Welcome to Wells

The City of Wells in Somerset is known for its fascinating historic centre, the magnificent cathedral and the grand moated Bishop’s Palace. Wells boasts the title of smallest city in England, but there’s nothing small about the deep history and culture this hidden gem of a city has to offer. 

This medieval city lies nestled onto the side of the Mendip Hills, with the stunning Somerset Levels stretching across the landscape away into the west and south. Wells Cathedral has attracted pilgrims and visitors for over 850 years and is widely considered to be the one of the finest cathedrals in England, providing an inspiring background to most of the city. Just a short walk away from Wells Cathedral you can take a charming stroll over the flagstone drawbridge, make your way under the portcullis and experience the historic medieval Bishop’s Palace, a place which has been

An historic centre

Named after the wells in the ground’s of the Bishop’s palace - and once believed to have curative powers – Wells is a city steeped in history. The Romans built a road through here on their way to Bristol, and Wells subsequently became a Roman settlement. Once the Romans packed their bags, the early Christian church stepped in converting the ancient shrines to match their own beliefs, just as the Romans did before them. 

For hundreds of years, Wells was the largest city in Somerset, thanks not just to it’s cathedral but also because of it’s flourishing wool and cloth trade.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the magnificent Bishops Palace, built in 1200’s, which has been the home to the Bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years and whilst the current bishop still uses part of the palace as his residence, the greater parts are a tourist attraction and used for public functions.