Living in Wells

Wells is recognised for its strong sense of community and active social life. Many residents take part in local traditions such as the annual Wells Food Festival and the colourful medieval-themed Wells Moat Boat Race at The Bishop’s Palace. Weekly markets bring together local traders, artisans, and residents, creating a lively focal point on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Market Place.

The city benefits from a range of community centres, sports clubs, and voluntary organisations that run social groups, classes, and family-friendly activities. Outdoor recreation is enhanced by easy access to green spaces including the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, Wells Recreation Ground, and the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering walking trails and spectacular countryside views just beyond the city limits.

Wells maintains a reputation as a safe and peaceful city, frequently cited as having one of the lowest crime rates for a city in England. The compact size of Wells and strong community involvement contribute to this sense of security. Levels of violent crime, anti-social behaviour, and burglary are consistently below national averages according to local police statistics.

Neighbourhood policing teams are visible and regularly engage with residents through community meetings and local events, ensuring prompt responses to issues and a reassuring presence. Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch programmes and youth outreach further support the area’s reputation for safety. Regeneration projects in areas south of the city centre also focus on maintaining a welcoming, secure environment for all.

Parking in Wells is relatively straightforward compared to larger urban centres. There are several public car parks, including those at Union Street, Princes Road, and Waitrose, making the city centre easily accessible for shoppers and visitors. Residential parking permits are available for certain streets close to the historic core, helping to manage demand.

Congestion is usually limited, although Wells can become busier during large events, festival periods, and market days. The main roads (A39 and A371) offer direct and clear routes to neighbouring towns and cities; the well-maintained road network supports efficient travel out of the city.

Nearby destinations:
Glastonbury – approx. 15 minutes via A39 (6 miles)
Shepton Mallet – approx. 15 minutes via A371 (5 miles)
Bristol – approx. 50 minutes via A39 and A37 (21 miles)
Bath – approx. 40 minutes via A39 (20 miles)
Taunton – approx. 1 hour via A361 and A38 (35 miles)

Wells offers a diverse scene when it comes to food, drink, and social activity. Independent cafés line the Market Place and High Street, providing everything from artisan coffee to homemade cakes. Notable pubs include The Crown at Wells, reputed for its connection to the film "Hot Fuzz" and its traditional menu, as well as The City Arms and The Globe Inn which are popular with locals for casual evenings out.

The restaurant scene is broad for a city of its size, with choices ranging from classic British to Italian, Indian and Thai cuisine. Takeaways and bistros cater to every taste and budget. While Wells is not known for a bustling nightlife, there are wine bars and historic pubs that provide a relaxed social atmosphere, and the city hosts live music events, open mic nights, and festivals at various venues.

The Wells Little Theatre is a focal point for the cultural offering, presenting amateur and professional productions throughout the year, while regular outdoor events in front of the cathedral add to the city’s distinctive social life.

School Quality
Wells provides an excellent choice of both state and independent schools, highly regarded within Somerset for their results and supportive environment. The presence of The Blue School and Wells Cathedral School is a particularly large draw for families.

Parks and Green Space
Many parks and open spaces, such as Palace Fields and Wells Recreation Ground, offer safe environments for children to play and families to relax. The nearby Mendip Hills are ideal for family days out in nature.

Childcare
The city has a selection of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs that support working parents and young families, situated both centrally and in residential neighbourhoods.

Safety
Low crime rates and supportive neighbourhoods make Wells a reassuring place to raise children. Community policing and school safety initiatives help reinforce this friendly setting.

Family Activities
In addition to child-friendly cafes and eateries, Wells is home to leisure centre facilities, art clubs, and frequent family-oriented events. Theatres, playgrounds, and special events throughout the year mean that children of all ages have plenty to enjoy.

Wells is particularly popular with pet owners thanks to its wealth of open spaces, pedestrian-friendly centre, and easy access to countryside walks. Dogs are welcomed in many local cafés and pubs, with scenic routes such as the stroll around Palace Fields and walks onto the Mendip Hills being favourites among walkers and their four-legged friends.

The city has several veterinary practices and pet supply shops, making pet care accessible. Renters will also find a relatively open attitude towards pets, especially in family homes and cottages. The annual Wells Dog Show and pet-friendly community groups further demonstrate how strongly pets are integrated into everyday life here.

Wells is well-placed for access throughout Somerset and the wider South West. While the city does not have its own train station, regular bus services (including the Mendip Xplorer routes) run to Bath, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Shepton Mallet, with further connections to national rail hubs. The nearest railway station is in Castle Cary, approximately 9 miles away, providing direct services to London Paddington and Exeter.

Main roads such as the A39 and A371 make road travel straightforward, connecting residents quickly to surrounding towns and major routes. For air travel, Bristol Airport is around 17 miles north, offering domestic and international flights.

Estimated commute times to key locations:
Bristol – approx. 50 minutes by car or bus (21 miles)
Bath – approx. 40 minutes by car (20 miles)
Glastonbury – approx. 15 minutes by car or regular bus (6 miles)
London (via Castle Cary station) – approx. 2 hours
Exeter – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car (66 miles)

Primary Schools
Stoberry Park School is a standout in Wells, a large primary that has consistently received favourable Ofsted reports (last rated "Good" in 2017). St Joseph & St Teresa Catholic Primary School offers a faith-based curriculum, also earning a “Good” rating in its last Ofsted inspection. The city is served by other well-regarded primaries including Wells Central CE Junior School, an integral part of community education.

Secondary Schools
The Blue School is Wells’ best-known secondary, famous across Somerset and beyond. As a comprehensive, The Blue School was rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted in its last inspection (2012) and attracts families to the area for its academic achievements and broad extra-curricular programme. Wells Cathedral School, a renowned independent school, caters to pupils from 2-18 years and is particularly acclaimed for its music specialism; it is one of only four specialist music schools in the country, admitting boarding and day pupils.

Colleges and Sixth Forms
Strode College, located in the nearby town of Street, is the principal further education provider for Wells residents, offering a wide selection of A-levels and vocational courses. Teens also have access to the sixth form at The Blue School, known for strong results and excellent support into higher education.

Universities
There are no universities based within Wells itself. However, both the University of Bath and the University of Bristol are within easy commuting distance, making Wells suitable for students willing to travel or those seeking quieter accommodation within Somerset.