The Beautiful City of Wells
City of Wells
The City of Wells is a beautiful destination, rich in culture and history. It boasts magnificent architecture, including the 13th century Cathedral and the uniquely moated Bishop’s Palace.
Famous as England’s ‘smallest city’, the many attractions are within easy walking distance of each other, and there are plenty of places to eat, and to stay, close to the Festival venue. The area around the city is also worth a visit with the Mendip Hills, Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole Caves, Kilver Court Gardens and Glastonbury Tor all a short drive away.
Tourist information for the City of Wells and the surrounding area including maps, plus places to eat, drink, visit and stay. Telephone: 01749 671770
“The Wells Festival of Literature is a wonder to set alongside the masterpiece that is Wells Cathedral.
Beautiful surroundings, a state-of-the-art venue, and a truly sympathetic and engaged audience.
The professionalism of the festival team is second to none.
It’s worth writing a book just to secure an invitation.”
David Horspool – 2024
City of Festivals
Wells boasts a range of festivals which showcase a wealth of local and national talent: in addition to our own Festival of Literature there are festivals of Music, Art, and Food during a spectacularly festive autumn! At other times of the year the city plays host to a Drama festival, a Comedy festival and a brilliantly illuminated carnival. Wells may be small, but it holds a proud place in the festival world… The city also boasts highly popular bi-weekly markets, regular craft fairs and a full season of events hosted by both the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace.
Wells Comedy Festival
23-25 May 2025
The Wells Comedy Festival – founded in 2015 – brings the finest comedians in the country to the heart of Somerset for one jam-packed weekend. Previous line-ups include Harry Hill, James Acaster, Stewart Lee, Sara Pascoe, Nish Kumar, Bridget Christie, Rhod Gilbert, Lou Sanders, Phil Wang and Joe Lycett.
Wells Theatre Festival
19-22 June 2025
Complementing the current Wells Literary, Arts, Comedy and Food festivals, the Wells Theatre Festival aims to attract a theatre-going public of all ages, whilst also encouraging young people to participate in theatre practice. Oscar winning actress, Dame Judi Dench and renowned director, Sir Richard Eyre are patrons for the festival.
Wells Art Contemporary
4 October–1 November 2025
Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is a volunteer-led, international art competition. In its 13th year, thousands of entries were narrowed down by a prestigious panel of selectors to make an outstanding exhibition in Wells Cathedral, the heart of the medieval quarter of England’s smallest city. The exhibition comprised a white wall gallery within the Cloisters, as well as a number of site-specific art installations inside and around the Cathedral building.
Somerset Open Studios
13–28 September 2025
Somerset Open Studios and Art Weeks Events are annual countywide celebrations of the variety and quality of contemporary visual art and craft that can be found in Somerset.
Since the inception of Somerset Art Weeks in 1994, they have become important events in Somerset’s cultural calendar, delighting art lovers near and far.
Wells Food Festival
12 October 2025
Over 200 local traders selling food, drinks, street food and homewares English wines to taste and buy by the glass or bottle Food for Thought, highlighting current, food related, social issues Children’s Zone, with fun activities, cookery workshops and a children’s trail.
