Places of Worship

Attractions

Wells Cathedral

Chain Gate, Cathedral Green, BA5 2UE

Description

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

Wells Cathedral

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:
Free daily tours of the Cathedral are available all year except Sundays.  Or 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 also runs 20 minute weekly window, stone carvings and embroidery 'walks' (Saturday and Wednesday mornings, April-October). Guided tours for group visits can also be pre-booked via the Visits team at visits@wellscathedral.uk.net.

Families
When term breaks up the Cathedral offers creative workshops for children accompanied by their parents or guardians. We also provide free family trail leaflets 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: Groups of 10+ are charged a fixed admission fee of £7.00 if booked in advance, or £8.00 if unreserved. 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 two Cathedral shops which stock a wide range of unique mementoes and gifts. Our café is also open daily for coffee, delicious home-made lunches and afternoon teas.

Entry:
English Cathedrals receive no regular funding from the Government or the Church of England towards maintenance, restoration and development work, so here at Wells that means we have to raise £4,500 per day. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of £8.00 for adults, £7.00 for concessions, £20.00 for families and free for under 10s. All donations are greatly appreciated, and all are very welcome to visit.

http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk


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Opening Hours

April to September

Daily 07:00 - 19:00

October to March 

Daily 07:00 - 18:00

Pricing


 

Facilities

ACCESSIBILITY

    CATERING

      CHILDREN & INFANTS

        ESTABLISHMENT FEATURES

          KEY FEATURES

            LANGUAGES SPOKEN

              PARKING & TRANSPORT

                PAYMENT METHODS

                  SPECIALIST FEATURES

                    TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS

                      TRAVEL & TRADE

                        • Blue Badge Guides admitted free

                        • Booking essential

                        • Dutch printed material

                        • Dutch spoken

                        • Educational Visits Accepted

                        • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors

                        • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors

                        • French printed material

                        • French spoken

                        • German printed material

                        • German spoken

                        • Groups accepted

                        • Guide dogs permitted

                        • Guided Tours Available for Groups

                        • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

                        • In town/city centre

                        • Italian printed material

                        • Maestro accepted

                        • Marketed towards families

                        • Marketed towards senior citizens

                        • Marketed towards student/youth

                        • MasterCard accepted

                        • Max group size

                        • Min group size

                        • No Smoking Attraction

                        • On-Site café/restaurant

                        • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

                        • Printed Material in Foreign Languages

                        • Ramp/Level Access

                        • Spanish printed material

                        • Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted

                        • Toilets

                        • Toilets for disabled visitors

                        • Visa accepted

                        Road Directions

                        Nearest major road is A39. A39 into Wells and follow signs for cathedral.

                        Public Transport Directions

                        Bus/Route No: Taunton 29 daily , Weston-s-M 126/826 daily, 161/162, Bath 173 daily, Bristol-Bridgwater 375/376 daily to Market St Station
                        Rail to Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Castle Cary. Museum to the left of the West front of the Cathedral

                        Contact

                        Wells Cathedral
                        Chain Gate
                        Cathedral Green
                        Wells
                        BA5 2UE
                        United Kingdom


                        T: 01749 674483

                        F: 01749 832210

                        E: reception@wellscathedral.uk.net

                        W: wellscathedral.org.uk

                        Facebook: @WellsCathedral

                        Twitter: @WellsCathedral1



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