The gorgeous little UK city of Wells is one of the UK’s smallest – but it’s as beautiful as it is well-equipped with things to do and see.
Wells is dripping with history and charms locals and visitors with its architecture and striking cathedral.
Unsurprisingly given its beauty, it has been named a hidden gem and a must-visit staycation spot by several travel outlets.
According to consumer advice group Which?, Wells was named as the best short break location in the UK, ahead of the university towns of Durham and St Andrews.
Chock full of history and close to major local landmarks like Glastonbury Tor, Wells really does have a lot going for it.
Not only that, the Somerset city has featured in a slate of major movies. It was used as a filming location for Dungeons And Dragons, Hot Fuzz, and Wolf Hall.
Wells only got city status in 1974, but has long been considered one due to its 850-year-old Cathedral, which is the seat of the Bishops of Bath and Wells.
Some parts of the Grade I listed building date back to the tenth century and tourists flock to visit the wells and water springs. Three water springs exist across the city, one in the marketplace and two within the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace and cathedral.
Vicars’ Close, which is part of Wells’ Cathedral, is said to be the oldest residential street in Europe. The street, populated by listed buildings, has the original structures still intact from the mid-fourteenth century.
The population of Wells is just over 12,000, according to the 2021 census. However, despite its tiny number of residents, it isn’t the smallest city in the UK.
Surprisingly, the City of London is one of the country’s smallest cities. Unlike Greater London, which extends in parts beyond the M25 and his home to more than 8 million people, the City of London is the capital’s historic centre and is known as the Square Mile.
It is actually two square miles in size and is home to just under 9000 people.
The smallest cities in the UK are both found in Wales. St Asaph in North Wales is home to just over 3000 people. But the country’s smallest city is St David’s which has around 1800 residents.