The pretty little city that’s one of the UK's ‘hidden gems’ and steeped in history

A beautiful little city has been dubbed one of the UK’s 'hidden gems'. Wells in Somerset is one of the smallest cities in the UK and steeped in history, but is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The Sunday Times described it as one of the most stunning places in the country. Members of the consumer group Which? named it the best small city for a short break, ahead of Durham and St Andrews. Wells is filled with history, an abundance of local activities, nearby landmarks, and accessible transport links. It is also home to a blockbuster movie. Wells was a filming location for Dungeons and Dragons, Hot Fuzz, and Wolf Hall, and visitors can tour memorable spots. It officially got its city status in 1974 but has long been considered a city 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 the wells and water springs. Wells takes its name from three holy wells dedicated to Saint Andrew. Three three water springs exist across the city - one in the marketplace and two within the grounds of the Bishop's Palace and the cathedral.

Vicars’ Close, part of Wells Cathedral, is said to be the oldest residential street in Europe. The street, populated by listed buildings, has the original structures intact from the mid-fourteenth century.

Gemma from the YouTube channel Travel Berries said that the city is a "hidden gem". She said: "It is underrated, and many people just pass through to more well known places in the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall, but it has so much on offer."

Wells lies at the foot of the Mendip Hills, one of Somerset’s best-kept secrets. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes for a thrilling last-minute trip full of exploration and family-friendly fun, without the tourist crowds.

With 619 hiking trails and routes made for both cycling and walking, the Mendips are a playground for explorers. Climb to Crook Peak for sweeping views to the Bristol Channel, or follow woodland paths lined with wild garlic and bluebells in spring.

It is home to Cheddar Gorge, a limestone valley where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found.

Older remains from the Palaeolithic era (13,000 years ago) have been found in the caves, produced by the activity of an underground river.

Wells city councillor, Sarah Powell, said: "There’s a really good community here, it’s small enough for people to know each other well. There are plenty of things to see and experience like the cathedral as well as food, comedy and theatre festivals.

"It’s also great for those who like nature, there’s lots of country walks so for people who like the outdoors it’s just a great place to live."