We’ve been to Wells in Somerset many times but England’s smallest city never fails to enchant us. Our visits to Wells are usually just for the day but this time we decided to make a weekend of it with some friends who had never visited the city before. Keen walkers like us, they looked forward to discovering the Somerset countryside and meandering through the streets of Wells after hearing our many stories of how lovely the area is.
Visiting Wells, Somerset
Our base for the weekend was an AirbnB on a farm just outside the city. It came with the added bonus of fluffy alpacas for neighbours!
On Saturday morning it was fabulous to walk around the bustling market and taste the local delicacies like fresh bread and Somerset brie. We also stocked up on some honey.
After that, we took a short stroll around the grounds of The Bishop’s Palace. With its moat and elegant swans gliding in the dark green waters, the atmosphere was very relaxed as we soaked in the late September sun.
Our friends were in complete awe of the architecture of Wells Cathedral and all the unique features inside the building. Built between 1145 and 1490, it is unlike many other religious places we have visited. You can lose yourself in the brightly coloured stained glasses, and the carved stone decorations.
The fabulous clock, said to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and the impressive organ were a hit with our friends. I always love the quiet and welcoming feel of the gorgeous chapter room.
The only complete medieval street in Europe
A tour of Wells would not be complete without visiting the fabulous Vicar’s Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street left in Europe. With its quaint cottages and cobbles, it would not look out of place in a scene from Harry Potter.
On Sunday, we took our friends on our favourite Wells circular walk around Penn Hill. Leaving from the Bishop’s Palace, it took us through Beryl Wood and eventually to Penn Hill where we were rewarded with fantastic views of the Mendips and Glastonbury Tor.
After all that, we truly deserved a pint at the Swan Hotel facing the cathedral, before heading for a delicious Sunday roast at The Crown!
