Wells
Wells
Nestled in the heart of Somerset, England, Wells proudly holds the title of the UK’s smallest city, both in terms of area and population. Though it might be small in size, it certainly doesn’t lack in historical significance, architectural splendor, or cultural charm.
Wells’ most iconic landmark is undoubtedly its stunning cathedral. The Wells Cathedral, primarily built in the early 13th century, stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its facade, adorned with over 300 statues and sculptures, captures the imagination and awe of anyone who lays eyes upon it. The cathedral’s interior is just as mesmerizing with its scissor arches, which were introduced in the 14th century to support the sinking central tower, and the unique chapter house, connected to the main building by a flight of stairs, is a thing of beauty in its own right. The cathedral’s magnificence isn’t merely a testament to the architectural prowess of the past but also serves as a living place of worship, drawing congregants and visitors alike from all corners of the world.
Adjacent to the cathedral lies the Bishop’s Palace, a grand structure surrounded by a moat and accompanied by a series of beautifully manicured gardens. Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, this medieval building offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the ecclesiastical elite. From the imposing gatehouse to the tranquil gardens populated by swans, the palace’s grounds provide an oasis of calm and reflection in the midst of the city.
Yet, beyond its historical structures, Wells has a unique charm and vibrancy that comes alive through its cobbled streets, bustling market square, and local festivals. The Wells Film Centre, a beloved local cinema, and The Little Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, ensure that culture and entertainment are always within reach.
Wells also serves as a gateway to some of Somerset’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The nearby Mendip Hills offer a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, while the enigmatic Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, is just a short drive away.
In essence, Wells may be compact, but it offers a rich tapestry of experiences for those who venture within its historic boundaries. It’s a city where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, offering a timeless allure that’s hard to resist.
Wells is in Mendip Hills AONB, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Created: 11 August 2023 Edited: 29 November 2023
Wells
Shopping in Wells
Mill Gate Shopping Centre Angouleme Way, Buckley Wells
Mill Gate Shopping Centre mall
Budgens Bath Road, St Cuthbert Out
Budgens supermarket
Tesco Tucker Street, Wells
Tesco supermarket
Waitrose Whiting Way, Wells
Waitrose supermarket
Lidl West Street, Wells
Lidl supermarket
Morrisons Southover, Wells
Morrisons supermarket
Local History around Wells
There are some historic monuments around including:
Bracelet CaveBowl barrow 350m northeast of Cheddar Head FarmBowl barrow 820m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryFive bowl barrows 500m north west of Cuckoo Cleeves: part of the Stock Hill round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 300m south west of Harptree LodgeGroup of round barrows 750m north west of Ivy CottageBowl barrow 850m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 450m south-east of Red Quar FarmBowl barrow 870m southwest of Dale FarmBowl barrow 850m southeast of Bristol Plain FarmBowl barrow 650m northeast of Higher Pitts FarmBowl barrow 230m north west of Hunter's Lodge InnBowl barrow in the garden of BeechbarrowRhinoceros Hole, WookeyTwo round barrows SE of Castle of Comfort InnFenny Castle Cross: a medieval wayside cross 20m north west of Castle Farm, CastleThe Abbey Barn at Abbey FarmBowl barrow, 540m west of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow 400m south of RookhamMedieval standing cross 80m south of St Mary's ChurchHenge 370m north east of Drove CottageBowl barrow 570m south east of Lodmore FarmRound barrow cemetery 470m and 400m north of Pen Hill FarmBowl barrow 600m east of Priddy Hill FarmBowl barrow 350m north west of Harptree LodgeBishop's Palace ruined portions, walls and well houseBowl barrow 400m southwest of Moor ViewBowl barrow 420m east of Bristol Plain FarmThree of the Priddy Circles and one barrow, 400m west of Castle FarmBowl barrow 410m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmBowl barrow 750m southwest of Dale FarmLong barrow 600m east north east