Wells wins UK small city title

Wells, a city in Somerset with a population of roughly 12,000, has been named the best small city to visit in the United Kingdom. Readers of Which? magazine selected the town after evaluating accessibility, visual appeal, attractions, cultural landmarks, accommodation, and affordability. The city received a five-star rating and achieved an overall customer score of 87% in the survey.

The selection places Wells above other contenders in the region, including Bath, which is located just to the north. Although the city sits on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, it is technically the second-smallest independent city in England, trailing only the City of London. Its compact size allows visitors to explore major sites on foot without the need for extensive transit.

The city's status is largely defined by its 850-year-old cathedral, which serves as the seat of the Bishops of Bath and Wells. Built between 1175 and 1490, the structure is the first in England to be built in the Gothic style. It contains more than 300 sculptures and houses Britain's oldest functioning mechanical clock. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Bishop's Palace and Gardens remain open to the public.

Vicar's Close, located next to the cathedral, is described as the only complete medieval street in England. Constructed in the 14th century under Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, the street was originally built to house members of the Wells Cathedral Choir. The bishop created the residence to prevent choir members from staying out late in the town center. The street originally featured 42 identical homes, but many were combined after the Reformation allowed vicars to marry. Today, 27 properties remain, all continuously occupied since the mid-1300s.

Visitors to the Market Place can find 50 to 60 independent traders on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The market has operated under a medieval charter for more than 800 years. The area also appears in the film Hot Fuzz, where Wells doubled for the fictional village of Sandford. Recognizable locations include the Swan Hotel and the corner shop used for the Cornetto scene.

The city offers approximately two dozen pubs for visitors. The Sheep & Penguin is noted for its craft beer selection and a recently renovated garden. The Fountain Inn on St Thomas Street provides a period interior with leather sofas and antiques. For those traveling beyond the city center, The Sheppey Inn on the Somerset Levels offers a riverside terrace with local cider.

The next step for the city involves maintaining the high standard of service that earned it the top score. The market schedule remains unchanged, with trading hours set from 9am to 3pm on market days.