Happy return to Wells!

This post is part of a series called Sweet Somerset

*Bishop’s Palace – view from the cathedral*

Preface

I confess to feeling a tinge of sadness when the clock goes back by an hour at the last weekend of October. The summer’s officially over with shorter and rainier days stretching endlessly ahead….

Then, like an impromptu guest appearance in the middle of a dreary play, autumn appeared in its golden robe adorned by an array of whimsical colours to cheer people up! It stole the show to thunderous applause, not least from me and my partner.

We revisited Wells on the very morning after the clock went back. Autumn did not play just a walk-on part; it lingered for a couple of glorious days for us to immerse in the serene beauty of Wells.

All is well that ends in Wells! 😆

The trip didn’t get off to an auspicious start as it bucketed down during our drive. However, it was dry and sunny by the time we arrived in Wells!!

Considering that Wells has as much charm as Bath, the only other city in Somerset, it seems determined to keep out of the limelight.

On the map it’s less prominent than towns like Shepton Mallet or Glastonbury.

On the road, Wells is not as well signposted as other “cathedral cities” like Bath, Salisbury or Winchester.

I am convinced that it’s a deliberate ploy to keep it only for the discerning visitors rather than hordes of tourists!

I last visited Wells on a day trip as recently as in August 2020 (https://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=8318) But like a tasty dish, it drew me back for another helping and to take time to savour it!

The Crown at Wells

The Crown at Wells at Market Place is a Grade II-listed coaching inn, believed to have been built around 1450. Behind the façade of old-world charms, our room was comfortable and modern, with a quirky four-poster bed and fancy bath and shower units.

Our room looked out onto Market Square and the cathedral could be seen from the windows. It means that we were right in the hub of things. Once we parked the car in the car park at the back we didn’t need it until we left.

*View from the window of out room* *at The Crown*

Market Square

Market Square is the focal point of the city. Markets are held here on Wednesday and Saturday selling local produces.

At one end of the square, there’re two gates: the one on the left leading to the Cathedral, the other to Bishop’s Palace. The other end leads to High Street and other charming streets with shops, eateries and medieval buildings

*The Town Hall at Market Square at dawn*

Early in the morning

The benefit of staying in the heart of a tourist destination is to be able to enjoy the freedom of the place with hardly anyone around!

The Crown is ideally situated for us to take morning walks around the Bishop’s Palace moat before breakfast, to enjoy the gentle glow of dawn

Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral always looks majestic under a bright blue sky so how could I resist taking photos of it?!

During this visit, I was in for an additional treat inside the cathedral!

The touring artwork Gaia by Luke Jerram happened to be in Wells Cathedral. The suspended revolving globe was awesome! It’s 7 metres in diameter with imagery of the Earth’s surface and looked as if it’s floating in mid air.

Bishop’s Palace moat

I love the walk along Bishop’s Palace moat. It’s particularly enchanting in the autumn. The recreation ground to the right of the walk with a bandstand was equally charming.

*The recreation ground to the right of the moat*

Bishop’s Palace and Grounds

As guests at The Crown, we got a 20% discount off the entrance fee. It was the first time we visited the Palace, and what a fascinating place it was! I was surprised how quickly 2 hours went by when we were there!

The grounds and gardens

*Bishop’s Palace – view from the Rampart*

There’re 2 pairs of glass wings in the garden of Bishop’s Palace – by Edgar Phillip. The one in stained glass is children’s size and the other plain one is for adult angels like me!