Wells (let’s visit England’s smallest city)
Wells is a beautiful tiny city, though surprisingly it doesn’t have a train station (there used to be one, but no more). The closest station is Castle Cary (a small town 24 miles south of Bath, which lies between the Mendip Hills and Blackmore Vale).
The city is named after three wells (springs), located in the gardens Bishop’s Palace (home to bishops for over 800 years). The 14 acres of peaceful gardens surround Vicar’s Close (Europe’s oldest residential street, built in the 14th century).
Wells Cathedral was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, known for its unique scissor arches and over 300 carved statues on its West Front. The soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows fill the space with colour, and the Chapter House Stairs are known for their worn stone steps.
The Strawberry Line Path
The Strawberry Line Path is a converted 10-mile railway track near Wells. It stretches from Yatton to Cheddar, with shorter sections like the 2 miles from Wells to Dulcote through ancient woodland, with spectacular views of the cathedral. All routes are wheelchair-friendly (save a steep lane at Axbridge)
Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).
