It is likely to be one of many smallest cities in England however don’t let its dimension idiot you – it’s unbelievable to go to. Not solely that, there’s a heap of the very best issues to do in Wells (and simply outdoors) that make it a terrific little vacation spot in Somerset.
Through the years, we’ve visited Wells a great deal of instances and it by no means will get previous! Nicely, truly it does (it’s actually historic) however a go to is at all times unbelievable and it’s a complete pleasure to discover.
Even in the event you don’t fancy spending ages in Wells, you may simply go to for a day journey too. It’s not too removed from the very best spots in Bristol and all of the historical past in Bathtub.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time, I’ve popped over some gems that we love a lot! This fashion, you may spend your time strolling the cobbled streets and exploring all the town’s historical past.
Have a look, under, at the very best issues to do in Wells in Somerset. Have an incredible go to!
1.) Wells Cathedral
Okay, let’s begin with the massive ones… you may’t go to Wells with out exploring Wells Cathedral. It’s completely iconic and simply one among England’s most wonderful buildings to see.
In reality, It’s England’s first Gothic cathedral and it’s mentioned that development took a whopping 300 years!
The cathedral’s magnificence is jaw-dropping and will be seen all throughout the town. It towers over the streets and the entire constructing is gorgeous, particularly its west façade.
You’ll see what I imply while you go to! In any case, it measures 46 metres throughout and holds greater than 300 sculpted figures which might be unbelievable.
A 14th-century astronomical clock and an octagonal chapter home inside present guests a glimpse of the town’s previous and heritage.
The artful inverted arches, or ‘scissor arches’, and cloisters are equally gorgeous. You’ll wish to spend a superb hour (if not longer) exploring it absolutely.
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2.) Vicars’ Shut
Presumably one among my favorite streets in Somerset, Vicar’s Shut is a spectacular Shut (or road) proper beside Wells Cathedral.
In reality, it’s the oldest surviving residential road in all of Europe.
As you stroll from the cathedral you’ll stroll by the long-lasting passageway to the 14th century!
With medieval homes and buildings which have withstood the circulation of time, it’s the form of place the place time has actually stood nonetheless.
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3.) Wells Market Place
The Wells Market Place is a historic buying and selling and procuring spot not too removed from Wells Cathedral.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, locals arrange an open-air farmers’ market the place native merchandise similar to recent greens and honey grow to be obtainable. It’s completely pretty, particularly in the event you’re in search of native produce and treats.
Additionally, preserve your eyes peeled for the historic gateways of Wells Market Place. The Penniless Porch and the Bishop’s Eye are a should to see.
Fancy a cuppa? Cease by Twentyone that’s proper on Market Place. They’ve the yummiest truffles and teas.
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4.) The Previous Deanery & Bishop’s Barn
Visiting the Previous Deanery is one other the most effective issues to do in Wells that you just shouldn’t miss.
Recognized for its 15th-century home, outbuildings, and Tudor-model gardens, this Grade I listed construction is a witness to 800 years of historical past and provides an ideal view of the Cathedral besides!
It’s the form of spot that actually exhibits off the historical past of Wells and effectively price taking a gander as you stroll the town streets.
Alongside Silver Avenue close to the Bishop’s Palace, is Bishop’s Barn, a Grade I-listed constructing within the metropolis. The property is among the 200 historical buildings to stay standing within the UK till at present.
It’s constructed utilizing native limestone, whereas its ashlar window and door dressings are constituted of the supplies quarried at Doulting within the Mendip Hills.
Established within the 15th century, the tithe barn served as part of the Bishop’s Palace and earned fame for holding Royalist troops throughout the Bloody Assizes.
These days, it’s effectively price a bit of look and can solely take you a couple of minutes to go to from the palace.
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5.) Bishop’s Palace
Constructed again within the 13th century, Bishop’s Palace is certainly one of many metropolis’s greatest locations to see.
The 14-acre palace is surrounded by a centuries-previous moat and fortifications that’s so gorgeous.
For greater than 800 years, the Bishops of Bathtub and Wells took residence within the palace and have become an integral a part of the town.
These days, the Bishop’s Portrait Corridor exhibits historic particulars of the property and its residents by the centuries and is nice for a nosey round.
