The best city hikes and walks around Mendip

Nestled in the heart of Somerset, The Bishop's Palace is a magnificent 13th-century medieval residence that has served as the official home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Surrounded by impressive stone ramparts and a picturesque, swan-inhabited moat fed by natural thermal springs, the estate offers a breathtaking glimpse into ecclesiastical history. Entering via the medieval gatehouse and drawbridge reveals 14 acres of beautifully manicured, tranquil grounds. Visitors can explore the meditative well pools—the very natural springs that gave the historic city of Wells its name—alongside vibrant herbaceous borders and the romantic, ivy-clad ruins of the Great Hall. The palace seamlessly blends centuries of architectural heritage with quiet, natural elegance. The resident mute swans even add a charming touch to the experience, famously trained to ring a bell near the gatehouse when they are hungry. It is a wonderfully peaceful destination that invites guests to slow down and immerse themselves in a quintessential slice of English history.

Also known as the hot fuzz fountain....The Scene: Early in the film, when the high-achieving Metropolitan Police officer Nicholas Angel first arrives in the fictional village of Sandford, he meets his new partner, Danny Butterman. Shortly after, Danny drunkenly reverses his car right into the market cross and fountain in the town square. Real vs. Movie: The historic fountain and market cross are entirely real, fully intact, and sit right at the heart of Wells Market Place—which served as the primary backdrop for Sandford's town square scenes and the film's climactic shootout.

Nestled in Somerset, The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is a remarkable 13th-century medieval residence that has served as the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Surrounded by magnificent stone ramparts, the estate is perhaps most famous for its picturesque, swan-inhabited moat, which is fed by natural thermal springs. Visitors love strolling along the shaded, tree-lined paths beside the water, where the resident mute swans are famously trained to ring a bell near the gatehouse when they are hungry for a snack. Crossing the drawbridge leads you into 14 acres of tranquil, beautifully manicured grounds. Highlights include the meditative, crystal-clear well pools that gave the historic city of Wells its name, vibrant herbaceous borders, and the romantic, ivy-clad ruins of the medieval Great Hall. Inside, the palace seamlessly blends centuries of ecclesiastical history with quiet elegance. It is a wonderfully peaceful destination that invites visitors to slow down, explore centuries of heritage, and enjoy a quintessential slice of English history.

the City Arms is a charming and traditional public house conveniently located right on High Street in the historic heart of Wells. Housed in a building with plenty of character, it offers a warm, welcoming retreat for locals and visitors alike after a day of exploring the nearby cathedral or market square. Historic Setting: Located in a historic property along one of the city's main thoroughfares, the pub retains a cozy, authentic British atmosphere with plenty of traditional charm. Drinks & Socializing: It serves as a popular social gathering spot, offering a solid selection of cask ales, beers, ciders, and wines, making it an ideal place to unwind. Central Location: Its prime High Street position makes it an easy stop to pop into while wandering around England's smallest city. Victorian Roots: Built in the Victorian era, the property was originally constructed to maintain law and order in England's smallest city, complete with holding cells that have since been repurposed into parts of the pub's unique interior. Architectural Character: Over the years, the building transitioned from a center of local justice into a beloved community hub, retaining much of its imposing, solid stone architecture and historic charm. Modern Hospitality: Today, it blends its storied past with a relaxed atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to dine and socialize in rooms that once echoed with courtroom trials and local policing.

The historic heart of England's smallest city, Wells Market Place serves as the bustling commercial and social hub of Wells. Framed by striking historic architecture, independent shops, and cozy cafes, it offers visitors a wonderful blend of medieval heritage and vibrant everyday life. Historic Atmosphere: Surrounded by centuries-old buildings, the square retains much of its historic character and provides direct access to the famous Wells Market, which hosts lively stalls twice a week. Central Landmarks: The square sits just steps away from major civic buildings like the Wells City Council at the Town Hall, and acts as a natural gateway to nearby iconic sights like Wells Cathedral. Visitor Hub: For those looking to plan their stay, the Visit Wells information point nearby helps visitors navigate local attractions, walking trails, and events.

Loaf is a highly regarded artisan bakery and café located on Market Street in Wells. Renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on quality, local ingredients, it is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking for exceptional baked goods, coffee, or a light meal. Artisan Sourdough & Pastries: The bakehouse is famous for its hand-crafted sourdough loaves, morning buns, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal pastries, all baked fresh daily. Brunch & Lunch Menu: Beside takeaway treats, they offer a thoughtfully curated seated menu featuring inventive toasties, breakfast bowls, and savory tarts that showcase local Somerset produce. Specialty Coffee & Atmosphere: Serving expertly pulled specialty coffee, the interior offers a warm, welcoming vibe with simple, rustic decor perfect for catching up with friends or taking a quiet break.

The cloisters at Wells Cathedral are a beautifully preserved, tranquil quadrangle adjoining the south side of the nave. Unlike many other English medieval cathedrals, Wells was never a monastery; it was a secular cathedral run by canons. As a result, the cloisters were designed less for solitary monastic living and more for formal processions, administration, and quiet study. Architectural Evolution: The present structures were largely built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The eastern walk is the oldest, while the upper floor of the west walk houses the Chained Library, which still retains books secured to desks with iron chains. Intricate Vaulting & Carvings: As you walk through the passages, look up at the elegant Perpendicular Gothic lierne vaulting, decorated with intricately carved stone bosses depicting foliage, angels, and heraldic shields. The Garth: The open central courtyard—known as the Garth—features a peaceful lawn and houses the Camery Well, one of the ancient natural springs that gave the city of Wells its name.

The striking scissor arches inside Wells Cathedral are one of the most remarkable architectural marvels of the medieval world. Designed by master mason William Joy in the 14th century, these unique structural braces were not built merely for decoration—they were a desperate and ingenious engineering solution to a critical crisis. Structural Rescue: When the central tower was heightened in the early 1300s, the underlying foundations and piers began to sink and crack under the massive weight, threatening the entire structure with collapse. The Scissor Design: To prevent disaster, massive inverted arches were constructed crossing the crossing space, creating a distinctive X-shape resembling an open pair of scissors that brilliantly redistributed the heavy loads. Aesthetic Triumph: What began as a purely functional emergency measure has evolved into a breathtaking visual icon, celebrated by visitors and architectural historians alike for its futuristic, almost organic Gothic grace.