Vicar's Close, Wells: Address, Phone Number, Vicar's Close Reviews: 4.5/5
Vicar's Close
Vicar's Close
4.5
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Top ways to experience Vicar's Close and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
76 within 3 miles
The Courtyard Restaurant
772
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • French • European • British
The Greek Taverna
728
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
TWENTYONE cafe + kitchen
340
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • British
The Fountain Inn Gastro Pub
803
486 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Goodfellows
655
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Rugantino Restaurant
662
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Strangers with Coffee
305
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
The Good Earth
379
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
Pickwicks Country Kitchen
318
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
THE GLOBE INN
288
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Attractions
56 within 6 miles
Wells Cathedral
3,840
466 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Wells and Mendip Museum
65
319 ftSpeciality Museums
West Front
17
414 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Wells Market Place
420
0.2 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Catedral De Wells
3
251 ftChurches & Cathedrals
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
1,652
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Scissor Arches
11
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Somerset Farmer's Market
8
0.2 miFarmers Markets
Gbs Fine Art
1
0.2 miArt Galleries
Visit Wells
1
0.2 miVisitor Centers
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,062 reviews
Excellent
776
Very good
252
Average
33
Poor
2
Terrible
1
John A
Croydon, UK74 contributions
Couples
What an amazing place to spend time in the Vicars Close is like standing in a time gone bye.
The architecture is really out of this world, the craftsmanship of the masons of the time is beyond belief, when you think all this was done without the aid of mechanical crane, digger or excavator.
Go there and wonder at what Medieval Craftsmen could do in times gone bye...
The architecture is really out of this world, the craftsmanship of the masons of the time is beyond belief, when you think all this was done without the aid of mechanical crane, digger or excavator.
Go there and wonder at what Medieval Craftsmen could do in times gone bye...
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KentEnglandLife
Chatham, UK2,659 contributions
Beautiful Buildings ! This little close is a must see if you're visiting Wells. Right next to the Wells cathedral. I went quite early in the morning but made sure I was quite as people live here. I had the close to myself, I spent probably 30 mins just admiring these fantastic pieces of history.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Naishcombe
Bideford, UK447 contributions
Claims to be variously the only complete Medieval Street in Uk and is well worth a visit. It is linked to the Cathedral and many (maybe all) of the houses are occupied by students of the Cathedral music school so musical sounds can be heard drifting through the air. Entrance is free and it is quite modest in scale so does not take long.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GoldberryBlonde
Wales38 contributions
Surely one of the loveliest streets in Europe! The Vicars' Close repays close (!) examination (or fairly close - these houses are all lived in, and not open to the public) and is as near to time travel as you can get. The architecture is really beautiful, and the tiny chapel a gem. A very special place indeed, and especially romantic at sunset.. We visit several times during each of our stays in Wells. Cobbles, so not high-heel friendly.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK5,706 contributions
Free to stroll down the street which is a picture perfect small street very near the cathedral main entrance with a chapel at one end and what used to the a dining hall at the other. The street used to house the priests serving the cathedral. With the small cottage like houses both sides, the very tall chimneys for each house and the cobblestone street all still as when constructed over 500 years it is just perfect.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy X
Edinburgh, UK371 contributions
Like a film set but real, the lay adult choir members homes. You realise it has looked like this for centuries. North side of the Cathedral entrance or a little stairway opposite the School.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Big_Jeff_Leo
St Helens, UK19,957 contributions
Reputed to be the oldest purpose built street in Europe; this really is a must see when visiting wells. There are some lovely gardens on show and each property although similar seems to possess a character of its own. It really is like walking down a ready made film set that transports you back in time. It once fell into disrepair but now is clearly well loved and cared for, deserving its Grade 1 Listing. See if you can spot the optical illusion by comparing views from either end.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin_J_R
Nottingham, UK74 contributions
Friends
Interesting for a quick visit, as part of the other attractions in the area (Cathedral and Bishops palace).
Only accessible on foot, car park 5-10 minutes walk away. Cobbles not great for wheelchairs.
Only accessible on foot, car park 5-10 minutes walk away. Cobbles not great for wheelchairs.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK900 contributions
Originally 42 houses (one per vicar) these houses were built in the 14th century with the perfectly in line chimneys added in the 15th century. As you wander along the Close you have to try and look beyond the modern trappings of the 21st century when cars and recycling boxes didn't exist and imagine it as it was, a home for everyone working at the cathedral.
A very unique setting and apparently the oldest residential street in Europe. Set just beyond the cathedral its worth a visit
A very unique setting and apparently the oldest residential street in Europe. Set just beyond the cathedral its worth a visit
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jsremote
Wells, UK11 contributions
This little street is a time capsule. The terraced cottages and grander houses are evocative of past eras and because it has been so well protected from modernisation, it's possible to imagine Cromwell amongst others, strolling in th very same street as he visited Wells and Glastonbury as part of Henry 8th and his program of dissolution of monasteries and other religious institutions in the early 16th century. The little chapel at the top is well,preserved and is accessible to visitors at certain times.Well worth a visit. Wait for the street o be empty of other visitors to savour the street at its best.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vicar's Close
- We recommend booking Vicar's Close tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Vicar's Close tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Vicar's Close:
- (0.10 mi) Beautiful cottage in Wells in Central Location.
- (0.23 mi) Belleview House
- (0.16 mi) The White Hart Inn
- (0.17 mi) Best Western Plus Swan Hotel
- (0.13 mi) 7a Cathedral Green
- Restaurants near Vicar's Close:
- (0.09 mi) The Fountain Inn Gastro Pub
- (0.09 mi) Wells Cathedral
- (0.14 mi) TWENTYONE cafe + kitchen
- (0.15 mi) Rugantino Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) The Courtyard Restaurant