Oh, and you’ll want to spot the chapel with a surprising vaulted ceiling, too.
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6.) Wells and Mendip Museum
You’ll begin to discover that every little thing in Wells is inside straightforward attain of the Cathedral! Nicely, Wells and Mendip Museum is one other a type of.
Housing lots of of fantastic assortment of Victorian artefacts, it’s the most effective issues to do in Wells if you wish to discover the broader historical past of the area.
Among the many museum’s prime points of interest are prehistoric displays of the Mendips. Right here, you’ll get to see lead ingots from the Roman Period, an Ichthyosaur fossil, and a skeleton discovered within the Wookey Gap Caves. As soon as upon a time, it was deemed the witch of Wookey Gap!
The museum, which was based in 1893 by naturalist, caver and geologist, Herbert Balch, hosts exhibitions all year long and has its doorways open from Mondays to Saturdays. This implies it is best to keep away from attempting to go to on Sunday when it stays closed.
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7.) Glastonbury Tor
Round a 15-minute drive from the centre of Wells, Glastonbury Tor is a feast for the eyes! It’s the most effective issues to do in Wells in the event you fancy a bit of day trip of the town, particularly for some views.
Take a ramble to the highest of the mound and see the views all throughout the area. It’s completely stunning and price each step to the highest!
Not your factor? Head throughout to Stoberry Home and Backyard that’s inside straightforward attain by automotive.
Sitting on excessive floor that overlooks the Vale of Avalon, the six-acre land gives breathtaking views of Wells Cathedral and the rolling fields stretching in direction of the Glastonbury Tor.
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8.) Ashton Windmill & Wookey Gap Caves
Nice for a bit of day journey from Wells, Ashton Windmill and Wookey Gap Caves are each epic to go to.
The Wookey Gap Caves is fairly effectively-recognized within the South of England and never too removed from Wells. This implies it’s an ideal spot to incorporate as a part of a wider roadtrip across the space.
This prehistoric cave space, comprising a number of the nation’s greatest caves and is crammed with 1000’s of years of geological historical past.
A spotlight of the go to to those caves is the distinctive stalagmite within the first chamber, which has beforehand sparked a legend a couple of medieval witch who became stone when a monk splashed her with holy water.
Now, the temperature contained in the caves is continually chilly at 11°C. This implies it is best to take layers with you to remain good and toasty.
Courting again centuries, Ashton Windmill is just a bit additional west from Wells. Although, it’s completely straightforward to go to in the event you’re heading throughout to the coast at Weston-Tremendous-Mare. Sure, you may solely spend 15-minutes taking all of it in nevertheless it’s nonetheless price a cease.
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9.) St Cuthbert’s Church
Though it’s usually mistaken as Wells Cathedral, St. Cuthbert’s Church has a charming attraction that’s straightforward to go to after exploring the close by Cathedral.
Its magnificent chapel, with its stone tower, earns its recognition as a Grade I listed constructing and is taken into account the most important parish church within the metropolis and effectively price visiting.
Don’t neglect to see the 15th-century panelled ceiling, too. It was hid by plaster for 200 years however now restored for us all to see.
Oh, and preserve your eyes peeled for the coats of arms of Charles I and Charles II may also be seen on the pulpit.
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10.) Mendip Hills & Cheddar Gorge
In the event you’re in search of outside adventures in your journey, Mendip Hills is the place to go.
Domestically generally known as the Mendips, these limestone hills South of Bathtub and Bristol is a good spot to go to. Not solely that it’s dwelling to Cheddar Gorge that’s completely gorgeous to go to.
Absorb a number of the trails across the gorge, take a gander within the caves and check out some cave-aged cheese from the little outlets throughout the gorge itself.
Not too removed from these pristine hills is Pen Hill, the second-highest level within the metropolis, towering at 305 metres above sea stage.
The entire space is steeped in Historical past, with early settlers calling this space dwelling. Apparently, a few of these dates again to Paleolithic and Mesolithic instances. They’ve even discovered stays of Roman Mines, too.
It’s such a particular space and simply the most effective issues to do in Wells while you depart the town for a day journey.
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