Wells in Somerset is an ancient cathedral city in the picturesque district of Mendip, set in the heart of rural Somerset. It is known as England’s smallest city – the 2011 census recorded a population of 10,536 (4,882 males & 5,654 females). The findings from the 2021 Census which took place on 21 March 2021 will be released in stages over the next year.
The beautiful city of Wells is named after the springs (or wells) which rise within the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace. The medieval lanes within the city contain original unspoilt buildings, while the water supply, granted by Bishop Bekynton to the town in 1451, still gurgles down the sides of the High Street. Wells City Council is housed in the lovely Grade II listed Town Hall, (a popular venue for weddings and events) close to the stunning moated Bishop’s Palace and iconic Wells Cathedral.
The Wells and Mendip Museum is situated adjacent to the Cathedral. It is a registered charity and an accredited member of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. The Wells City Archives are located at The Wells and Mendip Museum, along with exhibits which include items of local history and archaeological finds. Explore the natural history, geology and heritage of Wells and the Mendip Hills.
Bustling markets are held twice weekly in the historic Market Place, continuing a tradition dating back nearly 900 years, to when Wells was granted weekly markets in the city’s first charter. The City of Wells is twinned with Paray-Le-Monial in France; Bad Durkheim in Germany and Fontanellato in Italy. For more information about the history of Wells in Somerset click here.
City of Wells Almshouses – Trustee Opportunities
The City of Wells Almshouses (CWA) is looking to widen the range of skills and experience within its Board and is now seeking applications from suitably motivated and qualified individuals to join the Charity as Trustees to help develop the future plans for these historic buildings in the heart of Wells. Please scroll down this page to the Council News section for full details.
Wells Town Hall
The Town Hall reception is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Enquiries: 01749 673091 or pop in and see us.
The Tourist Information Centre is located at Wells Town Hall. The TIC is open Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm. Telephone 01749 673091 and ask to be transferred to the TIC.
Mendip District Council Access Point
The MDC Access Point is open in Wells Town Hall every Wednesday and Friday, 10am until 4:30pm (closed 1 - 2pm). Outside of these hours you can phone the MDC helpline: 0300 303 8588
Mendip Community Transport
For information on transport in the Mendip Community https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/:
Slinky - https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/slinky
Route 665 - Kingweston to Yeovil (service runs Tues and Fri) https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/route-665
Route 67 - Burnham-on-Sea to Wells (service runs Mon to Sat - no service on Sun or public holidays) https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/route-67
Glastonbury Tor Bus - https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/glastonbury-tor-bus
Hospital Car Transport - https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/hospital-cars
Supporting Plastic-Free Wells: Following a resolution passed by Wells City Council in March 2018 we respectfully request that you do not bring any single-use plastic to council premises; i.e. any plastic cutlery, plates, cups, coffee cups, cling film, Styrofoam boxes or plastic confetti. We are supporting a reduction in throw-away plastic to help the environment and to reduce this kind of waste and would appreciate your co-operation.
Changing Places facility is available in Wells.
Please click HERE for more information.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
To view the Wells City Council Privacy Notice please click here. This has been written in accordance with the GDPR.
PLEASE, IF YOU SPOT ANYTHING HERE WHICH IS OUT OF DATE CONTACT reception@wells.gov.uk
Wells Town Hall is a wonderful venue set in the heart of Somerset and is suitable for weddings and civil ceremonies. It can host anything from a small intimate ceremony in the Mayor’s Parlour for up to 18 guests, to a large glamorous wedding reception for up to 180 guests. Restrictions may apply during the coronavirus pandemic. Please talk to Kevin Westwood, Administration Officer, tel: 07753 819072.
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