Facts for Kids

Wells is a lovely city in Somerset, England! 🏰

It’s known as the smallest city in England but is big on history and fun! With a population of about 12,000 people, Wells is surrounded by beautiful hills. 🌳

It is famous for its stunning cathedral and charming streets. Wells is also part of the Mendip Hills, which means there’s lots of nature and places to explore! Whether you're looking for cool buildings or interesting stories, Wells is a great place to learn and discover! 🚶

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Wells Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Wells! 🌟

It started being built in 1175 and took many years to complete, making it over 800 years old! The cathedral is famous for its stunning architecture, especially the West Front, which features many statues! There is also a special chapter house where important meetings are held. 😇

Visitors can climb up the tower for amazing views of the city! The cathedral's music is also beautiful; it has a famous choir that sings lovely songs! 🎶

Wells has a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years! 🗺

️ The city’s name comes from the many springs of water in the area, which were important for people and animals. In the 10th century, Wells became a city when its lovely cathedral was built. The famous Bishop of Bath and Wells, who was in charge of the church, helped the city grow! 🕍

Fun fact: Wells was even the scene of the first ever English “City Charter” in 1200! That means Wells was officially recognized as a city long ago! 🎉

Getting to Wells is easy with different transportation options! 🚎

The city is near major roads, making it simple to drive in. There are also nearby bus services that connect Wells to other towns, like Bath and Bristol! 🚌

If you prefer trains, the nearest train station is in the town of Castle Cary, just 10 miles away. 🚆

From there, buses or taxis can take you into Wells! Getting around Wells is fun and friendly for everyone! ☃

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Wells has several schools that offer great education for children ages 4 to 16! 📚

There are primary schools like St. Cuthbert's and St. Joseph's, where kids learn important subjects and enjoy fun activities! 🎨

For older students, the Wells Blue School offers a broad range of subjects to prepare them for the future! High-quality education helps children grow and learn in a safe environment, treasured by families in Wells! 🎓

Wells is located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, a pretty region filled with hills and caves. 🌄

The city is about 21 miles southeast of Weston-super-Mare, 22 miles southwest of Bath, and 23 miles south of Bristol! Wells enjoys a mild climate, which means it doesn’t get too hot or too cold! 🌦

️ Summers are warm but not too hot, while winters are chilly with some rain. Being near the hills and springs makes Wells really beautiful and fun to explore! 🌈

Wells has a variety of jobs and opportunities for its residents! 💼

Many people work in tourism, as visitors come from all around to enjoy the beautiful sites like the cathedral and local parks! Local shops and restaurants also create jobs for the community. 🍽

️ Agriculture plays a part too, as there are farms in the area that grow delicious fruits and vegetables. Wells is a friendly place for families and workers alike! 👩

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One of the best things about Wells is its amazing architecture! 🏛

️ The most famous building is Wells Cathedral, known for its beautiful Gothic style and impressive towers. The cathedral has stunning stained glass windows that tell stories from the Bible! 🌟

Another highlight is the Bishop’s Palace, where the Bishop used to live. It has a gorgeous garden and a moat! 🏰

Overall, walking around Wells feels like stepping into a fairy tale! 🧚

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Wells has produced some famous people throughout its history! 🌟

One of the most notable is Bishop John Wycliffe, who was a teacher and translator of the Bible! His work helped people understand important texts better. Another famous Wells resident is the poet John Keats, who visited and found inspiration in the city’s beauty! 📜

These people have connections to Wells and are remembered for their contributions to literature and religion! 🖋

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Wells is full of fun cultural events and festivals throughout the year! 🎉

One of the most exciting is the Wells Festival of Literature, where authors and poets share their stories! 📚

The city also celebrates Carnival, which features colorful parades and costumes! 🎊

Another fun event is the Wells Christmas Market, where you can find tasty treats and handmade gifts! 🎁

These events bring the community together and create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy!

There are many great places to visit near Wells! 🌳

Just a short trip away is the stunning Cheddar Gorge, where you can see beautiful cliffs and caves! 🗺

️ Don’t miss the amazing Wookey Hole Caves, which are great for exploring and filled with fascinating rock formations! 🎈

Glastonbury, known for its famous festival and ancient ruins, is very close as well! These attractions make visiting Wells even more exciting! 🗻