Checking Availability....
Table of Contents
Wells—the smallest city in England—packs a world of history and charm. Its stunning architecture and cobbled streets create the perfect setting for a picturesque stroll. Just 15 minutes from us here at Strawberryfield Park, it’s an easy and accessible day trip (but more on that later). So, let’s explore why Wells has something for everyone—and why it might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.
Wells Cathedral stands as one of England’s most remarkable Gothic cathedrals, celebrated for its exquisite architecture and medieval craftsmanship. Constructed between 1175 and 1490, it holds the distinction of being the first English cathedral built entirely in the Gothic style.
The cathedral’s striking West Front is one of its most recognizable features, but what truly sets it apart are its unique architectural elements. Among them is the remarkable ‘scissor arch’ design, an elegant yet practical solution added in 1338 to prevent the central tower from collapsing under the weight of a newly built spire. Inside, Wells Cathedral is home to one of the country’s most impressive collections of medieval stained glass, including the stunning Jesse Window, a masterpiece of 14th-century craftsmanship that miraculously survived the destruction of the English Civil War.
History enthusiasts will also be captivated by the Wells Clock—believed to be the second-oldest working clock mechanism in Britain—the beautifully designed octagonal Chapter House, and the rare chained library, one of only four still in existence in the UK. With its blend of history, artistry, and architectural innovation, Wells Cathedral remains a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring this charming city.
Bishop’s Palace and Gardens: The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells has served as the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, and today, this magnificent medieval palace is open for everyone to experience. It’s an ideal destination for a family day out, featuring a diverse range of year-round events, including free guided walks, outdoor music and theatre performances, garden workshops, and more.
The palace’s moat has been home to mute swans since the 1800s, and the tradition of swans on the moat is believed to date back to the 1850s. It is said that a Bishop’s daughter may have first taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they were hungry. Today, two swan bells are in place, with ropes for the swans to pull to signal for food.
Wells Market Place: This vibrant square is not only home to a lively market but also boasts impressive historical architecture, offering a perfect glimpse into the everyday life of Wells. For centuries, it has served as a central hub of the city and continues to do so today, with a bustling market taking place twice a week—on Wednesdays and Saturdays—featuring local produce and goods.
The square also hosts a larger street food festival annually, with the next Wells Food Festival set for Sunday, 12 October 2025. Additionally, a funfair is held twice a year, adding to the lively atmosphere of the market.
Wells & Mendip Museum: Tucked away near the cathedral, this small museum tells the story of the area’s rich history, from prehistoric fossils to the War & Local Heroes.
Vicars’ Close: Often considered one of the most picturesque streets in England, this medieval close is lined with charming stone cottages and the stunning St. Andrew’s Church. It is believed to be the oldest residential street in Europe still in continuous use and is thought to be the only fully preserved medieval street in England. Nestled next to the Cathedral, Vicars’ Close was originally designed to provide communal housing for the Vicars Choral, who performed daily worship services within the Cathedral.
Bishops Palace Snowdrop Trail: Experience the beauty of spring at The Bishop’s Palace this February as their popular Snowdrop Month returns!
Stroll through 14 acres of breath-taking RHS Partner Gardens, where delicate snowdrops blanket the ground. Follow the printed Snowdrop Walk, which takes you along the Moat banks, across the Willow Bridge, and into a vibrant Arboretum filled with springtime beauty. For younger visitors, a children’s trail with fun activities adds to the enjoyment, making it a perfect day out for the whole family. While the snowdrops’ peak bloom can vary with the weather, Head Gardener James advises, “As the growing season changes, don’t wait until the last minute to visit—you might miss them!”
Independent Bookshops & Boutiques: Discover local, independent stores tucked along Wells’ charming streets, perfect for finding unique gifts or hidden treasures. Browse a variety of charity shops for vintage finds, or visit the fabulous vintage furniture and antiques shop just off High Street.
Best Time to Visit: Wells is less crowded during weekdays, and the market is quieter on a Wednesday.
Parking: Wells has a number of car parks and on Saturdays during July and August all-day car parking for £4 is available on the Palace Farm Fields (access via Silver Street).
Buses: The First Group Wells Bus Timetable provides schedules for services passing through Wells. You can hop on the bus just down the road from us here at SFP and hop off in the centre of Wells.
Wells has three fuel stations and there are a number of others in the surrounding towns.
There are also multiple EV charging points in the City.
