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A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Wells’ Cloisters and Cathedrals
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
50 Minutes to 1 Hours 10 Minutes
Mobile ticket
Overview
Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Wells. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll savour Wells' charm, where dragon slayers and medieval streets meet.
I’ll tell you about the heroic dragon-slaying bishop, Bishop Jocelin, and how the town commemorates this dramatic event every 50 years to prevent the mythical creatures’ return. At Wells Cathedral, you’ll hear about spectacular Palm Sunday processions to the cathedral, where the religious community dresses up in their cassocks, surplices, and copes. The tour ends at the Wells Market Cross & Fountain, where I’ll tell you how William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, once addressed 3,000 people at a nearby pub.
At the end of this tour, you’ll have discovered Wells’ charming streets and the delightful folklore hidden around every corner. I’ll also tell you how Wells is a favourite filming destination for British studios and let you in on some famous productions filmed here.
What's Included
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
- The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Select a meeting point
What To Expect
As you start the tour in front of the Town Hall, you’ll see the grand Georgian Assembly Rooms, where high society once gathered to dance and dine. This historic building still serves as the heart of civic life in Wells today.
• Admission Ticket Free
As you walk past The Crown at Wells, take in the charm of this historic inn where William Penn once addressed a large crowd. The attached Anton’s Bistrot offers a cozy spot to consider stopping for a meal later.
• Admission Ticket Free
Passing by the Wells Market Cross & Fountain, you’ll learn about its significance as a historical gathering point for the local community. This area has been a focal point for markets and public events for centuries.
• Admission Ticket Free
Walking through the Penniless Porch, you’ll hear the story behind its name, which relates to its history as a shelter for the destitute. This medieval gatehouse marks the entrance to the cathedral precincts.
• Admission Ticket Free
Wells Cathedral
As you approach Wells Cathedral, marvel at the stunning West Front with 127 medieval statues. This magnificent building has been a worship site for over 800 years and is renowned for its impressive architecture. You can pause here to hear the medieval clock chime. Its unique design features armoured knights that joust every quarter-hour, providing a delightful spectacle.
• Admission Ticket Free
Vicar's Close
Walking along Vicars’ Close, Europe's oldest continuously occupied residential street, you’ll appreciate the well-preserved medieval architecture. This charming street has housed the cathedral’s clergy for centuries.
• Admission Ticket Free
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
As you stroll past the Bishop's Palace & Gardens, you’ll see the majestic ruins of the Great Hall and the serene 14-acre gardens. This historic site has been the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years.
• Admission Ticket Free
Passing through the Bishop's Eye, you’ll understand its role as a fortified medieval gatehouse. Its imposing structure once protected the bishop’s residence and controlled access to the city.
• Admission Ticket Free
Near the end of the tour, you’ll find the Dragon Mosaic, a tribute to the legendary dragon-slaying bishop Jocelin. This colourful artwork commemorates the local folklore and adds a whimsical touch to the city’s rich history.
• Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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