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Often referred to as the smallest city in the country, the city of Wells is located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Each of our Somerset hotels are delightfully unique in character, but all offer comfortable, stylish bedrooms, delicious on-site restaurants serving locally-sourced produce, and relaxed bars fully stocked with award-winning Butcombe beer.
Lower Langford, Somerset, BS40 5BL
Bower Lane, East Bower, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4TY
High Street, Norton St Philip, Somerset, BA2 7LH
91 West Town Road, Backwell, BS48 3BH
Compton Martin, Somerset, BS40 6JE
Rowberrow, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 1QL
After spending the day exploring the tiny city of Wells, visit one of our nearby Somerset hotels for the perfect spot to rest and relax. Offering cosy beds, excellent breakfasts and stylish rooms, let this be your home-away-from-home for the night.
Situated in Backwell, North Somerset, The Rising Sun is the perfect base for exploring nearby Bristol and the Somerset surroundings. Other local attractions include the Mendips AONB, Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole. Cosy and comfortable, our 6 bedrooms offer everything you need for the perfect staycation, family break, romantic getaway or overnight stay before or after exploring the enchanting city of Wells.
Located on the edge of the Mendip Hills in the ex-mining village of Rowberrow, The Swan Inn is a 17th century Grade II-listed pub and inn that is brimming with history and a warm welcome. The Swan’s nine boutique rooms have everything you need for the perfect staycation, family break, or romantic getaway, with complimentary breakfasts, an on-site restaurant and family-friendly, accessible and dog-friendly room options available. It is well-positioned for easy access to popular attractions like Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole Caves and the tiny city of Wells.
For a relaxing and luxurious stay in the Somerset Levels, you can’t do much better than The Bower Inn in Bridgwater. With history dating back to the 1700s, the refurbished 18th century cottage and gardens offer comfortable lodgings with individually-styled ensuite rooms for a truly restorative staycation in the South West. Indulge with a delicious, home-style pub meal in the on-site gastropub, explore the nearby Mendip Hills, or visit Britain’s smallest city – Wells.
There’s nowhere like The George Inn in Norton St. Philip. As a Grade II-listed building, with history dating back to 1397, a stay at The George Inn will surely be an unforgettable experience. Stay in one of the 9 ensuite rooms at one of Britain’s oldest taverns, and enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced pub classic with and award-winning pint of Butcombe beer. Somerset and Wiltshire are on our doorstep, making attractions such as The Cotswolds, The Mendips and Wells easily accessible.
In the quaint Somerset town of Lower Langford, close to Bristol Airport and the Mendip Hills, you’ll find The Langford Inn, a 17th century historic village pub-hotel. Stay in one of their seven boutique bedrooms for the perfect place to rest your head after exploring the nearby Mendips AONB or the cosy city of Wells. Enjoy locally-sourced produce and a field-to-fork ethos on sustainability with seasonal menus, perfectly paired with an impressive selection of award-winning Butcombe beers.
With two dog-friendly ensuite rooms in the heart of the Mendips and Chew Valley, if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and relaxing for a Somerset staycation, you can’t do much better than the Ring o’ Bells in Compton Martin. Explore the surrounding countryside, Cheddar Gorge or the quaint city of Wells, before settling down for the night in Somerset fashion! With inglenook fireplaces, rustic beamed ceilings, and restored oak floorboards – the Ring o’ Bells really is the quintessential country inn experience! Enjoy home-cooked pub favourites at the on-site restaurant, live music and live sports, and, of course, award-winning proper Butcombe beers and real ales in the bar.
The cathedral that stands today was built in the latter part of the 12th century, though an earlier church had been in situ since c.700.
Widely regarded as the first cathedral in the world to be created in the gothic style, it is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the United Kingdom.
Although it took nearly three centuries to complete, many believe it was worth the wait, with Wells Cathedral becoming known as one of the most eye-catching religious buildings in the country.
The Wells & Mendip Museum is located in the former chancellor’s house, next to Wells Cathedral.
It was founded in 1893 by Herbert E. Balch, used initially as a means of exhibiting his own collections. The museum is now in the care of Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, who have added their own memorabilia since.
As the name suggests, the Wells & Mendip Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of the local area, with many examples from the Stone Age and Iron Age on display.
Adjacent to Wells Cathedral is the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens. Construction began at the beginning of the 13th century, though further development took place in the following centuries. Restoration work took place in the 19th century, which reinstated the palace to the fine example that we see today.
The gardens extend to approximately 14 acres in size and include St Andrew’s Spring, which supplies St Andrew’s Well, one of three wells which gave this remarkable city its name.
Supposedly the oldest intact residential street in Europe, Vicar’s Close in Wells boasts multiple grade I listed buildings that were built between 1363 and 1412.
Of the 40+ properties that were built for the vicars, 27 of them are still standing to this day. The water supply for the houses was initially drawn from two of the three wells that this city is famous for, with one well positioned at each end of Vicar’s Close.
With no TV aerials or satellite dishes in sight, Vicar’s Close is without doubt one of the most well-preserved streets in the country.
Around 3 miles outside of the city lies Ebbor Gorge, a limestone gorge and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Around two-thirds of the area is owned by the National Trust, with the most prominent vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Somerset Levels and the surrounding areas.
The source of the River Axe, which rises at Wookey Hole Caves, is believed to be the watercourse which originally formed the gorge from the limestone.
Situated on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Milton Lodge & Gardens.
Milton Lodge was built in 1790, but it wasn’t until the property passed into the hands of the Tudway family in the 19th century that plans were put in place for the gardens to be landscaped into the form that they retain today.
The views from Milton Lodge Gardens are unrivalled, boasting panoramic views of the city of Wells, the cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. The Tudway family still own the estate, ensuring its survival for the enjoyment of visitors.
To remind our customers how much we appreciate them, we created the Butcombe Loyalty Club.
Turn points into pounds, enjoy 25% off food every Butcombe Wednesday, and receive extra rewards throughout the year.
To sign up, check your balance and more, head to our Loyalty Members area.
