Best Things to Do in Wells Somerset, England

It might be one of the smallest cities in England but don’t let its size fool you – it’s incredible to visit. Not only that, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Wells (and just outside) that make it a great little holiday spot in Somerset. Keep reading our post to see!

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Pay A Visit To Bishop’s Palace

Best Things to Do in Wells- Started after the 13th-century Bishop of Bath, Jocelin of Wells received royal permission to build a residence and deer park, the Bishop’s Palace remains the seat of the Bishops of Bath and Wells.

The palace is out of the ordinary for an ecclesiastical building as it is defended by a moat and fortified walls. After passing under the gatehouse you’ll arrive at an immaculate croquet lawn.

This is bounded by the chapel and the ruins of the 13th-century great hall, allowed to fall into ruin after the roof lead was sold off in the 16th century. You can explore these vestiges, as well as the vaulted undercroft and the bishop’s private chapel from the same period.

There are also 14 acres of themed gardens hiding within the moat and ramparts, with roses, herbaceous borders and an arboretum.

The Old Deanery

Dating back to the 13th century, The Old Deanery is a castellated building in the Wells Cathedral. It is a Grade I listed building and is now an office for the Diocese of Bath and Wells. This historic estate offers an insight into the history of Wells and its ecclesiastical past.

Bishop’s Barn of great antiquity

Located in Silver Street, Bishop’s Barn was built in the 15th century and is a Grade I listed building. The quaint and charming Barn is made with local limestones. It was initially built as a tithe barn with 12 bays and arched wind braces and used to store the grain that was paid to the church as tax. The Barn used to be a music venue in the 1970s, it hosted a lot of bands back in the day. Now, the Barn can be booked for hosting private events.

Medieval Cathedral Close (Vicar’s Close)

The postcard-perfect Vicar’s Close is so picturesque, stepping inside this little alcove feels akin to stepping back in time. Dating back to the 15th-century, of all the attractions in Wells, the medieval cathedral close is one of those places you can’t believe actually exists.

Well, that is until you wander through it! Populated by medieval buildings and lying in the very shadow of Wells Cathedral itself, the Vicar’s Close is often claimed to be the oldest surviving purely residential street still in existence in Europe!

The Alluring Mendip Hills

Commonly known as ‘Mendips’, Mendip Hills is an Area of Outstanding Beauty. It is a range of limestone hills and has a wide variety of Flora and Fauna. The Mendip Hills offer a picturesque and aesthetic view of Wells and the rest of Somerset. The range itself is exquisite and showcases the true beauty of the English countryside. You can walk, hike, cycle, and picnic here. Make sure to visit the gorgeous hills on a sunny day to appreciate the ravishing beauty of it.

Wookey Hole Caves

One of the first ports of call in the Mendip Hills is this set of caves cut from the limestone by the acidic groundwater.

There’s a peculiar stalagmite in the first chamber, which spawned a legend about a Medieval witch turned to stone after being splashed with holy water by a monk.

The caves have atmospheric lighting and a chilly constant temperature of 11°C, which is just right for maturing cheddar cheese, as you’ll see.

On the surface is a Victorian paper mill where you can find out how paper was once made by hand from cotton. For families, there’s a display of life-sized dinosaur models, a theatre for circus performers, and a nine-hole adventure golf course.