Tucked away in Somerset is one of England’s most beautiful and charming cathedral cities where you can browse markets, drink cider in cosy pubs and wander the cathedral’s gorgeous grounds.
Wells is located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, and is built around the central looming figure of Wells Cathedral.
Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been described as the most poetic of the English Cathedrals, and it’s easy to see why. Wells is the earliest English Cathedral to be built in the Gothic style and has an international reputation.
This magnificent cathedral is worth visiting for its architecture alone, but it also holds more than 300 sculptures, the oldest working mechanical clock in Britain, as well as daily tours to learn more about the city’s rich history.
The city itself also has somewhat of an international reputation after shooting to fame for being the filming location of the fictional village of Sandford in the cult movie Hot Fuzz, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost as well as many other famous British actors.
Lots of the film’s most iconic locations such as the Swan Hotel, the corner shop where the characters buy cornettos and the marketplace where the big gunfight takes place are real places you can visit.
Wells is also home to the oldest residential street in Europe. Vicars Close has stunning stone houses, cobblestoned streets and an unforgettable view of the cathedral perfect for getting the perfect snaps of your weekend away.
The marketplace in front of the cathedral opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can buy fresh produce, treats and homemade crafts – perfect for a lazy day of mooching around before stopping in to one of the city’s many pubs and enjoying a pint of Somerset cider.
One of the best pubs in Wells according to Tripadvisor is the Sheep and Penguin which puts on a delicious Sunday roast.
One visitor said: “The choice of beer was excellent and the bar manager’s knowledge and enthusiasm was great. We then returned for more beer and a meal. The beer remained delicious and the meal was fabulous. If we lived anywhere near, we would be enjoying the delights on a frequent basis”