- Despite its city status, Wells has a population of under 13,000, making it significantly smaller than many nearby English towns.
- The city takes its name from three historic springs found near the cathedral, which were historically believed to have healing properties.
- Wells was famously used as a primary filming location for the 2007 action film Hot Fuzz, standing in for the fictional village of Sandford.
- The city’s market square has hosted continuous weekly markets since the 12th century under a royal charter.
- The cathedral features one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in the world, which still retains its original medieval face.
About Wells, Somerset
Wells is England's smallest city, defined by its remarkably intact medieval core and status as a cathedral city since the early 13th century. It sits at the foot of the Mendip Hills, providing a base for exploring limestone landscapes and subterranean wonders like Wookey Hole Caves. Visitors primarily arrive to witness the gothic grandeur of Wells Cathedral and the moated security of The Bishop's Palace & Gardens. The city preserves a unique architectural heritage, exemplified by the oldest purely residential street in Europe, Vicars' Close.
Highlights of Wells, Somerset
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
View the intricate 13th-century west front sculptures and the rare mechanical astronomical clock.
Places of interest
Explore a series of limestone caverns and underground rivers carved by the River Axe.
Places of interest
Walk across the drawbridge to explore the medieval moat and 14 acres of ornamental gardens.
Historical places
Stroll along the world's oldest residential street, which has remained largely unchanged for over 650 years.
Temples
Admire the fine Perpendicular Gothic architecture of this parish church, which dates back to the 15th century.
Places of interest
Tour this former Victorian-era prison to learn about the history of the penal system in Somerset.
Natural attractions
Hike through a diverse woodland site known for its variety of limestone-loving flora.
Parks
Relax in this extensive Victorian public park featuring a lake and traditional bandstand.
Top things to do in Wells, Somerset
The 37 highest-rated places in Wells, Somerset, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
Wells Cathedral is the first cathedral in England built entirely in the Gothic style, with construction beginning around...
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Places of interest
Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caverns carved by the River Axe over millions of years, containing archaeolo...
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Places of interest
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is an 800-year-old medieval residence located in Wells, Somerset, serving as the historic...
4
Parks
Ebbor Gorge is a limestone gorge carved by glacial meltwater, designated as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Spec...
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Places of interest
Shepton Mallet Prison, also known as Cornhill, is a former Category C prison that operated from 1610 until its final clo...
6
Natural attractions
Stockhill Wood is a managed coniferous forest situated on the Mendip Hills, managed by Forestry England. The site featur...
7
Parks
Collett Park is a Victorian-era municipal park in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, gifted to the town by John Kyte Collett in 1...
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Parks
Wells Recreation Ground is a public park situated on the edge of the historic city centre, providing open green space fo...
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Parks
Kilver Court Gardens is a Grade II listed garden situated at the foot of a historic railway viaduct in Shepton Mallet. T...
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Venues
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Museums
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Temples
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Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Wells, Somerset on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Wells, Somerset
May to September, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is most conducive to walking the medieval streets.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the city center and take short trips to nearby natural sites.
The city center is highly compact and best explored on foot, while local buses connect to surrounding Somerset villages.
The area surrounding the Market Place and the historic High Street offers the most convenient access to major sites and local dining.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are typical for a popular historic English market town.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 37 curated attractions in and around Wells, Somerset, ranked by traveller ratings.
Wells Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Wells, Somerset right now.
The largest category is temples, with 13 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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