May 26

May 26 5 reasons to put Wells on your must-see list

It might just be me - in which case, I’m suitably ashamed of my 62 year ignorance - but I had NO idea that Wells was such a gem of a city. Or that it’s actually the smallest city in England.

Well now I know both, and want to make sure you don’t miss out on this memorably magical spot for as long as I have.

Only 22 miles across the Mendip Hills from it’s bigger, better known neighbour, Bath, Wells echos with the same historic resonances, offers a similarly impressive collection of fabulous ancient buildings and sites, but is a much more manageable strolling size and is usually a lot less packed.

Having spent a wonderfully rewarding and enjoyable day sampling its various delights, these are five reasons why I would really, really, urge you to do the same at the first opportunity.

Reason 1

The glorious Cathedral

I’m a sucker for a great Cathedral, and there’s a reason why the one in Wells is internationally recognised as one of the country’s greatest.

Not only is it the earliest English Cathedral built in the Gothic style.

Not only does its West Front (above and below) feature one of the most impressive collections of medieval sculptures in the western world, with 300 of the original 400 medieval statues still remaining.

Not only does it house one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country

especially notably the Jesse Window a stunning example of 14th century stained glass which miraculously escaped destruction during the English Civil War.

Not only is it home to the (apparently) famous medieval astronomical Wells Cathedral Clock, the face of which is the oldest surviving example of its kind. Created in 1390 it predicts the movements of the planets, shows the sun’s progress and which phase the moon is in. And every quarter jousting knights circle around at the top of the face and a Quarter Jack character beside it bangs with his heels.

But it also, and for me most impactfully, incorporates an architectural feature that is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen.

In order to prevent a threatened tower collapse in 1313, master mason William Joy designed an internal building buttress known as the Scissor Arches. They were built between 1338 and 1348 and for my money make entering Wells Cathedral one of the more breathtaking experiences you’ll ever have.

There’s lots else to see and enjoy in the Cathedral and you can plan your visit (it’s still a working place of worship, so there are services at various times) and check out the opening times HERE. It’s free to go in, but it costs £4,500 a day to maintain and run this outstanding building, so donations are, unsurprisingly, gratefully received.

Reason 2

The gorgeous Bishops Palace and gardens

Next door to the Cathedral, you’ll find the medieval palace that’s been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells (what a fantastic diocese to oversee) for over 800 years.

The Palace is surrounded by a beautiful moat, which you should definitely take the time to walk around

Then cross over the drawbridge entrance and discover the delights of the palace itself and the 14 acres of glorious gardens that surround it.

Where you’ll also find the ruins of the huge medieval great hall, the remaining arched windows and doorways of which provide perfectly framed views of the palace, the grounds and the cathedral beyond.

Opening times, information and ticket prices (you do have to pay to go into the palace and the grounds) can be found HERE

Reason 3

Historic Vicar’s Close

If we’re talking about picture worthy sights in Wells (and there are SO many), then I guarantee your shutter is going to go into overload when you get to Vicar’s Close on the other side of the cathedral from the Bishop’s Palace.

This astonishing little close is believed to be the only complete medieval street in England and walking along it is literally like stepping back in time.

The original 42 houses with their distinctive chimneys were built to provide accommodation for the Vicars Choral (one house for each Vicar) who sung daily worship in the Cathedral, a centuries-old tradition which, incredibly, continues to this day.

Today the close consists of 27 homes (some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were allowed to marry), a chapel, a library, and a treasury, with a dining hall connected to the Cathedral by a covered walkway known as the Chain Gate Bridge. The houses are still lived in by all twelve members of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and vergers.

Reason 4

The beautiful old market place

With it’s twice weekly market (on a Wednesday and Saturday) the lovely central market place is the focal point of this diminutive city. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, and edged with two medieval gateways - Penniless Porch and the Bishop’s Eye - this is a delightfully bustling spot to wander, or just sit and watch the world go by

Each one of those is reason enough to visit, and spend easily one day, if not more in Wells. But the 5th of my reasons to put Wells on your must-see list is if you should want to take more time and use the city as a base.

Reason 5

All the other things to see nearby

The other great thing about Wells is how, relatively, near it is to so many other terrific Somerset sights and experiences. So once you’re in this lovely place and part of England you might want to consider making the most of it by visiting - in no particular order - Glastonbury, Wookey Hole Caves, the Cheddar Gorge, the Mendip Hills, Bath and taking a ride on the East Somerset Steam Railway. So many delights to choose from!

You can find details of all of those and even more local-ish attractions on the VISIT WELLS website.

Which, as I hope you’ve gathered by now, I thoroughly recommend you do. Visit Wells, that is.