of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow 570m south east of Southfield FarmBowl barrow, 455m west of Brimble Pit PoolRound barrow 1435m SE of Miners' Arms InnBarrow, 350m east of Harptree LodgeTwo round barrows 600yds (550m) ENE of Green OreBowl barrow 450m north west of Harptree LodgeRoman building 270m north east of Priddy churchTwo bowl barrows 350m south of Brimble Pit Pool: part of a group of round barrows north and east of Foxhills WoodBowl barrow 70m west of Rowberrow FarmBowl barrow 130m west of St Lawrence's ChurchSt Cuthbert's and Chewton lead mines and Fair Lady WellTwo bowl barrows 850m south east of Brimble Pit Pool: part of a group of round barrows north and east of Foxhills WoodPriddy Glebe Barrow: a bowl barrow 25m north of St. Lawrence's ChurchBowl barrow 450m east of Bristol Plain FarmDisc barrow 610m northeast of Drove CottageBowl barrow 850m south of Townsend FarmBowl barrow 300m west of Newlands FarmBowl barrow 570m west of Newlands FarmBowl barrow 500m north of East WaterPriddy Circle and barrow cemetery 400m north of Castle of Comfort InnGroup of seven round barrows 380m east of East Water Drove (Part of Priddy Nine Barrows Cemetery)Two bowl barrows 550m south west of Haydon HouseBowl barrow 150m north east of Victoria FarmRowberrow: a bowl barrow 40m north of Hill ViewAshen Hill barrow cemetery: a group of eight round barrows 500m southeast of Harptree LodgeBadger Hole, WookeyBowl barrow 770m south of Townsend FarmThree bowl barrows at Green Ore, two 150m south east and one 420m south west of Newlands FarmBowl barrow 380m south east of BeechbarrowBowl barrow 700m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 810m southeast of Bristol Plain FarmLong barrow and bowl barrow 430m north west of the Mendip Nature Research StationBowl barrow 800m south of Townsend FarmLong barrow, round barrow and cairn on Pen HillBowl barrow 760m southeast of Bristol Plain FarmBowl barrow 250m north west of Victoria FarmBowl barrow 520m south-east of Red Quar FarmBowl barrow 70m northwest of Hill ViewRound barrows SW of Cleeve's PlantationBowl barrow 170m south-east of Hunter's Lodge InnBishop's palacePair of bowl barrows 405m east of East Water Drove (Part of Priddy Nine Barrows Cemetery)Bowl barrow 310m southeast of Eastwater FarmBowl barrow 550m south east of Southfield FarmFenny Castle: a motte and bailey castleBowl barrow 470m south east of Southfield FarmBowl barrow 490m north west of Pen Hill FarmBowl barrow on Stock Hill: part of the Stock Hill round barrow cemeteryKing's Castle enclosures, Iron Age defended settlementBowl barrow 430m north of Whitnell CornerBrowne's GateBowl barrow 600m north of Rookham PlantationBowl barrow 90m northeast of Hill ViewBowl barrow 550m south east of Brimble Pit Pool: one of a group of round barrows north and east of Foxhills WoodBowl barrow on Stock Hill: part of the Stock Hill round barrow cemeteryBishop's tithe barnBowl barrow 390m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmThree bowl barrows 400m north west of Haydon HutDeserted medieval farmstead and field system NW of Ebbor WoodBowl barrow 120m north west of Burnt WoodPair of bowl barrows 640m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 435m north west of Ivy CottageTithe barnFour round barrows SE of Miners' Arms Inn, Chewton Rabbit WarrenLong barrow 370m south-south-east of Castle FarmBowl barrow 730m southeast of Bristol Plain FarmThree bowl barrows in Big Plantation, 690m south west of BeechbarrowBowl barrow 300m southwest of Moor ViewOutlook CaveBowl barrow 380m south east of Southfield FarmBowl barrow 550m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryStow Barrow : a bowl barrow 700m southwest of Haydon Grange FarmLinear barrow cemetery comprising six bowl barrows 510m south west of Townsend FarmSt Michael's Church, monastic remains, and other settlement remains on Glastonbury TorSavory's HoleBowl barrow 300m north east of Whitnell CornerPair of bowl barrows 350m NNE of Whitnell Corner.Wildlife in and Around Wells
Birds found in Wells
There have been 162 species of birds recorded in the wells area.
| Bar-throated Minla (Minla strigula) |
| Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) |
| Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) |
| Black-Tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) |
| Blackbird (Turdus merula) |
| Barn Owl (Tyto alba) |
| Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Black-Winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) |
| Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) |
