The UK's smallest city that's as charming as York and Canterbury, and yet remains a hidden gem

Daily Record

28-05-2025

Wells in Somerset may be the smallest city in England, but it's not short on things to see and do - from a stunning cathedral to a medieval palace and a street that's straight out of the history books.
Though diminutive in stature, Wells, England's smallest city, is a place where history and charm abound in equal measure. Its picturesque architecture and serpentine cobbled streets are straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The unusual moniker of this enchanting spot has its origins in the springs situated within the precincts of the Bishop's Palace.
Conveniently placed a mere stone's throw from Bristol, Bath, and Cardiff, Wells is an undiscovered nugget that many tourists bypass, but those who do discover this charming cathedral city straddling the River Brue in Somerset are invariably captivated. Dominating the landscape, Wells Cathedral is a testament to historical grandeur and architectural brilliance, demanding the attention of all who visit.
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Recognised as one of Britain's most remarkable Gothic cathedrals, it showcases awe-inspiring design coupled with medieval craftsmanship. Spanning the period from 1175 to 1490, it has been celebrated as "the most poetic of the English Cathedrals."
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The Cathedral's fame extends beyond its iconic West Front; it features unique elements such as the spellbinding 'scissor arches' which fortify the central tower, setting it apart from other English cathedrals.
Installed in 1338 following the precarious addition of a weighty spire, these arches were an ingenious solution to avert a catastrophic collapse, reports the Express. Additionally, the Cathedral houses an extensive collection of historic stained glass, one of the most significant in the nation.
The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral, hailed by experts as one of the most splendid instances of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly escaped destruction during the English Civil War.
Moreover, the Cathedral proudly displays the famed Wells Clock, thought to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain. It also accommodates the fascinating octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.
Other must-see attractions in this picturesque city include The Bishop's Palace and Gardens in Wells, which has served as the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. This awe-inspiring medieval palace is now open to the public.
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It provides a superb family day out in Somerset with a packed calendar of events throughout the year, free guided walks, outdoor music and theatre, garden workshops and more.
Additionally, indulging in a slice of cake with afternoon tea at the ever-popular Bishop's Table café is always a delight!
Since the 1800s, the palace's moat has been home to mute swans, with the tradition of swans on the moat believed to date back to the 1850s.
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According to legend, a Bishop's daughter may have initially trained the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they were hungry. Today, two swan bells are installed, with ropes for the swans to pull to signal for food.
There are 14 acres of breathtaking RHS Partner gardens to explore, including the picturesque well pools that gave the city its name, the medieval Palace building equipped with multimedia audio-visual guides, Dragon's Lair play area, guided tours, children's trails and workshops, and a café offering the finest views in Wells.
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Adjacent to the Cathedral lies Vicars' Close, reputed to be the only intact medieval street left in England. This significant landmark was designed to house the Vicars Choral, who were responsible for daily worship within the Cathedral.
This centuries-old tradition persists today and is a cherished aspect of life at Wells Cathedral. The houses of the close, all Grade I listed, were built in the 14th century under the guidance of Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, with the distinctive chimneys added in the 15th century.
Originally, 42 houses were constructed (one for each vicar), but some were merged after the Reformation when vicars were allowed to marry.
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Today, the Close consists of 27 residences, a chapel, library, treasury and muniment room. There's also a dining hall linked to the Cathedral by a covered walkway, known as the Chain Gate Bridge.
The current residents include all twelve members of the Vicars Choral, along with the organists and virgers. The Vicars Choral have been central to life at Wells Cathedral since the 1100s and are now acknowledged as a world-class choir.
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For gastronomes, Wells is home to a historic market located in Wells Market Place. This vibrant square, encircled by breathtaking historical buildings, provides an authentic glimpse into the timeless daily life of Wells.
Currently, a lively market takes place twice weekly - on Wednesdays and Saturdays - showcasing local produce and wares. The square also annually hosts a larger street food festival, with the next Wells Food Festival slated for Sunday, 12 October 2025.
In addition, a funfair is organised biannually, contributing to the market's dynamic ambience. Wells also boasts a plethora of independent bookshops and boutiques, alongside antique and vintage shops, promising endless hours of leisurely perusal.