Wells
Nestled under the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, Wells is a historic City full of character. Dominated by the breathtaking Cathedral, the Bishops Palace, Market Place and Vicars Close add to the charm of one of England’s smallest cities. Within the City, there is a very strong community with a large number of organisations and groups and there is a busy schedule of festivals and community events throughout the year. The City is surrounded by a beautiful landscape with the backdrop of the Mendips falling down to the Somerset Levels.
History
Wells has a long and significant history having been the home of successive Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Built between 1175 and 1490, the Cathedral is set in the medieval heart of the City and is a significant landmark in the South West. Nearby are the moated Bishops Place and Gardens and the Vicars Close which is believed to be the only complete medieval street left in England. During the Civil War, the City underwent a siege by Parliamentarian forces. Throughout its history, the City has been an important market town evidenced by the attractive market place and this function remains important today with twice weekly markets being held.
Food & Drink
Within the City there is an excellent range of pubs, bars and restaurants as well as cafes and coffee shops. Somerset produces excellent food and not just cheese and cider and this is showcased at a large Food Festival held in October.
Shopping
Wells has a busy high street with a large number of independent shops as well as well known high street names. There is a twice weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are three supermarkets including a Waitrose. For those seeking an even wider range of shops then Bristol and Bath area easily accessible and Clarks Outlet Village is only 8 miles away.
Nature & Environment
The landscape surrounding Wells is diverse to say the least. From the Mendip Hills down to the Levels and from heathland and dry stone walls to flat grazing land drained by rhynes. The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty comes to the edge of the City. The AONB and the Levels are ideal for walking, horse riding, cycling and nature watching.
Schools
The Blue School is a state coeducational comprehensive school whilst Wells Cathedral School, founded in 909, is a private school that has a Christian emphasis and is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in Britain. The primary schools in Wells are Stoberry Park School, St Cuthbert's Church of England Infants School, St Cuthbert's Church of England Junior School and St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School.
Transport
Wells is situated at the junction of three numbered routes. The A39 goes north-east to Bath and south-west to Glastonbury and Bridgwater. The A371 goes north-west to Cheddar and Weston-super-Mare, and east to Shepton Mallet. The B3139 goes west to Highbridge, and north-east to Radstock and Trowbridge. The nearest motorway connections are at junction 23 on the M5 via the A39 and at junction 19 of the M4 via the A39, A37 and M32.[75]
Wells is served by bus services to Bristol and Bristol Temple Meads station, Bath, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, Street and Weston-super-Mare, as well as providing some local service.
Mainline rail services are available from Bristol Temple Meads (20 miles) and Castle Cary (13 miles) whilst Bristol Airport is 16 miles away.
Local Features & Attractions
Wells Cathedral
Wells Museum
The Strawberry Line
The Mendip Hills
Wells Festivals
Wells Illuminated Carnival
Glastonbury Festival
Wookey Hole Caves
Sports
Wells has a leisure centre with a swimming pool and various other facilities. Within the City, there are a number of sports teams including two football clubs, a rugby club, a cricket club, hockey clubs and tennis club. The 18-hole Wells Golf Club is on the outskirts of the city and also has a 24-bay driving range.