Wells in Somerset is one of England’s most beautiful cities with its stunning cathedral, bustling markets, ancient streets and cosy pubs making it the perfect weekend getaway
Nestled in Somerset lies one of England’s most picturesque and enchanting cathedral cities – Wells.
Here, you can meander through markets, sip cider in snug pub, and explore the stunning grounds of the cathedral. Wells is perched on the southern fringe of the Mendip Hills, with the majestic Wells Cathedral at its heart.
Constructed between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral, often hailed as the most poetic of English Cathedrals, was the first to be built in the Gothic style in England and enjoys a global reputation. The awe-inspiring architecture alone makes it worth a visit, but it also houses over 300 sculptures, Britain’s oldest functioning mechanical clock, and offers daily tours to delve into the city’s rich past.
The city itself gained international fame as the filming location for the fictional village of Sandford in the cult film Hot Fuzz, featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and a host of other renowned British actors. Many of the film’s iconic spots, like the Swan Hotel, the corner shop where cornettos are bought, and the marketplace where the epic gunfight unfolds, are actual places you can visit.
Wells also boasts Europe’s oldest residential street, Vicars Close, with its beautiful stone houses, cobbled lanes, and an unbeatable view of the cathedral – perfect for capturing memorable shots of your weekend getaway.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, the marketplace outside the cathedral comes alive, offering an array of fresh produce, sweet treats, and handmade crafts. It’s the ideal setting for a leisurely day of browsing, culminating in a visit to one of the city’s numerous pubs to savour a pint of authentic Somerset cider, reports the Express.
According to Tripadvisor, the Sheep and Penguin stands out as one of Wells’ top pubs, serving a mouth-watering Sunday roast. One impressed visitor raved: “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”.
