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Historic British Cities: Wells
Bath | Cambridge | Canterbury | Chester | Durham | Edinburgh | Ely | Lincoln | Oxford | Wells | Winchester | York
“The most poetic of the English Cathedrals”
- Alec Clifton-Taylor
Granted its city status in 1205 by King John, Wells is the antithesis of the modern metropolis in its being the smallest city in England. Indeed, with a population of little more than 10,000, it is effectively a sizeable village.
Its two most notable architectural gems are undoubtedly the exquisite 13th century cathedral and the moated Bishop’s Palace (home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for eight centuries) whose swans are famously trained to ring a bell for food.
These buildings, together with its market place and other historic house, ensure that Wells is the closest one can get to experiencing the typical ancient English city before the great expansionary periods. Indeed, in Vicar’s Close is boasts the oldest continually inhabited street in Europe. The city is also an ideal base for those seeking to explore the Mendips and nearby attractions such as Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge.
Period Places to Stay in Wells
Best Western Swan Hotel. Opposite the cathedral, this centuries-old building is as in-keeping with its surroundings as it is possible to be. Although the hotel is keen to point out that the property is “steeped in history”, ascertaining as to who or what that refers is difficult. That said, there can be no doubting that somewhere as deeply woven into the fabric of such an ancient city will be brim-full of heritage.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Beryl B&B. An interesting name for what is a pretty Georgian country house. Located a mile from the centre of Wells, it offers 10 guest rooms (each of which is individually furnished in period style). The property also boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool (during Summer months), is dog-friendly (well behaved, of course), and sits amid 13 acres of its own parkland and gardens.
Booking.com | LateRooms
The Ancient Gatehouse. Located on Cathedral Green, the origins of this old building are reputed to be 14th century. It offers only 9 guest rooms (of which three contain four-poster beds) and is 2-star rated. It’s name is derived from the Great West Gate (a national monument) of the city to which it is joined.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Lastminute.com
The Crown at Wells. This olde-worlde inn dates from circa 1450 and is, quite rightly, a Grade-II listed building. It possesses 15 guest rooms (all en suite), a restaurant (Anton’s Bistrot) and a bar. Interestingly, it is said that it was from above the latter part of the hotel that William Penn (whose name is immortalised in the state of Pennsylvania) preached to crowds below in 1685.
TripAdvisor
Canon Grange Bed & Breakfast. Facing the beautiful West Front of the cathedral. Canon Grange is a 4-star rated bed & breakfast that offers 5 guest rooms and highly rated hospitality.
The property itself is said to date from the 15th century, and many original features are on display.
TripAdvisor
Cathedral’s House. Right alongside the cathedral itself, this ancient house must surely be one of the oldest buildings offering self-catering accommodation anywhere in the UK. Built during the 14th century, its original purpose was to house the men of the cathedral choir. These days, however, it sleeps up to 8 guests and also welcomes a well-behaved dog.
Cottages4You
Beryl B&B. An interesting name for what is a pretty Georgian country house. Located a mile from the centre of Wells, it offers 10 guest rooms (each of which is individually furnished in period style). The property also boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool (during Summer months), is dog-
Booking.com |
The Ancient Gatehouse. Located on Cathedral Green, the origins of this old building are reputed to be 14th century. It offers only 9 guest rooms (of which three contain four-
The Crown at Wells. This olde-
Canon Grange Bed & Breakfast. Facing the beautiful West Front of the cathedral. Canon Grange is a 4-
The property itself is said to date from the 15th century, and many original features are on display.
TripAdvisor
Cathedral’s House. Right alongside the cathedral itself, this ancient house must surely be one of the oldest buildings offering self-
Also see...
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There are other period properties offering accommodation in the county of Somerset.
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It might not yet be the definitive list, but there are some fabulous places to discover in our Beautiful Villages of England section.
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If you prefer a holiday or break under your own steam, there are plenty of Historic Holiday Cottages throughout the country. And we keep the ones we feature to those said to have been built before 1700, too.
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There are two things we always hugely appreciate visitors to the site doing. One is letting other people know that we exist, and the other is telling us of any historic places to stay we’ve missed in our research (which, being honest, amounts to well over 5000 hours). So, if you know of any hotels near Wells that we’ve overlooked and fit the ethos of Nights In The Past, please get in touch via email. Indeed, constructive criticism about any aspect of the site is very welcome if it helps us improve for the years to come. Thank you for visiting.
Copyright. Nights In The Past 2007 -