The idyllic city of Wells in Somerset is fast becoming Britain’s best-loved staycation spot thanks to its stunning cathedral, picturesque surroundings and relaxing springs.
Though settlement has a population of just 12,000, Wells received city status on account of its Grade I listed Gothic cathedral.
Originally built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral bestows city status to the surrounding area, as confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.
There is technically a smaller city in England, as just 8,583 people live within the bounds of the City of London.
Swans in Bishops Palace moat in Wells, Somerset.
PA
St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is the smallest city in the UK with a population of 1,851 residents.
An ancient city filled to the brim with arts, crafts and spotting activities, Wells found unlikely fame through the blockbuster film, Hot Fuzz, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in 2007.
Wells city councillor, Sarah Powell, said: “There’s a really good community here, it’s small enough for people to know each other well.
“There are plenty of things to see and experience like the cathedral as well as food, comedy and theatre festivals.
People walk along Vicars Close in Wells, Somerset.
PA
“It’s also great for those who like nature, there’s lots of country walks so for people who like the outdoors it’s just a great place to live.”
Although the wells are not professed to possess any magical healing powers, they have become an attraction for those wishing to experience a change of pace and relaxation.
With accessible transport links, the city of Wells has become a favourite for those wishing to escape the capital for a long weekend.
Wells has been described as one of the most stunning places in the country by the Sunday Times.
Councillor for Wells and owner of local restaurant The Bishop’s Eye, Louis Agabani, said: “I've been in Wells for over 20 years, we moved here from central London and it's full of space.
Gaia, Luke Jerram's seven-metre-wide replica of the earth, created using detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface, suspended in Wells Cathedral, Somerset in November 2022.
PA
“The community is tighter, there’s a very active volunteer community in Wells, Covid made that really clear because it showed how much we all cared for each other.
"It's easy to live here, you don't really need a car, supermarkets, cafes, bars, everything you need is here.
“The cultural community is huge, it attracts lots of well-known celebs, we have a great state school and one of four music colleges in the country so it attracts musicians from around the world.”
Wells is also popular due to its proximity to Bath, Stonehenge and Glastonbury, as well as the Wookey Hole Caves and the Mendip Hills.
The flag draped coffin of World War I veteran Harry Patch is carried out of Wells Cathedral by soldiers from The Rifles, after the service in Somerset, in 2009
PA
The City of Wells is home to a range of festivals throughout the year, including the Comedy Festival in May, English Country Garden Festival at Bishop’s Palace in June, and Wells Theatre Festival in July of which Dame Judi Dench and Sir Richard Eyre are patrons.
Wells comes alive in October, with the Festival of Literature and Food Festival kicking off proceedings before the Somerset spectacle of Carnival, a jubilant celebration that takes over the city, closes out the year.
Highly regarded as the largest illuminated procession in the world, the Carnival is the culmination of Wells’ participation in the ‘Magnificent Seven’ Somerset County Guy Fawkes Association circuit.
Carnival clubs work all year round to come up with characters and build carnival carts to parade through the city.