Wells

Wells is a city on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, with a parish population of 11,145 at the 2021 census. It has held city status since medieval times because of its cathedral.

The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and its west front is said to be the finest collection of statuary in Europe. Next to it, the Bishop’s Palace has been the home of the bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years. At the palace gatehouse, mute swans ring a bell for food.

Close by is Vicars’ Close, reputed to be the oldest residential street in Europe with its original buildings. It is short enough to see in minutes, but worth the detour for the row of medieval houses and chimneys. Because the main sights sit close together, a cottage in or near the city makes a relaxed base, with a morning for the cathedral and an afternoon free. Over 200 artisan stalls fill the streets for Wells Christmas Market on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026.

The Mendip Hills rise directly north of the city, and the A371 runs north-west to Cheddar, so the gorge and its caves are a short drive away. Choose Wells for history and walking in about equal parts.