Top Things to do in Wells
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What to do and see in Wells, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks
The name Wells comes from the city's three wells dedicated to St. Andrew. Now there's a fun factoid to fill up your next awkward silence. In England's smallest city, you won't find the big summer crowds of nearby Glastonbury. Instead, you'll have more than enough room to sight-see as you please. And there are plenty of youth clubs to entertain the kiddies while you wander. The cathedral in Wells is the landmark attraction, but also check out the nearby Bristol Zoo Gardens and International Helicopter Museum.
Restaurants in Wells
1. Wells Cathedral
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,708 reviews
Climb the spiral staircase to walk in the footsteps of Cathedral masons with behind-the-scenes tours of Wells Cathedral’s High Parts; the most memorable thing to do in Wells! Discover hidden spaces and chambers, explore the south transept roof space and marvel at the nave from a very different perspective! Tours run regularly throughout the week; book via the website. Terms and Conditions apply.
Reviewed By DKS824 - Harrow, United Kingdom
This Cathedral is very beautiful both in and out, I loved seeing the clocks striking on the quarter hour and hearing the choir practising was a special joy while wandering around. There are some steps up to the Chapter House on the left which is a light area with a very attractive ceiling and a good place to sit peacefully for a few minutes.
2. Catedral De Wells
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Scissor Arches
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Herbie-Green - Guildford, United Kingdom
The best architectural feature of the best cathedral in the world. Breath taking, and on four sides below the tower, between the nave, transepts and chancel!
4. West Front
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By RWB2012 - Reading, United Kingdom
Whether walking around the spacious outside surroundings or inside the magnificent cathedral, this is a must place to visit if you are in the Wells area. So much of interest and superb architecture.
5. The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,578 reviews
Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy. Surrounded by a breathtaking moat with resident Mute swans, you can cross the Drawbridge to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells. The Palace sits within 14 acres of RHS partner gardens, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name. In the Arboretum is the newly developed "Dragon's Lair" children's playground to tire out little legs. There are daily Guided Tours, a Cafe serving delicious lunches, cakes and hot and cold drinks. Dogs are welcome on leads. Regular events and activities take place including children's activities in the holiday time.
Reviewed By SeniorswithLatitude - Princeville, United States
You can easily spend several hours wandering through the gardens, seeing the "wells" for which Wells in named, watching the swans ring a bell for food, along with touring through the elaborate Bishops Palace. Fun and interesting. Sit and relax, have something to eat at the cafe or stroll the day away.
6. Vicar's Close
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,015 reviews
Reviewed By Lincsman
This is a street tucked around the back of the Cathedral. The houses are fascinating with their tall chimneys. The close can be walked along with an exit via a narrow passageway and steps towards the Cathedral school. The road is 'cobbled' so uneven. Worth a visit.
7. St Cuthbert's parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By 278JohnJ - Somerset, United Kingdom
St Cuthbert's is a fabulous parish church, like the nearby cathedral rather larger and grander than you'd expect in such a small city. But the clues that you're actually dealing with something very unusual are 1) the exceptional size of the parish which extends way out into the Somerset countryside (it's the largest parish in the entire diocese, something rarely the case in England because it's typically the remote rural areas and not the towns that have these very large parishes) and 2) the dedication to St Cuthbert, the main Anglo-Saxon saint of Northumbria in the far north of England. What you're seeing here is a mostly 15th-century reworking of a probably 12th-13th century church which itself is likely to have replaced an Anglo-Saxon structure which would originally have been built in the 10th. That's because this church was first required when the existing church in the town, St Andrew's, was raised to cathedral status in the 10th century. And the new parish church just inherited the large territory that had previously been overseen by a team of clergy based in the minster church of St Andrew in the early centuries before England began to be carved up into small parishes served by single clergymen. The Cuthbert dedication of the new church, unusual in southern England, is also important as he was the northern saint with whom the kings of Wessex, such as Alfred and Athelstan, claimed to have a special relationship, mainly because they wanted to extend their own power over all of England, including the far north. The choice of this Northumbrian figure therefore suggests royal involvement in the 10th century when Wells was getting its new church. So St Cuthbert's is of particular importance, preserving the outlines of a large early Anglo-Saxon church's territory that was never broken up into smaller parish units and also reflecting the ambition of the rulers of Wessex (soon fulfilled) to become Kings of England.
8. Wells Artisan Quarter
9. A2 Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Situated in the High Street of Wells, the A2 Gallery exhibits contemporary original work from award-winning local, national and internationally acclaimed artists. It offers original paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, photography, printmaking and crafts. There is a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year and a first-floor area dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists.
Reviewed By kathleenw622
This is a fabulous shop with some very beautiful items, the ceramics particularly interested me, I bought a little dog which was very well made. The prices were very reasonable throughout the shop. The person who served me was knowledgeable about the products and very polite. He wrapped my little dog carefully. A pleasure to go in this shop. Thank you.
10. Wells Market Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By 574PaulS574 - Launceston, United Kingdom
We happened to be staying in Wells when this market was on. A great market with lots of interesting stalls from olives and cheese to highly polished wooden trinket boxes. One of the best markets we have been to in a along time. We are already planning a trip to the christmas market.
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