Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chain Gate, Cathedral Green. &   01749/674483. www.wellscathedral.org.uk. Free admission, but dona-
tions appreciated: £5.50 adults, £4 seniors, £2.50 students and children. Apr-Sept daily 7am-7pm;
Oct-Mar daily 7am-6pm. Guided tours hourly 10am-3pm Mon-Sat.
Where to Eat
The best central spot for a casual pint and a meal that's a notch above typical pub
grub is Wells's former jail, now the City Arms, 69 High St ( &   01749/673916;
www.thecityarmsatwells.com). Main courses range from £8 to £14.
Goodfellows FRENCH/SEAFOOD Take your pick between fine fish dining or
an eclectic lunchtime cafe menu at this central restaurant with a split-personality.
The short, French-influenced seafood menu is the better choice; it changes according
to the freshest catch, but might include the likes of gray mullet with cucumber spa-
ghetti, fried garlic, and a dill butter sauce, and always offers meat options such as
confit of duck with roasted autumn vegetables. The decor isn't noteworthy, but small
details like attentive service and a bread basket baked inhouse each morning ensure
a consistently excellent dining experience.
5 Sadler St. &   01749/673866. www.goodfellowswells.co.uk. Reservations recommended. Main
courses £11-£22; cafe set-menus £10 and £15 including a glass of wine. MC, V. Tues-Sat midday-2pm,
Wed-Sat 6:30-9:30pm.
Where to Stay
The Crown at Wells This landmark building lies right on the Market Place in
the heart of Wells, and has been used for overnighting since medieval times. The
building retains most of its 15th-century character, although the bedrooms are com-
pletely up to date—in fact, many are furnished in a vaguely Nordic contemporary
style with chunky light-oak furniture. For a more traditional feel, ask for one of a
quartet of “suites” graced with four-posters. Rooms at the front of the building over-
look the atmospheric, but occasionally noisy, Market Place.
Market Place, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RP. www.crownatwells.co.uk. &   01749/673457. Fax 01749/679792.
15 units. £95 double; £115 suite. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; 2 bars. In room: TV/DVD, CD player,
hair dryer, no phone, Wi-Fi (free).
Swan Hotel Set behind a mustard-colored facade, this place was originally built
in the 1400s as a coaching inn. Rooms vary in style and size, and have been undergo-
ing a rolling process of conversion from traditional to contemporary-edged decor;
some have four-poster beds, and the luxurious Cathedral Suite with its panoramic
windows facing Wells Cathedral might just be the best hotel room in Somerset. The
spacious and elegant public areas, renovated in 2010, have blazing, baronial fire-
places and beamed ceilings. Insider tip: The front terrace smack in front of the cathe-
dral is the best-located place in town for a morning coffee.
11 Sadler St., Wells, Somerset BA5 2RX. www.bestwestern.co.uk. &   01749/836300, or 800/528-1234
in the U.S. and Canada. Fax 01749/836301. 48 units. £140-£188 double; £300 Cathedral Suite. Rates
include English breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; room service.
In room: TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
Side Trips to the Mendip Caves
Cheddar Caves & Gorge HISTORIC SITE The town that gave its name
to a cheese, Cheddar lies at the foot of Cheddar Gorge, under which lie the Cheddar
Caves, underground caverns with impressive formations and plenty of fun, educa-
tional commentary. The caves were inhabited by Stone Age tribes, but the miles of
8
 
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