Places of Worship

Built between 1175 and 1490 Wells Cathedral in Somerset has been described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals”.

Built between 1175 and 1490 Wells Cathedral has been described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals”. Set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city, and an easy drive from Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, Wells is the earliest English Cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. The current building is a significant landmark in the South West of England, has an international reputation and is TripAdvisor ranked number one for things to do in Wells and in Somerset.

Wells Cathedral has unique features that separate it from other English cathedrals including its iconic West Front and the beautiful ‘scissor arches’ supporting the central tower, as well as one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country. The Cathedral also boasts the famous Wells Clock (which is considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain), the fascinating octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.

Wells Cathedral welcomes thousands of visitors each year who join in with regular daily services and events or who come simply to enjoy the calm and hospitality of this wonderful and holy place. Stay, if you can, for Evensong with the Cathedral’s world renowned choir (term times); a peaceful and moving end to your day.

Tours:
Discover hidden spaces and chambers, explore the south transept roof space and marvel at the nave from a very different perspective via the Cathedral's popular and longer High Parts tours which can be pre-booked via the website at www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit/tours. The Cathedral runs complimentary ground floor tours daily (Monday-Saturday) and tickets include access to an audio tour. Guided tours for group visits can also be pre-booked via the Visits team at visits@wellscathedral.org.uk 

Families
When term breaks up the Cathedral offers creative workshops for children accompanied by their parents or guardians. We also provide free children explorer backpacks which are available free of charge on arrival and which help children to learn about the main highlights and history of the Cathedral.

Group Visits: The group rate (+10) for pre booked self guided visits is £10 and £12 to include a highlights tour.  Unreserved groups are charged the standard on the door price of £14.  For more information, and to book, please email visits@wellscathedral.org.uk

Vicars’ Close:
Adjoining the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street left in England. Vicars’ Close was designed to provide accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sing the daily services, and this is still the case today. This centuries-old tradition is unique and a much valued part of the continuing life of Wells Cathedral. The medieval windows of the houses and the garden archways seem to have survived more or less intact until the early nineteenth century, and even now a few still exist.

Make a Day of It
A warm welcome awaits you at our Cathedral shop which stocks a wide range of unique mementoes and gifts. The Loft at Wells Cathedral café is also open daily for coffee, delicious home-made lunches and afternoon teas

http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk