Wells, a small cathedral city in Somerset, has played a remarkable role in England’s religious and cultural history. Beyond its stunning Gothic architecture and charming streets, Wells was a key stop on historic pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages. These routes connected towns and religious sites across England, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfillment, healing, and connection.

Visitors exploring Wells today can trace these historic pathways, discovering how the city’s churches, wells, and streets shaped religious life and influenced the development of the region.

Wells and Its Pilgrimage Significance

• Spiritual landmarks: The city is home to Wells Cathedral, one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture. Pilgrims traveled from near and far to see its intricate stonework, stained glass, and sacred relics.
• Holy wells: Wells derives its name from the springs that supplied the city. Pilgrims often visited these waters, believed to hold healing properties.
• Proximity to other pilgrimage sites: Wells was connected via routes leading to Glastonbury, Bath, and other sacred destinations, forming a network of spiritual travel in medieval England.

Visitors today can walk through streets that once carried pilgrims, offering a tangible sense of the city’s spiritual and cultural importance.

Historic Streets and Pilgrimage Paths

Certain areas in Wells retain traces of their medieval significance:

• Cathedral Close: The precinct around Wells Cathedral was a focal point for pilgrims, offering accommodation, worship, and marketplaces.
• Market Place and High Street: These streets provided goods, services, and guidance for travelers on their spiritual journeys.
• Vicinity to holy wells: Small springs and wells scattered through the city were integrated into pilgrimage practices, blending faith with the natural landscape.

Visitors can trace these routes on foot, combining sightseeing with a deeper understanding of Wells’ historical role in medieval England.

Why Visitors Will Love It

• Architectural and spiritual heritage: Explore the Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace, and medieval streets imbued with history.
• Quiet, reflective spaces: Wells offers a slower pace compared to larger cities, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical atmosphere.
• Cultural immersion: Walking historic paths lets visitors connect with centuries of tradition and discover hidden corners of the city.
• Photogenic medieval streets: The combination of stone buildings, cobbled streets, and historic wells makes Wells ideal for photography and leisurely exploration.

1–2 Day Wells Walking Itinerary

Day One – Cathedral and Historic Core

• Morning: Start at Wells Cathedral, exploring its Gothic architecture and stained glass.
• Lunch: Enjoy a café lunch nearby in the Market Place.
• Afternoon: Stroll the Cathedral Close and surrounding streets, admiring medieval buildings and historic wells.
• Evening: Walk along the High Street, taking in shops, architecture, and the tranquil atmosphere of this historic city.

Day Two – Pilgrimage Paths and Hidden Corners

• Morning: Follow streets that were part of historic pilgrimage routes towards the Bishop’s Palace and gardens.
• Lunch: Picnic in a quiet corner of the Palace grounds or enjoy a local café.
• Afternoon: Explore vicinity to holy wells and hidden alleyways, tracing routes pilgrims once took.
• Evening: Finish with a reflective stroll through Market Place, soaking in the city’s history and charm.

Stay in Wells with Pass the Keys

After exploring Wells’ historic pilgrimage routes, staying with Pass the Keys Wells offers a comfortable and central base. Their properties allow visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s heritage, combining convenience with modern comfort.

Whether you choose a period townhouse near the Cathedral or a cosy apartment tucked into the city centre, Pass the Keys ensures your stay is welcoming, convenient, and authentic, letting you experience Wells as both a historic site and a living community.