Wells has a glorious cathedral, and it’s an historic, medieval era one too, so despite its modest size by todays’ terms, Wells is a city! Wells’ Green and Marketplace are as old as the cathedral, and while they may not be quite the commercial centres they once were, Wells still hosts regular weekly markets. Wells’ historic architecture is probably one of the main reasons people visit now, and it creates a wonderful backdrop for Wells’ regular festivals, and has been used in numerous films and TV shows. Some of the best places to stay in Wells are architectural beauties too. One of our Gurus’ recommendations, the Swan Hotel is just across from the cathedral and the Green.

One of our Gurus asked if we could include his favourite Wells fact in our introduction: that Wells is actually named after its wells - there are three of them, all dedicated to Saint Andrew, one in the marketplace, and two within the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace, which is adjacent to the cathedral, surrounded by a moat and elegant pleasure gardens, and is Grade I listed. Other sites of interest for those staying over in the best places to stay in Wells include the Wells and Mendip Museum, Milton Lodge, and of course the cathedral - famed for its 24-hour astronomical clock, with mechanical knights who joust on the quarter hour.

As well as the charms of the city, Wells is at the meeting place between the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels, so it has plenty of natural charms too, and can make an excellent base for walkers exploring Somerset. The best places to stay in Wells are also convenient for visiting Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath; Cheddar Gorge, and Wookey Hole.

The Best Places to Stay in Wells

For a City Break

• The Swan Hotel is an old coaching inn directly opposite Wells Cathedral. Today it’s bigger than a coaching inn, with 48 rooms and suites, decorated in mix of historic, traditional, and more contemporary styles. Some have views of Wells Green and the cathedral, some have free-standing copper baths, some antique four-poster beds. The oak-panelled dining room serves modern British fare.

For Couples

• Beryl Country House is just a short distance outside of Wells, yet in a peaceful, green setting. It’s a beautiful Gothic Revival style mansion turned luxurious B&B, with an impressive entryway, elegant lounge, eight grand rooms, rolling lawns, and a swimming pool. Fireplaces dance, keeping everything feeling very lively amongst the chintz, crystal chandeliers, and four-poster beds.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re travelling via London, you can take the train from Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads, and then a bus from there to Wells - on a good day you could do it in just under three hours. The closest airport is Bristol Airport, which is half an hour away by car or taxi, or two hours by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Wells’ hosts a number of lively festivals, and festival times are the most popular times to visit. The Food Festival is on in October; as is the Wells Festival of Literature; the Wells Art Contemporary is held in August; the Bishop’s Palace hosts a Flower Festival in August, and Wells Cathedral hosts the Soul of Wells Festival in May. Wells also puts on a large Christmas market, with music by candlelight in the cathedral.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Somerset?
• Or consider one of Wells’ neighbours? Frome? Yeovil?
• Or you could refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for? and consider just Somerset’s best B&Bs? or Somerset’s best pubs-with-rooms? or consult our Gurus’ recommendations for the most romantic hotels in Somerset?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.