Wells, England Tourist Attractions
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Wells, situated 25mi/40km southwest of Bristol, is one of the most delightful little towns in England, and is a place in which time seems to stand still. Its population has barely doubled over the course of more than 500 years, while most of its hotels and inns are several hundred years old. Its most impressive construction is the Gothic cathedral with its imposing statue-bedecked west front. Nearby is a charming row of 14th century houses and the fortress-like Bishop's Palace. The houses of the old town are grouped around the market place, whose stalls enjoy brisk trade on Wednesdays and Saturdays.The name Wells is derived from the springs here, which provided water to a monastery founded on this site by Ine, King of Wessex (688-about 726). In 909 it became the see of a bishop, until this was transferred to Bath by the Norman bishop John de Villula in 1088. It was brought back to Wells by Bishop Jocelin (1206-1242). Since 1244 the diocese has been known as Bath and Wells.
Wells Cathedral
St Andrew's Cathedral in Wells was begun in the 12th C, with the beautiful west front completed in the early 13th C. The interior contains many unique carvings and stained glass windows.
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Bishop's Palace
The Bishop's Palace in Wells, surrounded by both a wall and a moat, should be seen. Begun in 1210, it was restored in the 19th century, and features an inner courtyard, a chapel built by Bishop Burnell, the ruins of New Hall (end 13th century) and the palace garden with its moat.
Old Town
The Wells market place and fountain (18th century) are surrounded by houses of various ages, including a "New Works" group built by Bishop Bekynton in 1453. High Street is the main shopping street, with shops occupying 15th-17th century houses. The parish church of St Cuthbert (15th century) has a narrow tower. Its late medieval interior, including a polychrome ceiling, is notable.
Surroundings
Wookey Hole Caves
As long as 60,000 years ago Wookey Hole (2mi/3km northwest of Wells), an impressive series of natural caves, offered shelter to wild animals. From the Stone and Iron Ages to the time of the Romans they were inhabited by humans. Water from the River Avon has caused sinter terraces and lakes to form in these enormous dripstone grottoes. Many of the weird limestone formations almost bring to life old legends surrounding witches and ghosts.At the site there is also a Victorian papermill demonstrating traditional papermaking methods as well as a mirror maze and penny arcade.
Wookey Hole - Papermill
A small museum exhibiting archaeological finds, a papermill, The Fairground Museum Collection and Madame Tussaud's Collection (a macabre collection of wax heads) are among the attractions here.
The Time-Trail of Roses
The Time-Trail of Roses is a heritage rose garden. It is a fragrant paradise for rose-lovers and garden historians with over 1,500 varieties planted chronologically amidst a blend of herbs, bulbs and fruit.
