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Wells, Somerset. Coordinates: 51°12′34″N 02°38′42″W. Wells ( / wɛlz /) [2] is a cathedral city and civil parish in Somerset, located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, 21 miles (34 km) south-east of Weston-super-Mare, 22 mi (35 km) south-west of Bath and 23 mi (37 km) south of Bristol.
- 12,000 (2018)
- South West
Visit Wells in Somerset with its historic centre, the magnificent cathedral, and the unique moated Bishop's Palace. Stay a while in one of the many delightful hotels or guesthouses and get your tastebuds tingling at our good independent restaurants.
- Be amazed by Wells Cathedral. The reason why travellers have been flocking to this city for centuries is to visit the magnificent cathedral. Although it was originally founded by the Saxon King Ine as a minster, the structure we see today was built in the 12th century.
- Gather around to watch Wells Cathedral Clock strike. The ancient Wells Cathedral Clocks that are located inside and outside of the cathedral are incredibly impressive.
- Pop inside Vicar’s Close – the oldest residential street in Europe. Just adjacent to Wells Cathedral, underneath the Chained Gate Bridge, is the uber Instagrammable street of Vicar’s Close.
- Admire the Old Deanery herb garden. If you look around Wells Cathedral Green, you’ll spot many historical houses and buildings dotted around Wells Cathedral.
Wells may be the smallest city in England, but there’s nothing small about the amount of history and culture on offer in this hidden gem of a city. The medieval city nestles on the southern side of the Mendip Hills, with the mystical Somerset Levels stretching away to the south and west.
- Marvel at the stunning Wells Cathedral. Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most incredibly beautiful churches in England, and a spectacle that can be seen from many places around the city.
- Have breakfast at Long Story Bistro. You can’t expect to make the most of your day in Wells without a good, hearty breakfast to fill you up. There are a few great cafes and restaurants offering excellent breakfast options in Wells, but Long Story Bistro is our pick for its lovely atmosphere, tasty food and brilliant breakfast dishes.
- Stroll around The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens. This is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Wells if you’re visiting with your significant other, so add the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens to your list.
- Snap some pictures at Vicars’ Close. Vicars’ Close has to be one of the best free things to do in Wells, and definitely one you’ll want to whip out your camera for.
Mar 22, 2024 · Tucked on the southern side of the Mendip Hills in rural Somerset, tiny Wells (population circa 12,000) owes its city status to 13th-century Wells Cathedral. It shares the Bishop of Bath and Wells with its more acclaimed neighboring city, Bath, some 20 miles to the north.
For other places with the same name, see Wells (disambiguation). Wells is the smallest city in England, with a population of around 10,000. It is in Somerset in the south-west of the country. The city is dominated by the magnificent Gothic cathedral and is famous for its remarkably intact ecclesiastical quarter.
