- A very traditional English Weekend break
- Barnstaple and other North Devon Delights
- Leamington Spa – the oft-overlooked gem of Warwickshire
- Henley-in-Arden via Newbury and Banbury
- “Autumn colour at Winkworth” 2022
- Leighton House – a little gem in the crown of London Museums
- Happy return to Wells!
- One autumn morning at Stourhead
- Christmas Lights at Stourhead 2022
- Quantock Hills and 2 more Somerset charmers – Nether Stowey & Watchet
- Classy and colourful Cliveden
- Coombe Abbey – no ordinary hotel
- Hereford is a secret well worth discovering
- Ross-on-Wye – the birthplace of “Picturesque Tourism”
- Leominster or Ledbury?
- Whitchurch – where? Why?
- Battersea or Buckingham Palace?
- A+ for Ardencote and Alcester!
- Autumn swan song in November
- Long weekend in Warwickshire
- Longleat revisited 2024
Preface
I confess to feeling a tinge of sadness when the clock goes back by an hour at the last weekend of October. The summer’s officially over with shorter and rainier days stretching endlessly ahead….
Then, like an impromptu guest appearance in the middle of a dreary play, autumn appeared in its golden robe adorned by an array of whimsical colours to cheer people up! It stole the show to thunderous applause, not least from me and my partner.
We revisited Wells on the very morning after the clock went back. Autumn did not play just a walk-on part; it lingered for a couple of glorious days for us to immerse in the serene beauty of Wells.
All is well that ends in Wells! 😆
The trip didn’t get off to an auspicious start as it bucketed down during our drive. However, it was dry and sunny by the time we arrived in Wells!!
Considering that Wells has as much charm as Bath, the only other city in Somerset, it seems determined to keep out of the limelight.
On the map it’s less prominent than towns like Shepton Mallet or Glastonbury.
On the road, Wells is not as well signposted as other “cathedral cities” like Bath, Salisbury or Winchester.
I am convinced that it’s a deliberate ploy to keep it only for the discerning visitors rather than hordes of tourists!
I last visited Wells on a day trip as recently as in August 2020 (http://34.243.138.103/?p=8318) But like a tasty dish, it drew me back for another helping and to take time to savour it!
The Crown at Wells
The Crown at Wells at Market Place is a Grade II-listed coaching inn, believed to have been built around 1450. Behind the façade of old-world charms, our room was comfortable and modern, with a quirky four-poster bed and fancy bath and shower units.
Our room looked out onto Market Square and the cathedral could be seen from the windows. It means that we were right in the hub of things. Once we parked the car in the car park at the back we didn’t need it until we left.
Market Square
Market Square is the focal point of the city. Markets are held here on Wednesday and Saturday selling local produces.
At one end of the square, there’re two gates: the one on the left leading to the Cathedral, the other to Bishop’s Palace. The other end leads to High Street and other charming streets with shops, eateries and medieval buildings
The Town Hall at Market Square at dawn Market Square before 10.00
Early in the morning
The benefit of staying in the heart of a tourist destination is to be able to enjoy the freedom of the place with hardly anyone around!
Market Square at 7.00 Market Square at 7.00
The Crown is ideally situated for us to take morning walks around the Bishop’s Palace moat before breakfast, to enjoy the gentle glow of dawn
Bishop’s Palace Moat at dawn Bishop’s Palace Moat at dawn
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral always looks majestic under a bright blue sky so how could I resist taking photos of it?!
Wells Cathedral Wells Cathedral
During this visit, I was in for an additional treat inside the cathedral!
The touring artwork Gaia by Luke Jerram happened to be in Wells Cathedral. The suspended revolving globe was awesome! It’s 7 metres in diameter with imagery of the Earth’s surface and looked as if it’s floating in mid air.
Gaia Exhibition in Wells Cathedral
Bishop’s Palace moat
I love the walk along Bishop’s Palace moat. It’s particularly enchanting in the autumn. The recreation ground to the right of the walk with a bandstand was equally charming.
The Bishop’s Palace Moat The Bishop’s Palace Moat
The Bishop’s Palace Moat The Bishop’s Palace Moat
The recreation ground to the right of the moat The recreation ground to the right of the moat
Bishop’s Palace and Grounds
As guests at The Crown, we got a 20% discount off the entrance fee. It was the first time we visited the Palace, and what a fascinating place it was! I was surprised how quickly 2 hours went by when we were there!
The grounds and gardens
Bishop’s Palace – view from the Rampart Bishop’s Palace – view from the Rampart
There’re 2 pairs of glass wings in the garden of Bishop’s Palace – by Edgar Phillip. The one in stained glass is children’s size and the other plain one is for adult angels like me!
Bishop’s Palace – the garden Bishop’s Palace – Glass wings by Edgar Phillips Bishop’s Palace – Glass wings by Edgar Phillips
Bishop’s Palace – colour trees by the Well Pool Bishop’s Palace – the Well Pool
Bishop’s Palace – view of the Cathedral from the garden Bishop’s Palace – view of the Cathedral from the garden Bishop’s Palace – view of the Cathedral from the garden
Bishop’s Palace
Bishop’s Palace – The Jacobean Staircase Bishop’s Palace – The Long Gallery
Bishop’s Palace – The Undercroft for hire for dinner parties Bishop’s Palace – The Drawing Room
What a great break we had in Wells! We were very lucky with the weather too, as it rained at night but dry and sunny during the day!