Wells Named UK's Top Small City After Reader Poll
The Somerset town scored 87% in a Which? survey, beating rivals on accessibility and value.
By Yuki Kaminski ·
Wells has been named the best small city to visit in the United Kingdom.
Readers of Which? magazine awarded the town five stars for accessibility, visual appeal, attractions, cultural landmarks, accommodation, and affordability. The city achieved a customer score of 87%, the highest in the survey. The publication noted that despite a population of approximately 12,000, Wells holds official city status due to its 850-year-old cathedral.
The Wells Cathedral, built between 1175 and 1490, serves as the seat of the Bishops of Bath and Wells. It was the first cathedral in England constructed in the Gothic style. Visitors can also access the Bishop's Palace and Gardens, located opposite the main structure. Adjacent to these sites is Vicar's Close, described as the only complete medieval street in England.
Vicar's Close remains the oldest residential street in Europe. It has been continuously occupied since the mid-1300s. The street was built under Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury to house adult members of the Wells Cathedral Choir. The bishop created the residence to prevent choir members from drinking late in the town centre. Originally, the street contained 42 identical single-occupant homes. After the Reformation allowed vicars to marry, some units were combined to accommodate families. Today, 27 properties remain.
The city also features more than 300 sculptures and Britain's oldest functioning mechanical clock. Film enthusiasts may recognize locations from the 2007 comedy Hot Fuzz, which used Wells as the fictional village of Sandford. The Swan Hotel, a local corner shop, and the Market Place served as filming sites. The Market Place hosts a weekly market every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Operating under a medieval charter for over 800 years, the market features 50 to 60 independent traders selling bric-a-brac and produce. The city contains around two dozen pubs, including The Sheep & Penguin and The Fountain Inn. The Fountain Inn is noted for its period interior, leather sofas, and antiques. Wells is located 48 minutes from Bristol on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills.
The survey results place Wells ahead of other small UK cities based on reader feedback regarding ease of navigation and value for money. The town is technically the second-smallest city in England, behind the City of London. Its compact size allows visitors to explore major landmarks on foot.
