The best city hikes and walks in Somerset

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.

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.

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.

Nestled in Somerset, The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is a breathtaking 13th-century medieval residence. Surrounded by a tranquil, swan-inhabited moat, it offers visitors an enchanting glimpse into history. The estate spans 14 acres of stunning, beautifully manicured grounds. Highlights include the meditative well pools, vibrant herbaceous borders, and romantic ruins of the Great Hall. It is a wonderfully peaceful destination that effortlessly blends centuries of heritage with vibrant, natural beauty.

Nice and well-organized place.

A beautiful city worth seeing, which despite its fame has not lost its charm - the absolute highlight of course is the cathedral 🥰

This was an advert for the vanHeusen factory, painted on the water tank at the top of the pumping station building.

Always lovely to see these and walk up to the small hidden path at the top which takes you onto the road. If you are lucky sometimes you can hear the music students practising as you walk by.