Wells Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Wells Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Wells packs an impressive amount of history and beauty into England's smallest city. The magnificent Wells Cathedral (BA5 2UE) dominates the landscape with its striking West Front featuring over 300 medieval statues. It's open 7am-7pm most days and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Next door, The Bishop's Palace (BA5 2PD) offers 14 acres of gardens surrounded by a moat where swans ring a bell for food - a tradition dating back 150 years. Open 10am-4pm daily, visitors rate it 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Vicars' Close, built in the 14th century, is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in Europe. The perfectly preserved medieval houses create a stunning photo opportunity that's completely free to visit.

Wells Market Place hosts markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We love browsing the local produce stalls before grabbing coffee at one of the independent cafés. The historic Crown Inn pub stands where the crown was supposedly hidden during Monmouth's Rebellion in 1685.

Pet Friendly

Wells welcomes four-legged visitors with open arms. The Bishop's Palace gardens allow dogs on leads throughout the grounds, making it a brilliant spot for a morning walk before returning to your hot tub cottage.

The surrounding Mendip Hills offer endless walking opportunities. We recommend the 4-mile circular route from Wells to Dulcote, which takes you through woodland and across fields with minimal road walking.

For dog-friendly dining, The Globe Inn (BA5 2QE) has a spacious beer garden and welcomes dogs inside too. They even keep treats behind the bar! Alternatively, Twentyone café (BA5 2RB) in the market square provides water bowls and outdoor seating.

Most Wells beaches require dogs to be on leads during summer, but Berrow Beach has year-round dog-friendly sections. It's about 30 minutes' drive but worth it for a sandy day out where your dog can run free.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Wells

Wells Cathedral Clock (BA5 2UE) is an astronomical marvel dating from 1390. On the quarter-hour, jousting knights chase each other while a small figure hits the bells. It's the second-oldest clock mechanism in Britain and still works after 600+ years. The Cathedral guides give excellent explanations of its workings daily between 10am-3pm.

Wookey Hole Caves (BA5 1BB) lie just 2 miles from Wells city centre. These spectacular limestone caves feature underground lakes and rock formations millions of years old. Beyond the caves, there's a dinosaur park, mirror maze and Victorian penny arcade. A recent visitor wrote: "The cave tour guides make this place special - ours had us laughing throughout while teaching us loads." Open 10am-5pm daily.

Ebbor Gorge (BA5 1AY) offers a wilder experience just outside Wells. This nature reserve features woodland trails leading to dramatic limestone cliffs. The main circular walk takes about an hour, with stunning views across Somerset from the top. The paths can get muddy after rain, so proper footwear is essential before heading back to your hot tub!

Is Wells worth visiting for a weekend?

Absolutely! You can see the main city sights in a day, but a weekend gives you time to explore the surrounding countryside too. With your hot tub cottage as a base, you can combine city exploration with rural walks.

When is the best time to visit Wells?

Wells is lovely year-round, but May-September offers the best weather for exploring. The Wells Festival of Literature happens in October, while the Cathedral hosts special Christmas concerts in December.

How far is Wells from Bath?

Bath is just 20 miles from Wells, making it an easy day trip. The 173 bus takes about an hour, or it's a 40-minute drive.

Are there good restaurants in Wells?

Despite its small size, Wells has excellent dining options. Goodfellows (BA5 2AE) serves outstanding seafood, while The Greek Taverna (BA5 2RF) offers authentic Mediterranean dishes. For pub grub, try The City Arms (BA5 2RB).

Can I get around Wells without a car?

The city centre is compact and walkable. For trips to Wookey Hole or Cheddar, local buses run regularly. Taxis are available but booking ahead is recommended, especially for evening returns to your hot tub cottage.

What's the parking situation in Wells?

The main car parks are at Union Street (BA5 2PU) and South Street (BA5 1SL). Both charge around £6 for all-day parking. Some cottages offer private parking - worth checking when booking.

Some helpful links:

1. Wells Cathedral official website
2. The Bishop's Palace information and tickets
3. Wookey Hole Caves booking
4. National Trust Ebbor Gorge walking routes