Wells is a small cathedral city in Somerset, within easy reach of Bath, and its cathedral is among the finest Gothic buildings in England. The west front is covered in hundreds of medieval statues set in niches, and the interior is full of surprises, including the great scissor arches that brace the central tower, a worn stone stairway to the chapter house and a medieval astronomical clock whose knights still joust on the hour. The cathedral stands within a close of historic buildings, with Vicars' Close, a street of fourteenth-century houses with tall chimneys, said to be one of the oldest purely residential streets in Europe. The Bishop's Palace next door has a moat and a gatehouse where swans famously ring a bell for food. Entry to the cathedral is by suggested donation rather than a fixed fee, though some features, such as tower tours, may have a separate charge, so check the cathedral pages before you travel. The city is small enough to explore on foot in a day, with a market, shops and cafes around the Market Place.
Why make the trip
Bath is built on Roman and Georgian foundations, and Wells offers something older and quieter. The cathedral is the heart of a cluster of medieval buildings that survive largely intact, and the city is small enough to feel like a village with a very large church.
If you enjoy architecture, the interior is a highlight, as the scissor arches, completed in the fourteenth century, are a bold piece of engineering that also makes a sculptural statement. The chapter house is another gem, with a fan vault rising from a single central column.
What to see
Start with the west front from the green, take in the nave, then explore the clock and the worn steps up to the chapter house. Check service times, because the cathedral keeps a full programme of worship, including choral evensong, which many visitors find a moving way to hear the building as it was meant to be used.
Vicars' Close is a short walk away, and the Bishop's Palace and gardens, with the moat and the springs that gave the city its name, can fill another hour or two. The market on certain days adds to the atmosphere.
Getting there
Wells is roughly twenty miles from Bath, and the journey takes a little over an hour by bus or by car, with limited direct public transport, so check timetables carefully. Several small-group tours from Bath combine Wells with Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury, which is a convenient way to see all three without a car. If you drive, there are car parks in the city, and the cathedral green is a short walk. Plan around the weather, as much of the visit is outdoors, and wear comfortable shoes for stone floors and cobbles.
Photography rules vary inside, so look out for signs. Allow half a day for the cathedral and close, a full day if you add the palace and the town. Families will enjoy the clock and the swans, while quieter travellers will appreciate the calm of the nave. Wells makes an excellent counterpoint to a city weekend and a good wet-weather option, since the cathedral is indoors.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a Gothic cathedral and its medieval close in a small Somerset city, reached from Bath by bus, car or a day tour.
Best time
Weekday mornings are quiet; evensong in the late afternoon is a memorable time to hear the building.
How long
Three to four hours, or a full day with the Bishop's Palace and the town.
Tips
Check service times and any tower tour availability, wear comfortable shoes and plan transport in advance because direct services are limited.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture lovers, medieval fans and anyone who wants a quiet day away from the crowds.
- Families
- The jousting clock and the swans at the Bishop's Palace delight children; the interior is calm and best with older ones.
- Couples
- A slow wander through the close, then evensong or tea in the Market Place.
- Pair with
- A Bath walking tour the day before and a Cotswolds day trip afterwards.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Is Wells Cathedral free to enter?+
Entry is by suggested donation, though some features such as tower tours may be charged separately. Check the cathedral pages for the latest.
How far is Wells from Bath?+
About twenty miles, roughly an hour by road. Direct public transport is limited, so check timetables or take a day tour.
What is special about the cathedral?+
Its sculpted west front, scissor arches, medieval astronomical clock and fan-vaulted chapter house.
What else is there to see in Wells?+
Vicars' Close, the moated Bishop's Palace with its bell-ringing swans, the Market Place and the surrounding streets.
Can I combine it with other places?+
Yes. Day trips from Bath often pair Wells with Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury.