Ebbor Gorge. Nestled in the stunning West Somerset countryside just 10 minutes from Wells, Ebbor Gorge—often referred to as a ‘mini Cheddar Gorge’—is a true hidden gem. Though slightly off the beaten path, this picturesque spot is well worth a visit with a beautiful view at the top. Though a car is needed to get there, the parking and the walk itself are free! The what3words for the carpark is: ///toolkit.boat.nanny.
Check out this wonderful blog via Roost & Roam for route options and details.
The Mendip Way. Made up of the West Mendip Way (Wells to Uphill approx. 30 miles) and East Mendip Way (Wells to Frome via Shepton Mallet approx. 20 miles) – connects Weston-Super-Mare, Cheddar, Wells, Shepton Mallet, and Frome. The route passes through some of the most scenic sections of the Mendip Hills National Landscape; climbing the Mendip escarpment over Crook Peak affording stunning views over the Bristol Channel and the Somerset Levels. It traverses the central Mendip Plateau through Shipham and the historic village of Priddy, leading to the impressive Cheddar Gorge and onto England’s smallest city, Wells, with magnificent views of the Cathedral.
Full details including maps can be found here.
Photo Credit: Root, Wells
Root – A modern, veg-led, sharing plates restaurant in the heart of Wells, Somerset.
Root Wells, is the second establishment of its brand. The first is located on the banks of Bristol’s historic harbour in Wapping Wharf. A forward-thinking restaurant that champions local suppliers and producers, and leads with a ‘more veg, less meat’ ethos. After the success of Root, Bristol, Head Chef Rob Howell and his wife and Manager Meg Oakley wanted to bring a neighbourhood restaurant to their home of Wells.
The Bishops Eye – Fresh charcuterie and matching wines.
The Bishops Eye – “At our restaurant, we believe in bringing you the best of local flavours. That’s why we serve the freshest croissants, cakes, delectable Somerset cheeses and charcuterie, and garden-fresh salads bursting with flavour”.
Fattso – Smash Burgers to pick up on the way home.
Fattso Burgers – “Here at Fattso, not only do we care about the quality of our food, we care about customer satisfaction, we care about the environment and having as minimal impact as possible, while providing a quality and memorable service. Fast food, can be quality food. We are looking at ways of improving takeaway food, bringing new and exciting options to the local area- The Fattso Team”.
check out staff top tips below for some café options…
Photo Credit: The Geeky Tourist
Hot Fuzz Fans: Wells was a key filming location for the cult classic Hot Fuzz! Fans of the film will recognize several spots around the city, including scenes filmed at the Market Place and nearby locations.
Insider Tip: Check out this blog by The Geeky Tourist for a full run through of where Simon Pegg and Nick Frost stood during some of the film’s iconic moments.
Did you know that the smallest city in England by area is actually the City of London?
While Wells holds the title of the smallest city by population, the City of London (often referred to as the “Square Mile”) covers just 1.12 square miles (2.9 km²), making it the tiniest in terms of size! Despite its small footprint, it’s one of the most important financial districts in the world.
Jessie: “I LOVE Wells! Every Sunday the choir practices in the Cathedral, early evening around 5 ish & the public are allowed to sit in and listen. The Good Earth Café is a must visit for hearty, nourishing food. They also have a shop selling eco bits for around the house- an amazing hidden gem”.
Lucy: “I actually live about an hour from Wells! So I can’t say I am a frequent visitor. That being said I have popped along for the market and food festivals and I must say- Loaf Bakehouse is a very cute café that serves tasty coffee, yummy pastries, and gorgeous brunches! In the evening it transforms into a restaurant with a hand-built woodfired oven for delicious pizzas.”
Andrea: “A lot of people come away from Wells thinking that the cathedral was a bit underwhelming. That’s because they visited St Cuthbert’s Church instead! To find the cathedral, walk up the high street to the market square at the top. Go through Penniless Porch at the top on the left of the square and prepare to be wowed. The cathedral is a hidden gem”.
With its rich history or stunning landscapes Wells offers something for everyone—whether you’re exploring hidden gems, indulging in local flavours, or taking in breath-taking walks. There’s so much to see and do, and the best way to truly experience it all is by staying right in the heart of it.
Why not make your visit even more special by booking a stay with us? Enjoy a comfortable and welcoming base as you discover all that Wells has to offer. Secure your spot today and start planning your perfect getaway!