Wells Cathedral
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Vicar's Close, adjacent
to the Cathedral
Is the oldest complete continuously inhabited medieval
street in Europe. It was started in 1348 to provide 42 bachelor dwellings for the
"Vicar's Choral", the men of
the choir and the cornerstone of the city's great and
enduring musical tradition.
Each house contained one room downstairs and another upstairs, linked by a rear
turret. |
Bishop’s Palace & Garden & City Gates
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The Bishop's Palace, protected
by high defensive wall, a moat and gatehouse with drawbrige and portcullis, has
been home to the Bishops
of Bath and Wells for 800 years and is probably the most
perfect and complete surviving example of a medieval bishop's palace. The state rooms and gardens are open to the public on certain days. The swans on the moat
ask for food by ringing a bell near the drawbridge.
www.bishopspalacewells.co.uk
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City Gates
Browne’s Gate and Penniless Porch give access
to the Cathedral whilst the Bishop’s Eye enters the Palace area.
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Markets & Fairs
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The Market Place lies at the heart
of the city and is flanked by historic buildings including the Town Hall, built
in 1779.
Traditional open-air markets take place here on a Wednesday and Saturday with an interesting
array from over 50 stall holders.
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Shopping & City Walks
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Delight in visiting the many independant shops in the quaint streets that
surround our historic city centre.
Break for lunch and take your pick from the pubs and quality restaurants that abound.
Then enjoy a scenic walk following our self-guided city trail leaflet (available
from Tourist Information Office).
Click here to browse
Wells Shopping Guide.
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Nearby Attractions
Wells is ideally situated within easy reach of Glastonbury, Bristol
and Bath.
Many attractions are a short drive away, including:
The Mendip Hills
This ancient fabulous range of hills is a designated
Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty.
Full details from the Charterhouse Centre at
www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
Outdoor Pursuits:
Active Mendip
provide activities including
gliding, ballooning, 4 x 4 extreme,
caving, shooting, etc. www.activemendip.co.uk
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