Pictures of Wells Cathedral

a Cathedral in the town of Wells, in the county of Somerset

About Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral is the most perfect example of an ecclesiastical city from the days when the order of life was God, King and country. It is the most superb place, with an exterior showing the finest array of medieval statues to survive from the 12th and 13th centuries in this country. Here, you gaze in wonder at niches containing 365 figures carved from mellow Doulting stone. Soaring skywards are three magnificent towers, although these were not added until later in the 14th and 15th centuries. Even the collection of buildings belonging to the cathedral are spectacular, from the row of cottages crowned with elegant tall chimney pots in Vicars Row, to the dramatic splendour of the walled and moated Bishop's Palace. Around the wide green fronting the cathedral are other church properties, all speak of the wealth and power of the church, which in medieval times was without parallel.

Once inside the cathedral you are immediately overwhelmed by its awesome size and grandeur. In the aisles beneath intricate arches, lie the remains of a long line of Bishops of Wells. The art of the early stone mason is evident as you look down the nave past lofty columns and decorative arcades to the triumphant "Scissor-Arch" at the crossing. This elaborate feature was designed to assist with the weight of further enhancement of the 14th century. In the south transept there is a stone Saxon font. This is still in use today, and is believed to be a relic from the first cathedral. The north transept shows what for many is a complete oddity from the 14th century. It is a painted clock which on the quarter of the hours shows jousting knights and two medieval warriors striking a bell with giant battleaxes. If the cathedral is a wonder, the clock is a delight!

Beautiful medieval glass dapples the glowing stone work in differing shades of light, lending the cathedral a hallowed air of mystery. In these glorious sunlit rays, magnificent woodwork glows and the appearance of brasses, marble and saintly statues becomes more vibrant, so too does the stunning painted roof vault in the beautiful Lady Chapel.

This is a cathedral church you cannot visit too often, for on each return visit you notice something rare and precious that you have not seen before. It is indeed a most marvellous treasure house that is a constant source of fascination and amazement at every turn you make. The sheer beauty of Wells cathedral, blended with its great historical atmosphere makes it a magical place, which is quite beyond compare.

Add attraction to favourites

Submit a history of Wells Cathedral

Recommended attractions near Wells Cathedral

	Bishop's Palace, Wells (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) The Bishop's Palace in the enchanting tiny cathedral city of Wells where there is a predominance of beautiful buildings, is..... Information \| Pictures (2) \| Hotels
	Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill (2.0 miles, 3.3 km, direction NW) These dazzling show caves offer a glittering experience in floodlit chambers deep underground. This is the spiritual home of the..... Information \| Pictures (5) \| Hotels
	Glastonbury Tor (4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction SW) Swirling mists rise over the Somerset Levels, where approaching the town of Glastonbury, suddenly above the mist you catch a..... Information \| Pictures (25) \| Hotels
	The Chalice Well Gardens (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction SW) There are many associations with Chalice Well covering countless centuries; it is a timeless and sacred place, full of legend,..... Information \| Pictures (11) \| Hotels
	Glastonbury Abbey (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction SW) This is believed to be the site of the oldest Christian Church in the world, for centuries it has been the focus of Christian..... Information \| Pictures (80) \| Hotels

All attractions in Somerset
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns & villages near Wells Cathedral

	Wells (0.3 miles, 0.6 km) Wells, situated at the foot of the picturesque mendip hills, is most certainly one of England's most delightful cathedral cities... Information \| Pictures (64) \| Hotels
	Wookey (2.1 miles, 3.3 km, direction W) It is a pleasant resort village made famous by the glittering limestone cavern known as "Wookey Hole" which comprises of several dramatic chambers... Information \| Pictures (5) \| Hotels
	Glastonbury (5.1 miles, 8.3 km, direction SW) This little town now enjoys world renown for its annual music festival which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. None-the-less, this still remains very much a..... Information \| Pictures (72) \| Hotels
	Cheddar (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction NW) Often called 'Englands Grand Canyon' Chedder Gorge was carved out by a river that now runs underground... Information \| Pictures (78) \| Hotels
	Burnham-on-Sea (15.4 miles, 24.9 km, direction W) This invigorating Somerset coastal resort offers visitors a variety of experiences. It has a rich expanse of sand covering almost seven miles of coast, making it an idyllic resort for families with children... Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels

All towns in Somerset
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Castle Cary Station	(8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction SE)
Bruton Station	(10.8 miles, 17.3 km, direction SE)
Bristol International Airport	(12.8 miles, 20.5 km, direction N)
M5 Junction 22	(13.4 miles, 21.6 km, direction W)
M5 Junction 23	(14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction W)
Cardiff International Airport	(33.4 miles, 53.8 km, direction NW)
Wells Cathedral to London	(110.9 miles, 178.4 km, direction E)

Hotels near Wells Cathedral

	Best Western The Swan Hotel Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset, England (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) Situated in England's smallest cathedral city, The Swan provides excellent accommodation and hotel facilities. The Swan makes an ideal base for exploring Somerset. Visit Bath, Bristol, Wookey Hole... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00
	The White Hart Hotel Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset, England (0.3 miles, 0.6 km) The hotel occupies a very desirable position in the heart of the medieval City of Wells. Located at the entrance to the Cathedral Green and just yards away from the ancient Market Place. A 15th Cent... More info and book online.. Price from £85.00
	The Ancient Gatehouse 20 Sadler St, Wells, Somerset, England (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) The Ancient Gate House Hotel is probably one of the oldest and most interesting hotels in England. Its situation is unique - being on the Cathedral Green - facing its beautiful West Front. The atmos... More info and book online.. Price from £67.00
	Beryl Hawkers Lane, Wells, Somerset, England (1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction NE) A small Victorian Gothic mansion, one mile from Wells Cathedral. A warm and friendly welcome awaits every guest in this family-run home. Experience a stay for luxury bed and breakfast at 'Beryl' wit... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	Miller's at Glencot House Glencot Lane, Wells, Somerset, England (1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction NW) Situated just minutes from Wells and nestling at the foot of the Mendip Hills, just where the River Axe emerges from Wookey Hole, Glencot House emerges to capture the hearts of all those who cross her... More info and book online.. Price from £110.00