Wells Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, set on a green at the heart of the small city of Wells in Somerset. Building began in the 1170s, and the cathedral is often called England's first Gothic cathedral. Its West Front holds more than 300 carved figures. Inside, you will find scissor arches, a medieval clock, an octagonal Chapter House and a large collection of historic stained glass. Plan for an hour or two to walk the building, sit quietly and take a free guided tour.
From an early church to the Gothic cathedral
A church has stood on this site since about 705. The present cathedral was begun in the 1170s and was conceived by Reginald Fitz Jocelin, a medieval bishop of Bath. Work went on in stages for more than three centuries, so the building shows several Gothic styles side by side. It is often called England's first Gothic cathedral.
The cathedral was first a Catholic church. After the English Reformation in the 16th century it became part of the Church of England, and it is still a working church with daily services. During the dissolution of the monasteries, some statues on the West Front were damaged or removed. Much of the building seen today reflects restoration carried out in the Victorian period.
The West Front and the scissor arches
The West Front is the most striking face of the building. More than 300 carved figures fill its niches, showing saints, apostles, kings, angels and biblical scenes. The figures were once brightly painted, so the front would have looked very different to medieval pilgrims.
To see the whole front, walk out onto the Cathedral Green. You reach the green from the Market Place through Penniless Porch, a medieval gate whose name comes from the beggars who once gathered there to receive alms from worshippers.
Inside, the scissor arches are the best-known feature. They were built to hold up the central tower as the ground beneath it moved. Look up at them from the nave and you can see how the arches cross and brace each other.
Inside the cathedral
The vaulted ceilings and stained glass are the largest part of the interior. The cathedral has a large collection of historic stained glass, among the biggest in England. The octagonal Chapter House is a separate room worth finding, and the cathedral holds one of only four chained libraries in the UK.
The clock is one of the older working mechanisms in the country and is often described as the second oldest in Britain. It strikes on the hour, and visitors often wait to hear it. Knights on the clock ride around the turret every quarter hour.
The side chapels are open for prayer, and candles can be lit in remembrance. A cafe in the cathedral serves cakes, light bakes and hot and cold drinks.
Tours, music and the wider site
The cathedral places a strong focus on music and worship, so you may hear choir practice during a visit. Choral Evensong is sung at 5.15 pm from Monday to Saturday and at 3 pm on Sunday.
Free guided tours are led by volunteer guides and last about an hour. The High Parts Tour climbs into the roof and gives a different view of the building.
The Bishop's Palace is run separately, but a combined ticket covers both sites. Its moat, gardens of about 14 acres and views of the cathedral make a good second stop. Nearby, Vicars' Close, a 14th century street of houses, is said to be one of the oldest residential streets in Europe. For younger visitors, look for the mythical beasts carved on the building, including dragon tails that can be seen from the gardens.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Visitors pay an entry charge, but entry is free if you come to pray or light a candle and ask for free entry. Donations are welcome, because English cathedrals receive no funding from the government or the Church of England.
How long do you need at Wells Cathedral?
Plan for one to two hours. A guided tour lasts about an hour.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, the restrooms and the seating are wheelchair accessible, and there is an assistive hearing loop. The parking lot is also wheelchair accessible.
When is Choral Evensong?
Choral Evensong is sung at 5.15 pm from Monday to Saturday and at 3 pm on Sunday.
