Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, focusing on specific aspects of local heritage. Educational programs make it an excellent destination for families exploring things to do in Wells with children.
Art Galleries and Creative Spaces
Several independent galleries display works by local and regional artists. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Gallery combines art with conservation, featuring wildlife paintings and educational exhibits about endangered species.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Wells offers diverse dining options ranging from traditional tea rooms to contemporary restaurants. The Fountain Inn and The Crown at Wells serve traditional British fare in historic settings, while newer establishments bring international flavors to the city.
Local specialties include Somerset cider, Cheddar cheese (produced just miles away), and seasonal game from the Mendip Hills. Afternoon tea at various establishments provides a quintessentially English experience, often featuring locally baked scones and regional preserves.
|
Restaurant Type |
Atmosphere |
Price Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Historic Pubs |
Traditional, cozy |
Moderate |
|
Tea Rooms |
Victorian, elegant |
Budget-Friendly |
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Fine Dining |
Contemporary, sophisticated |
Premium |
|
Cafés |
Casual, relaxed |
Budget-Friendly |
Much like the dining experiences found in coastal Maine, Wells emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and regional culinary traditions, creating memorable meals that reflect the character of the area.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families find numerous engaging things to do in Wells that appeal to all ages. Wookey Hole Caves combine natural wonder with entertainment, featuring cave tours, a 4D cinema, and arcade games. The adventure park includes dinosaur valley, fairy garden, and indoor play areas.
The Bishop’s Palace welcomes families with interactive exhibits, treasure hunts, and open spaces for children to explore safely. Educational programs teach local history through hands-on activities and storytelling sessions.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Wells hosts events that bring the community together:
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Wells Food Festival (April) showcases regional producers
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Wells Festival of Literature (October) features author talks and workshops
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Christmas Market (December) transforms the Market Place
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Wells Carnival (November) continues a long-standing tradition
These celebrations provide unique opportunities to experience local culture and connect with the community.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Wells serves as an excellent base for exploring Somerset’s attractions. The surrounding region offers diverse activities within easy reach of the city center.
Glastonbury, just six miles away, draws visitors to its legendary Tor, abbey ruins, and mystical atmosphere. Cheddar Gorge, Britain’s largest gorge, offers spectacular scenery and cave systems. Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 20 miles northeast with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture.
Coastal destinations along the Somerset coast provide contrast to Wells’ inland setting, featuring seaside towns, nature reserves, and maritime heritage. For travelers interested in exploring Maine’s coastal beauty, the Somerset coast offers a similar blend of natural scenery and charming communities.
Practical Information for Visitors
Planning your visit requires consideration of several practical factors. Wells remains accessible year-round, though peak season runs from May through September when weather conditions favor outdoor exploration.
Getting There
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Bristol Airport: 25 miles (40 minutes by car)
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Bath Spa Railway Station: 20 miles (connecting bus service available)
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Regular bus services from Bristol, Bath, and Glastonbury
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Ample parking in city center car parks
Accommodation Options
Wells provides various lodging choices from luxury hotels to bed-and-breakfasts. The Ancient Gate House Hotel and The Swan Hotel occupy historic buildings, while modern options cater to different preferences and budgets.
Best Times to Visit
Spring brings blooming gardens and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for walking tours. Summer offers the longest days and most events, though crowds increase. Autumn presents beautiful foliage in surrounding countryside, while winter provides peaceful atmosphere and seasonal celebrations.
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets
Beyond the major attractions, Wells conceals lesser-known treasures worth discovering. The wells themselves, sacred springs that gave the city its name, still flow at St. Andrew’s Well within the Bishop’s Palace grounds.
Local walking tours reveal stories and details easily missed by independent visitors. Knowledgeable guides share tales of medieval bishops, architectural secrets, and the city’s role in English history. Evening tours during summer months offer different perspectives on familiar landmarks.
The Liberty trail follows the boundary of the medieval ecclesiastical liberty, marked by boundary stones around the city. This self-guided walk combines exercise with historical education, showcasing how church and civic authorities divided power in medieval England.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Wells encourages responsible tourism through various initiatives. Visitors can support local businesses, use public transportation or cycle routes, and respect the historic environment. The city’s compact size makes it perfectly suited for walking, reducing environmental impact while ensuring comprehensive exploration.
Conservation efforts protect the cathedral and other historic buildings for future generations. Many attractions participate in educational programs highlighting the importance of preservation and sustainable practices.
Shopping for Unique Souvenirs
Independent retailers offer distinctive items unavailable in chain stores. Antique shops feature treasures from various periods, while craft boutiques showcase contemporary makers. Local food producers sell artisanal cheeses, ciders, and preserves that capture Somerset’s flavors.
Book lovers appreciate Sadler Street Bookshop, an independent bookstore with carefully curated selections. Art galleries sell original works and prints by regional artists, providing lasting mementos of your visit. Similar to shopping experiences at Maine beaches, Wells combines unique local products with the personal service of independent merchants.
Photography Opportunities
Wells presents exceptional subjects for photographers at every skill level. The cathedral’s West Front changes character throughout the day as light shifts across the sculptures. Vicar’s Close offers perfectly composed views of medieval architecture leading to the cathedral beyond.
Golden hour enhances the warm Bath stone used in many buildings, while blue hour creates dramatic silhouettes. The Bishop’s Palace moat provides reflections of palace walls and surrounding gardens. Market Place bustles with activity on market days, capturing daily life in this historic setting.
Seasonal variations create different photographic opportunities. Spring blossoms frame architectural details, summer markets add color and movement, autumn foliage provides warm tones, and winter occasionally brings snow that transforms familiar scenes.
From its magnificent cathedral to peaceful gardens and surrounding natural beauty, the things to do in Wells create an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, and outdoor adventure in one compact destination. While Wells offers its own distinctive character in England’s Somerset region, travelers seeking similar coastal charm and comprehensive travel information can find extensive resources through The Maine Beaches, which provides detailed guides to beach destinations, cultural attractions, dining experiences, and outdoor activities along Maine’s stunning coastline.