Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral is one of England’s most beautiful medieval churches and is widely regarded as the first cathedral built in the Early English Gothic style. Construction began around 1175, and over the following centuries the cathedral grew into a masterpiece of architecture, standing at the heart of England’s smallest city. Its honey-coloured stone, elegant towers, and richly decorated façade make it one of Somerset’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral’s west front is a highlight in itself, adorned with hundreds of carved figures depicting kings, saints, angels, and biblical scenes. It is considered one of the finest collections of medieval sculpture in Europe. Inside, visitors are greeted by a magnificent nave filled with natural light and intricate stonework that showcases the skill of medieval craftsmen. One of the cathedral’s most distinctive features is the unique “scissor arches” beneath the central tower. Added in the fourteenth century to strengthen the structure, these remarkable stone arches have become the symbol of Wells Cathedral and are unlike anything found elsewhere in Britain. Another must-see attraction is the famous astronomical clock, dating from the fourteenth century. One of the oldest surviving clocks in the world, it displays the movement of the Sun and Moon, while a set of medieval knights emerges to strike the hours.