Vicars' Close, Wells: Europe's Oldest Intact Medieval Residential Street
Step into Vicars' Close, Wells—the oldest intact medieval residential street in Europe, where history lives in every limestone house and cobbled stone.
Vicars' Close in Wells, Somerset, is a remarkably preserved medieval street dating back to 1348. Built by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury to house the Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral, it remains inhabited by their successors and features 27 Grade I listed limestone houses, a chapel, and the Vicars' Hall. Renowned as Europe's oldest residential street with original buildings intact, it offers a unique glimpse into medieval architecture and ecclesiastical life.
A brief summary to Vicar's Cl
- Wells, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and better access to guided tours of the historic houses.
- Look for the Chain Gate Bridge connecting Vicars' Close to Wells Cathedral, a unique architectural feature.
- Explore the Vicars’ Hall and Chapel to appreciate communal medieval life and ecclesiastical architecture.
- Check for special events or musical performances that celebrate the Close’s choral heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the number 408 or 408A bus from Bristol city center to Wells bus station, approximately a 50-60 minute journey. From the bus station, it is a 10-minute walk to Vicars' Close. Buses run frequently during the day, with tickets costing around £5-£7 one way.
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Train and Walk
Travel by train to Castle Cary station from London Paddington or Bristol Temple Meads, a journey of about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Castle Cary, take a taxi or local bus to Wells, then walk approximately 10 minutes to Vicars' Close. Train fares vary but typically range from £20 to £40.
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Car
Driving to Wells is straightforward via the A37 or A39. Parking is available at several public car parks near the city center, about a 5-10 minute walk to Vicars' Close. Parking fees range from £1 to £3 per hour. Note that the Close itself has pedestrian-only access.
Vicar's Cl location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Vicar's Cl
A Living Medieval Legacy
Vicars' Close stands as a rare and extraordinary survivor of medieval urban planning and architecture. Constructed beginning in 1348 under the direction of Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, the street was designed specifically to house the Vicars Choral—clergy responsible for singing daily services at nearby Wells Cathedral. The close is reputedly the oldest purely residential street in Europe still used for its original purpose, with its original limestone houses, chapel, and communal Vicars' Hall remarkably preserved. The street’s layout, with two parallel rows of terraced houses narrowing towards the chapel at the north end, reflects a medieval vision of community and spiritual devotion.Architectural Features and Evolution
Originally comprising 42 houses, the Close now contains 27 residences, all Grade I listed, showcasing a variety of medieval and later architectural elements. Each house was initially two stories with fireplaces on both floors, latrines draining into rear channels, and access to fresh water via wells and later lead pipes. Over centuries, the houses have been altered with rear extensions, added chimneys, and Victorian-era restorations by notable architects such as Benjamin Ferrey and William Burges, who contributed decorative elements to the Vicars' Hall and several houses. The Close Chapel and Vicars' Hall remain focal points, with the Hall featuring a gateway arch and originally housing communal facilities like kitchens and bakehouses.Historical and Cultural Significance
Vicars' Close is not only an architectural treasure but also a living testament to the ecclesiastical and social history of Wells. The Close was established to provide a dedicated, distraction-free environment for the Vicars Choral, who previously lived scattered among townsfolk. The street’s connection to Wells Cathedral via the Chain Gate Bridge, built in 1459, underscores its integral role in cathedral life. Throughout the Reformation and beyond, the Close adapted, with some houses combined and vicars allowed to marry, reflecting changing religious and social norms. The Close has also served as a filming location, notably for the 1972 adaptation of The Canterbury Tales, enhancing its cultural footprint.Preservation and Public Engagement
Recent conservation efforts have focused on maintaining the Close’s medieval character while addressing modern challenges like damp and accessibility. Supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund grants, these projects aim to restore key buildings and open selected houses to the public, offering immersive experiences that reveal how vicars lived and worked centuries ago. Plans include guided tours of hidden spaces such as the Chequer room, Muniment Room, and The Treasury, deepening visitors’ understanding of the Close’s administrative and musical heritage.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Walking along Vicars' Close, visitors encounter a tranquil, cobbled street lined with uniform yet individually unique medieval houses. The narrowing perspective creates an optical illusion that elongates the street when viewed from the main entrance. The sense of stepping back in time is palpable, enhanced by the proximity to Wells Cathedral and the ongoing presence of cathedral staff and choristers who maintain the Close’s original purpose. The street’s peaceful, historic ambiance invites reflection on centuries of religious devotion and community life.Vicars' Close in Context
Situated in the heart of Wells, the Close complements the city’s rich medieval heritage, including the iconic Wells Cathedral and other historic sites. Its survival as a residential street with original buildings intact is unparalleled in Europe, making it a vital resource for scholars, historians, and visitors interested in medieval architecture, ecclesiastical history, and heritage conservation. The Close’s story intertwines with broader historical narratives, from medieval church practices to Victorian restoration movements, offering a multifaceted glimpse into England’s past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
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The Matthew of Bristol
