Wells, the smallest city in England that has plenty to offer.
Wells, a cathedral city in Somerset, is a popular tourist destination and a pawfect holiday spot for dog owners. Because of a plethora of historical sites and its proximity to Glastonbury (10 km), Bath (33 km) and Stonehenge (62 km), Wells is named among the best UK places to visit. Main tourist attractions are dog-friendly, including Wells Cathedral, so there is no need to leave your best friend at home.
The city of Wells derives its name from three wells, one in the market place and two within the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace. Despite its small size (about 12,000 inhabitants by 2018), Wells has had city status since medieval times, because of the presence of Wells Cathedral. It is interesting to know that Wells is the smallest city in England!
The historic part of the city has often been used for filming documentaries, period films and television series, including some large productions, like The White Princess, Dunkirk, Another Mother’s Son and others.
1. Visit dog-friendly Wells Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UE.
The construction of Wells Cathedral started about 1175, when Reginald de Bohun, Bishop of Bath between 1174-91, was inspired by a new architectural style, the Gothic style. Therefore, Wells cathedral became the first cathedral in England that was built, from its foundation, in Gothic style. The most remarkable part of Wells Cathedral is the West Front, with 300 carved life-size original medieval statues. The cathedral is also well-known for its intricately vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and unusual “scissor” arches, added in 1338-48, as an engineering solution to support the main tower.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the Cathedral if they are on a lead and well-behaved.
Opening times & Admission fee
07:00 – 18:00 every day.
£14.00 for adults and free for children. The ticket is valid for the whole year from the date of purchase. There is no charge for people who come into the Cathedral to pray, attend a service or light a candle.
Website
2. Walk with your furry companion around the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace
Address: The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD.
Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, the Bishop’s Palace was built in 1206, as a residence of the first Bishop, Jocelin Trotman. Parts of the buildings are still used as a home by the current Bishop, but most of the palace and grounds are open to visitors. There are 14 acres of dog-friendly gardens, including the springs from which Wells takes its name. This is an idyllic oasis of tranquility and peace, created for leisurely walks, contemplation and reflection.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome on a lead in the grounds. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside the Palace Buildings or Chapel.
Opening times & Admission fee
09:30 – 17:30 every day in the summer months (29th March – 28th October).
10:00 – 16:00 every day in winter months (29th October – 28th March).
£17.50 for adults and £8.75 for children. The ticket is valid for the whole year from the date of your first visit.
Website
3. Take remarkable pictures of Vicars’ Close
Address: Vicars’ Close, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UN.
The Vicar’s Close, just a stone’s throw from Wells Cathedral, is a cobbled picturesque street with a row of medieval stone houses on either side, and the Vicar’s Hall and the Close Chapel at the ends. It is considered as being the oldest residential street in England, and probably in Europe!
Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury initiated the construction of 42 houses, one per vicar, in the 14th century, as a practical living space for those who were involved in daily cathedral services. Tall chimneys, a distinctive feature of the street, were added in the 15th century. When vicars were allowed to marry, 30 houses were transformed into 15 houses, so now, Vicar’s Close consists of 27 Grade I Listed buildings.
4. Have lunch at The Crown at Wells
Address: Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RP.
Dating back to the 15th century, the Crown at Wells is a dog-friendly pub, just a couple of minutes from Wells Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. They offer a good selection of dishes at reasonable prices, and this is a comfortable place to rest and refuel after a long walk around the city.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are allowed on a lead.
Website
5. Stay in the Crossways, a dog-friendly hotel just 10 minutes from Wells.
Address: Stocks Lane, North Wootton, Somerset, BA4 4EU.
Conveniently set in the heart of Somerset, just minutes from the city of Wells and Glastonbury, the Crossways is a lovely 5-star accommodation at a price you’ll love. The city of Bath is 22 miles from the hotel. There are 26 rooms, including new four-poster rooms, double and twin rooms. The hotel offers outstanding dinner options in an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, coupled with excellent service and spectacular views towards the renowned Glastonbury Tor.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are very welcome in all areas, including the bar, but excluding the main restaurant.
Unfortunately, a dog welcome pack was not provided.
Pet Charge is £20.00 per room per pet for the first night, and £10.00 per room per pet thereafter.
Parking
Ample free parking for guests.
Website
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