The UK’s best town to visit has been named by Which? and it’s a beautiful medieval destination that has been used as a filming location for many Hollywood films including Hot Fuzz and the Dungeons and Dragons movie
A ‘beautiful’ market town has been hailed as the UK’s ‘best’ place to visit.
Wells in Somerset is a medieval gem that has been named the UK’s best non-seaside town, even though technically, it’s not a town at all. The settlement is often referred to as England’s smallest city, due to its 12,000 population who live in the shadow of its magnificent, city-status making cathedral.
Although it is eight times bigger than Britain’s dinkiest city – St David’s in Wales – Wells is a charming, quiet place that has now been crowned the best inland town in Britain by Which? It received top marks for attractiveness and tourist activities after a survey of members.
Film buffs might recognise Wells as the backdrop for the fictional village of Sandford in the hit film Hot Fuzz, featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost alongside a host of other British stars, reports the Express. Iconic film locations like the Swan Hotel, the corner shop famed for Cornettos, and the marketplace where the climactic gunfight unfolds are all real spots fans can explore.
But Wells isn’t just a one-hit wonder; it’s become a hot pick for Hollywood, appearing in TV series Doctor Who, Wolf Hall, and the upcoming Dungeons and Dragons movie. It would be wrong to be deceived by its quaint, movie-backdrop worthy appearance however.
Wells is packed with entertainment options, perfect for holidays, weekend breaks, or a simple day trip. The Wells Cathedral, situated in the city’s heart and known as England’s first Gothic cathedral, is a must-visit. This grand structure took three centuries to construct and is worth seeing for its architecture alone.
It houses more than 300 sculptures, Britain’s oldest working mechanical clock from the 14th century, and offers daily tours to delve into the city’s rich history. A stone’s throw away from the cathedral is the historic Wells Market Place. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it’s a spot to pick up fresh produce, sweet treats, and homemade crafts.
For those with a keen eye for photography, Vicar’s Close is a must-see. As Europe’s oldest residential street, it boasts beautiful stone brick homes, a cobblestone street, and an incredible view of the cathedral – making it an unforgettable stop on your visit. After sightseeing, make sure to visit the Wells and Mendip Museum. Founded by renowned Victorian geologist Herbert Balch in 1893, it showcases a remarkable collection of artefacts from the nearby Mendip Hills and exhibitions that shed light on the city’s history.
For those who fancy a hike, Glastonbury Tor is the place to be. This ruined tower near Wells, mentioned in Celtic mythology and the King Arthur legends, offers a tranquil countryside walk with stunning views. After a jam-packed day of exploring, tourists can pop into the Swan Hotel, which not only starred in Hot Fuzz but also boasts a restaurant serving up classic British dishes and afternoon tea.
The City Arms is another must-visit – this snug pub sits in the city’s former jail and is reputedly the city’s most haunted watering hole. But don’t let that deter you, as it’s also renowned for its selection of ale, ciders and mouth-watering pub grub. This charming city has plenty to offer visitors and it has earned rave reviews on Trip Advisor. One satisfied tourist branded it as “well worth the visit.”
Their glowing review read: “The cathedral is an amazing and beautiful building. The centre of Wells is also interesting and well worth exploring. As an added bonus, there’s a great market in the square each Saturday.-artisan foods and crafts.” Another delighted visitor penned: “This is a lovely place to spend the day, especially on market day. There are lots of independent shops including coffee shops and the Crown hotel offers lovely lunches that are reasonably priced.”
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