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Prince Street Bridge
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Redcliffe Caves
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St Mary Redcliffe Church
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Capricorn Place
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Bristol Ferry
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Millennium Square
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Statue of Cary Grant
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Pero's Bridge
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The Bristol Wheel
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Bristol Aquarium
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Queen Square
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The Paragon
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Watershed
26.9 km
Experience Bristol's vibrant arts scene at Watershed, where cinema, food, and culture come together in a breathtaking riverside setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Wells Cathedral
0.1 km
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Wells Market
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Experience the vibrant charm of Wells Market, a historic twice-weekly hub of local produce, crafts, and community events in the heart of Somerset.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
0.3 km
Explore 800 years of medieval history, stunning gardens, and tranquil moats at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens in the heart of Wells.
Shepton Mallet Prison
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Step inside England’s oldest prison for immersive tours, escape rooms, and ghost hunts steeped in over 400 years of history and haunting tales.
Glastonbury Tor
8.4 km
An iconic hill of myth, legend, and breathtaking views, Glastonbury Tor invites you to step into England’s mystical past and spiritual heart.
White Spring
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A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Chalice Well
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Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
Glastonbury Abbey
8.8 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
Glastonbury
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St Margaret's Chapel
9.0 km
A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
11.5 km
Explore the dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset’s iconic natural landmark.
Cheddar Gorge
11.6 km
Explore England’s largest limestone gorge with stunning cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage in the heart of Somerset.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
11.8 km
Discover authentic, award-winning Cheddar cheese crafted in the heart of Cheddar Gorge by a family-owned artisan dairy.
Pensford Viaduct
18.8 km
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Maes Knoll Tump (Iron age Hill Fort)
20.7 km
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Essential places to dine
COR Restaurant
25.6 km
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Souk Kitchen
25.7 km
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Bouvardia Restaurant
26.2 km
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The Chef's Table
26.3 km
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BOX-E
26.4 km
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The Olive Shed
26.4 km
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Root
26.4 km
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Gambas
26.4 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
The Pump House
26.4 km
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Harbour & Browns
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Casa Bristol
26.4 km
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Tare Restaurant
26.4 km
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New MoOn On The Quay
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Don Giovanni's
26.6 km
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Steak of the Art
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A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bristol General Store
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Independent Design Collective
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Rhubarb Jumble
25.7 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
25.9 km
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Fig1
26.3 km
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Something Elsie
26.4 km
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Orendo
26.6 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
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Will's doss pit
26.9 km
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my a2space
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The Bath Independent Market
27.0 km
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Movement Boutique
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About Face
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Alices Secret Empourium
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Mint Velvet Bristol
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Oak
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The Old Crown Inn
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The Cottage Inn, Bristol
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Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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Shakespeare Tavern
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Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
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The Architect
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Steinbeck and Shaw
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Bag of Nails
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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Kongs of King Street
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Small Bar
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The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
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The Quadrant
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The Dark Horse
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
