Wells

England's smallest city, famous for its breathtaking Gothic cathedral featuring intricate stone carvings and a vast façade of sculptured figures. The picturesque cathedral green and surrounding medieval architecture create one of the most harmonious town settings in England.

Things to do

• Wells Cathedral — Explore England's finest Gothic cathedral with its famous west façade of 300+ sculptured figures, intricate cloister, and Chapter House featuring a stunning spiral staircase.
• Bishop's Palace and Gardens — Wander through the 14th-century palace grounds surrounded by a moat, featuring manicured gardens, swans, and the ruins of the medieval gatehouse.
• Cathedral Green — Stroll around the harmonious medieval square lined with 15th and 16th-century buildings, perfect for photography and absorbing the town's architectural heritage.
• Wells Museum — Discover local history, archaeological finds, and medieval artifacts that tell the story of England's smallest city and its cathedral community.
• Vicar's Close — Walk down this perfectly preserved medieval street of 14th-century terrace houses, one of England's oldest residential streets still in use.
• Wells & Mendip Museum — Explore exhibits on local geology, natural history, and the surrounding Mendip Hills landscape that frames the city.

Food to try

• Somerset Cheddar Cheese — Sample authentic farmhouse cheddar from nearby Cheddar Gorge, a tradition dating back centuries with distinctive sharp and creamy varieties available locally.
• Bath Chaps — Try this traditional West Country delicacy of pork cheeks in a breadcrumb coating, readily available at local butchers and pubs in the area.
• Mendip Spring Water Fish — Enjoy freshwater fish dishes featuring local trout and char from the clean springs of the Mendip Hills, often served at traditional inns.
• Somerset Apple Cider — Taste the region's famous scrumpy and craft ciders at local pubs, a production tradition maintained throughout the surrounding Somerset countryside.
• Potted Shrimp — Indulge in this British delicacy of small shrimp preserved in spiced butter, a classic dish available at many of Wells' traditional restaurants and tea rooms.

Local customs & good to know

• Cathedral Evensong — Attend the celebrated evensong services at Wells Cathedral several times weekly to experience the ethereal choral tradition in its original medieval setting.
• Market Day Traditions — Visit the town center on market days to experience local vendors and the longstanding community gathering tradition that has defined Wells for centuries.
• Quiet Contemplation Etiquette — Respect the cathedral's role as an active place of worship; maintain quiet voices in the nave and be mindful of services and prayer times during your visit.
• Georgian Tea Culture — Embrace the local custom of afternoon tea at one of the many traditional tea rooms surrounding the cathedral green, a leisurely ritual deeply embedded in the town's character.