How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Wells, England

Wells is a small city located in Somerset, England. Actually, it is the smallest city in all of England! Although small, Wells is a great place to spend the day. If you are looking for ideas on how to spend one day in Wells, we have just the list for you!

How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Wells, England

When you get to Wells, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time with its well-preserved medieval walls, gorgeous Gothic cathedral, and moated palace.

Visitors will find plenty of things to do in Wells, including visiting the 12th-century Wells Cathedral, admiring the architecture of The Bishop’s Palace, and touring the ancient streets of Vicars Close.

Here is how we think you should spend one day in Wells:

Wells Cathedral

One of the most popular things to do in Wells, England is touring Wells Cathedral.

Built between the 12th & 15th centuries, it is the first cathedral to be built in Gothic style.

It often gets overshadowed by much larger cathedrals in bigger cities like London, Salisbury, and Canterbury, but it is no less impressive.

You may tour Wells Cathedral for free.

There are regular daily guided tours of the cathedral and also specialty tours geared toward stained glass, stone masonry, and embroidery that occur throughout the week.

You will want to give yourself between 1-2 hours to fully take in the cathedral. It has some remarkable details both inside and out. 

In the Nave, you will find ‘scissor arches.’

This architectural design element is not only beautiful but functional as they were built to help keep the tower foundation from sinking under the weight.

Wells Cathedral has some pretty amazing details including the largest collections of original medieval stained glass in England. 

The most impressive of the stained glass windows is the Jesse Windows which dates back to 1340.

This set of stained glass windows shows the story of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus surrounded by his ancestors.

The western end of the Quire is the oldest part of the Cathedral and contains elaborate embroideries.

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to photograph anything in this part of Wells Cathedral because of the delicacy of the fabric.

The Wells Clock

The Wells Clock that is inside Wells Cathedral dates back to 1390 and is one of the oldest medieval clock faces in the world.

Every 15 minutes, you can enjoy the jousting tournament that takes place above the clock.

There is also a clock chimer that is built into a separate part of the cathedrals wall.

Admission to Wells Cathedral is FREE

Wells Cathedral is open from 7am-7pm (6pm Oct-Mar)

It has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and a trip here will let you see how bishops during the Medieval Age used buildings to demonstrate their political power.

Inside the palace, you will find detailed architecture and can imagine what it would have been like to entertain in these grand spaces. 

Outside the palace is just as impressive as the inside.

You will find 14 acres of elaborate gardens that feature different species of flowers and plants as well as statues and millponds.

This area of the garden is where you will find what is left of the Great Hall, a former space where dinner parties would have happened.

Unfortunately, this once beautiful building fell into ruin when the bishop sold off the lead off the roof. 

Vicars’ Close

This is claimed to be the oldest residential street in Europe and still has its original buildings.

The houses of the close were built in the 14th century and were originally the 47 homes of the Vicars (which is why it is adjacent to the cathedral).

What you will notice right away is how small the doors are! 

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a stunningly beautiful natural gorge located in the nearby Mendip Hills.

The steep sides of the gorge are lined with spectacular limestone cliffs, which reach up to 450 feet at their highest point that were created by melting glaciers 12,000 years ago.

The Caves of Cheddar Gorge are a popular attraction for visitors to get a glimpse into the unique geology of the area.

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