A weekend in Wells

A tiny cathedral city with a moat, swans and a medieval street

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Wells is one of the smallest cities in England, a compact medieval place beneath the Mendip Hills, with a magnificent Gothic cathedral and a moated bishop's palace. The cathedral has a famous astronomical clock and unusual scissor arches.

Swans ring a bell for their dinner at the palace, and Vicars' Close is a medieval street of tiny houses with a remarkable history. Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge are close by.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Couples, Walkers

Best time to goSpring to autumn. The cathedral and palace are lovely in all seasons, and the Christmas market adds to winter.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereBristol: About 40 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Wells

Plan your weekend in Wells

Top attractions in Wells

Wells Cathedral

A stunning Gothic cathedral with scissor arches, a carved west front and an astronomical clock.

The Bishop's Palace

A moated medieval palace with gardens, and swans that ring a bell for food.

Vicars' Close

A cobbled medieval street of tiny houses, thought to be one of the oldest in Europe.

The Market Place

The old market square, which holds a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Mendip Hills

Walks and viewpoints on the edge of the city.

Best things to do in Wells

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Roman Baths in Bath

The Roman Baths are the remains of an ancient bathing and temple complex built around the hot springs at the heart of the city. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Stonehenge visit

Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Bristol street art tour

Bristol is the home of Banksy and one of the best cities in the UK for street art. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

More things to do near Wells

Cheddar cheese tasting Cheddar, Somerset
Somerset cider tasting Somerset

Best areas to stay in Wells

The city centre

Compact and walkable, close to the cathedral and market.

Near the Bishop's Palace

Quiet and atmospheric.

Cheddar or Glastonbury

Nearby places with their own attractions.

Best hotels in Wells

Prices for a double room in Wells typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Wells

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Wells

Spring to autumn. The cathedral and palace are lovely in all seasons, and the Christmas market adds to winter.

Seasons that suit Wells well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Wells

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Wells

From Bristol: About 40 minutes by car.
From Bath: About 1 hour by car.
From London: About 2 hours 45 minutes by car. There is no railway station, so visitors come by bus.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Wells

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The city centre.
Saturday: Start with Wells Cathedral, then The Bishop's Palace. In the afternoon, head to Vicars' Close.
Sunday: Visit The Market Place or The Mendip Hills, then head home.

Packing list for Wells

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

There is no railway station, so most visitors drive or take a bus.
The cathedral can be closed for services, so check the times.
Parking is limited in the centre.

Wells weekend FAQs

Is Wells worth a weekend?

Yes, especially combined with Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge. It is a peaceful, historic base.

Can I reach Wells by train?

Not directly. The nearest stations are at Castle Cary and Bath, with onward buses.

More weekend ideas

GlastonburySomerset

A hilltop tower, abbey ruins and centuries of myth in the Somerset Levels

Cheddar GorgeSomerset

England's biggest gorge, with show caves and the home of cheese

BathSomerset

Roman baths, Georgian crescents and thermal spas

Bradford on AvonWiltshire

A honey-stone town on the River Avon with a Saxon church

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best UK city breaks for a weekend · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.