Wells is the smallest city in England (other than the City of London, which we don’t think counts as it sits within London) and sits 23 miles south of Bristol or 22 miles south of Bath, just south of the Mendips. The stunning city is alive with historic buildings, bustling high street, and exciting market. It is a great day trip from Bristol.

Wells is famous for its 850 year old Cathedral. Wells Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England and it boasts some of the finest medieval stained glass windows. One of the few Cathedrals not damaged in King Henry VIII’s reformation, it is a must see for all visitors. Best bit…it’s dog-friendly!

“Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are welcome in the Cathedral at all times. Other dogs are welcome in the Cathedral providing they are on a lead, well-behaved and accompanied at all times by their owner(s). There is no provision for dogs to be left with staff or volunteers and any dogs who bark consistently or are in distress/are disruptive can be asked to leave with their owners.  Dogs are not allowed on any tour that goes above ground-level (which includes the Library and High Parts Tours). Water bowls are available in the Cathedral and dog biscuits are available for sale in the café.”

General information – Wells Cathedral

Our trip

We visited Wells late afternoon before dinner at The Sheppy in Lower Godney. There were events in the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace meaning that we weren’t able to go inside – we will be back! Instead, we walked the Wells Cathedral Loop – we wanted to do this walk through the rocks but it was getting too dark. Wells is surrounded by gorgeous countryside ands close to other towns. There are lots of walks worth doing!

On the Wells Cathedral Loop we started at the Bishop’s Palace, made our way to the Cathedral and then wandered along the high street till we found Guard House Lane. There’s a dog-friendly green in front of the Cathedral where you can usually find lots of dogs playing. Sash isn’t in the Cathedral picture below because she was having a great time running around with two others dogs. There are lots of photo opportunities as you pass the market stalls at the top of the high street. At the end of Guard House Lane we turned right onto South Street and followed it all the way to a carwash opposite Morrisons.

You walk around the carpark and farm along a little single track path. At the end of the path you see a wider concrete path that takes you into the fields. At the fork in the road and you need to walk through/over the gate on the right that leads you into a field. You walk across that field to the gate on the other side – you will see a well trodden path along the middle, or you could walk along the edge (don’t go into the forest). You continue to walk straight through the fields until you get to a little village called Dulcote.

We didn’t make it to Dulcote as the final field was full of very large and very curious cows. Including two bulls who were play fighting. Not a situation that you want to walk into with a dog! We tried to walk through and shoo them away but they were having none of it. So we detoured, following the hedge line to the right where we found another exit on the left that lead us back to the route. From the final field (or our detour) you find a road, turn right and walk along the road until you see a bridge. Beside that bridge is an entrance to the Strawberry Line pathway.

Take the entrance on your right and walk back into Wells. The Strawberry Line is a cycle route and so it’s nice and flat but there are a number of cyclists. Make sure that you keep your dog under control and on a lead if they’re not good with bikes (most dogs are off the lead).

Back in Wells, we headed to our car (Waitrose has a long-stay car park that is reasonably priced) and headed off to Lower Godney for dinner.

We regretted getting to Wells so late as we missed the markets and couldn’t go into the Cathedral or the Palace. Plus it was quite scary walking around in the dark not knowing where you are. Although we did have a good laugh about the cows and how awfully muddy it was. I’m not sure The Sheppy were too impressed by our state when we arrived!