Wells
Wells is one of those places that you can visit without needing to take a week off work. It is a small city in Somerset and, if we're being honest, the Cathedral is the main reason most people come here.
That isn't meant as a criticism. Wells Cathedral is an impressive reason to visit anywhere.
The city itself is attractive, with a pleasant market place, some old buildings and a few streets worth wandering around. But unlike Bath, you aren't going to need a carefully planned itinerary and a spreadsheet to make sure you don't miss anything.
Wells is very much a see the Cathedral, have a wander, have some lunch and go home sort of place.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
GETTING AROUND
The good news is that Wells is small.
Once you've arrived, you can forget about the car because most of the interesting bits are within easy walking distance.
The Cathedral is right in the centre and the Bishop's Palace is next door. The market place and the main shopping streets are also only a short walk away.
You could probably see most of Wells without breaking into a sweat, Which is useful, because the Cathedral has enough steps to compensate for it.
WELLS CATHEDRAL
This is why you're here.Wells Cathedral is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in England and has been standing here for nearly 800 years.
It is also rather unusual. The West Front is covered in hundreds of medieval sculptures, and although many have been damaged over the centuries, an extraordinary number survive.
It's worth spending some time outside before going in.
Once inside, the Cathedral is even more impressive.
The nave is light and spacious and contains the famous Scissor Arches, which were added in the 14th century to help support the tower.
They look surprisingly modern for something built in medieval times. Then there is the astronomical clock, one of the oldest surviving medieval clock faces in the world.
If you can time your visit, watch it when it strikes. There are jousting figures that appear as the clock chimes.
Medieval entertainment, no television required.
If you're interested in cathedrals, you could spend several hours here, if you're not particularly interested in cathedrals, you should still allow yourself a decent amount of time.
You may be surprised.
The Cathedral currently charges visitors for general admission, although entry for worship and services remains free. Admission also includes a Highlights Tour or Audio Tour.
Opening hours vary but are generally 07:00 - 18:00 and adult admission is £14.00. Tickets can be used multiple times for one year.
THE BISHOP'S PALACE
Next to the Cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, which has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for centuries.The palace itself is worth seeing, but the gardens are probably the biggest attraction. There are lawns, trees, water and plenty of places to sit, making this a useful place to escape from the tourists for a while.
There is also the famous moat surrounding the palace.
If you've visited the Cathedral and Vicar's Close, the Palace makes a sensible next stop.
There is a joint ticket available (£22.00) covering Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, which can make sense if you intend to visit both.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE
Don't leave the Cathedral without seeing the Chapter House.
It is reached by climbing a rather impressive staircase and is an unusual octagonal room where the Cathedral clergy met to conduct their business. It was completed in 1306 and is a lovely example of medieval architecture.
There are 31 steps to get there.
VICARS' CLOSE
Just outside the Cathedral is Vicar's Close and is one of Wells' little surprises.
It is a remarkably well-preserved medieval street of houses built for the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral. It was completed in 1363 and is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in Europe.
It is also extremely photogenic.
Walk down it, have a look at the houses and take the obligatory photograph.
It won't take long.
THE MARKET PLACE
Wells has a pleasant market place surrounded by old buildings and is a good place to sit down and watch the world go by.There is a regular market and you'll find cafés, pubs and shops around the centre.
Don't expect Oxford Street, this is Wells.
The main attraction is that it isn't Oxford Street.
After the crowds and queues at some of Britain's larger tourist attractions, there is something rather refreshing about sitting in a small Somerset market square with a cup of tea.
SO, IS WELLS WORTH VISITING?
Yes.
But don't come to Wells expecting another Bath. You won't need several days here and there isn't a huge list of attractions that you have to tick off.
Come for the Cathedral, eee Vicar's Close, have a look around the Bishop's Palace, wander around the market place, have something to eat.
Then go home.
If you've got more time, take a walk around the surrounding area, but for a straightforward day out Wells is ideal.
(prices quoted correct as at August 2026)
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