How to visit and what to see at Wells Cathedral (England): schedules

My first contact with the wells cathedral It was several years ago during a trip through england

We arrived at this beautiful town in the county of Somerset, in the south of England, and we were totally surprised by the beautiful scene of the western façade of the temple in front of a large green meadow completely empty of people.

The warm evening light greatly highlighted the beauty of this enormous façade where up to 365 sculptures representing kings and nobles are displayed almost at their natural size.

In short, one of those almost magical moments that you will always remember after a trip.

Now in the most recent trip through the south of england I did not want to stop seeing that image again, so the Wells visit I incorporated it into the route.

To ensure this effect I made the travel plan so that I would reach Wells also at dusk so that the circumstances were similar...and the magical moment was repeated.

Is this why it is said that Wells Cathedral is the most poetics from England?

Having arrived in Wells on a sunny day, when, as usual in the towns of england Even though it is summer, around six in the afternoon there were almost no people on the streets.

And the wells cathedral It appeared majestic again, with its large façade illuminated by the warm light of the evening.

The moment was worth it, although the temple was about to close and there was no time to do the interior visit, which was for the next day.

Curiosities about the history of Wells Cathedral

I will tell you that the wells cathedral It was built between 1175 and 1260 in the so-called early english gothic style, although it was not completely completed until the end of the 15th century as we can see it now.

In addition to its spectacular western façade, the wells cathedral It has other characteristics that make it an essential visit on a trip through this area of ​​England.

What to see when visiting Wells Cathedral

So, when you enter the central nave your eyes will go to the central arches that cross it in the shape of scissors, which visually divide the image of the interior.

These arches separate the first part of the nave that reaches the transept, from the back part where the choir and the main altar area are located, with its large stained glass windows and the roof with octagonal shapes.

Wells Cathedral Chapter House

Another very prominent element of interior of wells cathedral is undoubtedly the Chapter Room, which located on a higher level you have to reach by a wide staircase.

This room from the year 1306 has an octagonal shape, with 32 ribs that from the ceiling are concentrated in a central column. Without a doubt, a corner of great beauty.

Another place that will catch your attention is the garden that is located behind the cloister and next to the cathedral building.

In this garden you will find archaeological remains of the temples that preceded the current cathedral.

On an information panel you can see the delimitation of the various temples, from the first of Roman origin between the 1st and 5th centuries.

Then, at the beginning of the 8th century, a first Saxon church was built dedicated to San Andres, to have an important expansion in the 11th century.

Between the 12th and 13th centuries there was a first cathedral, already in the early english gothic style, to finally build the current temple, although its orientation was modified.

Wells Cathedral Visiting Hours

The times to visit Wells Cathedral They are under normal conditions, from April to September, from 7 in the morning to 7 in the afternoon, and the rest of the year, it closes at 6 in the afternoon, although in this time of pandemic, it is only open from 11 a.m. to 15 p.m. hours.

You have to keep in mind that the Chapter Room It closes at 5 in the afternoon.

Entry is free, but they suggest a donation of £6.

You can also sign up for one of the Guided tours of Wells Cathedral, which is carried out English enat free tours daily to the most complete tours of the most notable corners of the monument.

Photos of Wells Cathedral

Here you have more photos of wells cathedral, its beautiful western façade, its interior, including the Chapter Room, And cloister.