Wells, Somerset
Details
Accessibility
Please contact the tourist information centre listed below with any questions.
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wells,_Somerset
2025:
"Wells (/wɛlz/)[1] is a cathedral city and civil parish in Somerset, located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, 21 miles (34 km) south-east of Weston-super-Mare, 22 mi (35 km) south-west of Bath and 23 mi (37 km) south of Bristol. Although the population recorded in the 2021 census was only 11,145, and with a built-up area of just 3.244 km2 (1.253 sq mi),[2] Wells has had city status since medieval times, because of the presence of Wells Cathedral. Often described as England's smallest city,[3][4] it is actually the second smallest to the City of London in area and population, but unlike London it is not part of a larger urban agglomeration.
Wells takes its name from three holy wells dedicated to Saint Andrew that lie within the grounds of the Bishop's Palace and cathedral and supply water to the marketplace.[5] A small Roman settlement surrounded them, which grew in importance and size under the Anglo-Saxons when King Ine of Wessex founded a minster church there in 704. The community became a trading centre based on cloth making and Wells is notable for its 17th-century involvement in both the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion. In the 19th century, transport infrastructure improved with stations on three different railway lines. However, following the Beeching axe in 1964 the city has been without a railway link.
The cathedral and the associated religious and medieval architectural history provide much of the employment. The city has a variety of sporting and cultural activities and houses several schools including The Blue School, a state coeducational comprehensive school that was founded in 1641, and the private Wells Cathedral School, which was founded possibly as early as 909 and is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in the United Kingdom. Wells's historic architecture has led to the city being used as a shooting location for numerous films and television programmes.[6]"
Address
Tourist information centre postal address: Wells TIC, Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RB
Tourist information centre: TIC@wells.gov.uk
Phone
Tourist information centre: 01749 673091
Website
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wells,_Somerset
https://hostunusual.com/categories/hill-hole-houses/
https://www.wellssomerset.com/
Directions
https://www.wellssomerset.com/getting-here
2025:
"The car probably remains the most favoured mode of transport for reaching Wells, although we highly recommend that you consider the public transport options described on this page.
The City's main roads are the A39 which connects us to the M5 motorway to the west and continues through to Bath and M4 in the north. The A39 joins the A37 for the road to Bristol and the M4. The A371 connects Wells to Weston-Super-Mare in the west to Wincanton and A303 in the south. Wells has three fuel stations and there are a number of others in the surrounding towns."
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wells,_Somerset
2025:
"Wells is served by First West of England bus services to Bristol and Bristol Temple Meads station, Bath, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, Street and Weston-super-Mare, as well as providing some local service. It is served by Berrys Coaches daily Superfast service to and from London.[75] The bus station is in Princes Road. The Mendip Way and Monarch's Waylong-distance footpaths pass through the city, as does National Cycle Route 3.[76]
Wells had two stations which were closed by the Beeching Axe in the 1960s: Wells (Tucker Street) railway station and Wells (Priory Road) railway station. The nearest railway line today is the East Somerset Railway.
The nearest station today for the national rail network is Castle Cary, 12 miles (19 km) away.[77] Bristol Temple Meads railway station is accessible via the 376 bus route; the journey time is around one hour.[77]"
Amenities
https://www.wellssomerset.com/getting-here
2025:
"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).
Main attractions:
- Cathedral
- Gardens
- Palace
- Market place
- Shops
- Banks
- Cafes and restaurants
- Galleries"
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.