In Wells, you’ll encounter architectural history, museum collections and a range of walking options. You can shape your stay around historic buildings, exhibitions, walks or a market or event date – depending on what interests you most.
Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and Medieval Architecture
Wells Cathedral was built between 1175 and 1490. One notable chapter in its architectural history is the scissor arches: they were added in 1338 after the weight of a new tower spire threatened to cause the tower to collapse. This architectural feature brings together the period of construction and a specific historical challenge. The Wells Clock is another notable point of interest; it is considered the second-oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain.
Another perspective on medieval architectural history can be found at Vicars’ Close. The street is considered the only completely preserved medieval street in England, and all its buildings are Grade I listed. When comparing these sites, the cathedral stands out for its long period of construction and a structural alteration, while Vicars’ Close is notable for the preservation of an entire street and its buildings.
The Bishop’s Palace was home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. Its grounds include 14 acres of gardens associated with an RHS partner. Guided tours of the grounds are included in the admission price; availability may vary. Check the latest visitor information and garden details before your visit. This lets you keep up with changing visitor information without conflating the palace’s historical significance with its current offering.
Museum and Special Collection Pieces
The Wells & Mendip Museum displays geological and archaeological exhibits as well as objects relating to social history. The Balch Room also features finds from excavations at Wookey Hole Caves, including child burials, Stone Age tools and the bones of the Witch of Wookey Hole. This selection offers different ways to explore the past – from cave finds and archaeology to social history. As exhibitions may change, it’s worth checking the museum’s latest information before visiting.
Choose Walks by Length and Time
Wells Walking Tours offers four self-guided walks around Wells. They range from 1.8 to 4 miles, with stated durations of about 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. Length and duration give you two different points of reference for planning. Another circular route is 3 miles long and follows a figure-eight through the cathedral precinct and High Street, as well as past the almshouses and St Cuthbert’s Church.
The 2-mile stretch between Wells and Dulcote also offers its own landscape experience: the path passes through ancient woodland and provides hillside views of Wells Cathedral. Check path conditions and accessibility in advance. The Mendip Hills provide a broader regional context. They extend from east of Wells almost to the Bristol Channel and offer walking, cycling and horse-riding routes, as well as impressive views.
Market Days and Events
Wells Market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, selling local produce and goods. Market opening times are weather-dependent, so check them before travelling. The Wells Food Festival features stalls, tastings and demonstrations, as well as family activities. As it is a recurring event, check the latest dates and programme in advance.
In November, Wells is part of the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Association’s “Magnificent Seven” circuit. Here too, the route and date may vary for each occasion, so confirm both in advance.
Planning Your Journey and Stay
Regular local buses run between Wells and Bristol, Bath, Weston-Super-Mare, Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury. Routes and timetables may change, so it’s advisable to check with the operators before travelling. When planning your stay, you can combine these connections with your specific travel interests: architectural history and the museum, walks of varying lengths, or a visit timed to coincide with market days and events. This helps you decide what to focus on before looking for suitable accommodation for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bishops Lydeard, South Petherton, Burrow Bridge, Martock, Clatworthy, Otterhampton, Buckland Dinham, Stoke-sub-Hamdon.
For the wider travel overview: Somerset.
