Wells Cathedral is a unique and stunning location for film-makers and photographers, appearing in television dramas, documentaries and even Hollywood films. The Chained Library, historic Vicars’ Close, Cathedral Nave and impressive Chapter House and its steps prove to be particularly popular film locations.
Recent Productions
Wells Cathedral has long been a favorite filming location for television and film productions, thanks to its stunning architecture and historic charm. From gripping documentaries to epic fantasy blockbusters, period dramas to Sci-Fi, the Cathedral has provided a unique backdrop for many memorable moments on screen.
Recent productions filmed at Wells Cathedral include:
- The Three-Body Problem (2024)
- Alex Rider (2024)
- Dungeons & Dragons (2023)
- Dodger (2022)
- Becoming Elizabeth (2022)
- The Spanish Princess (2019)
- A Discovery of Witches (2018)
- Wolf Hall (2015)
- Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
- Doctor Who, ‘The Lazarus Experiment’ (2006)
Whether creating the perfect setting for a medieval court or a mystical realm, Wells Cathedral continues to captivate audiences across the world.
The Spanish Princess (2019) Official Trailer — Filmed at Wells Cathedral. This trailer shows parts of the West Front, the Nave, and the Lady Chapel.
“They’re really used to filming [in Wells], they’re a really friendly, welcoming community […] The locals absolutely love seeing everybody in costume as they’re walking through town.”
— Rebecca Pearson, Wolf Hall location manager
Filming Locations
The list below is not exhaustive, but highlights some of the most popular areas in the Cathedral that have been used for film and television productions in the past. You can explore most of the Cathedral using the new interactive virtual tour.
- Cloisters: The three Cloisters, built in the 13th century and remodelled in the 15th join the Cathedral on the south side and surround the Palm Churchyard, a rectangular green.
- Vicars’ Close: Completed by 1363 and built to house the adult singers of the Cathedral choir, it is the oldest continuously-inhabited medieval street in Europe.
- Quire: The western end of the Quire forms the oldest part of the present Cathedral. Under some stalls are elaborate carved misericords.
- Nave: Wells is the first Cathedral in England to be, from its foundation, built in the Gothic style. The iconic scissor arches are a must-see.
- Chapter House and Steps: The view of the Chapter House steps is among the most photographed area of any Cathedral and the building itself. The Chapter House was finished by 1306 and was the meeting place for Cathedral affairs.
- Chained Library: One of the few surviving of its kind in the country, the Chained Library at Wells is as beautiful as it is fascinating.
- Vicars’ Hall: Vicars’ Hall dates from 1348, the time of the Black Death. The adjoining Treasury Block is a series of rooms with fascinating fittings. Bishop Bekynton commissioned the Chain Bridge with gate beneath, built by 1460.
- Palm Churchyard: Encircled by the Cloisters, the Palm Churchyard offers a place of tranquil repose with a substantial yew tree at its centre and views of the medieval dipping place (conduit to St Andrews Well).
- St Andrew Street: Running along the North side of the Cathedral, this picturesque street is flanked by the Cathedral to the south and former Canons’ houses to the north. St Andrews Street is crossed by the striking Chain Gate at the east end, joining the Cathedral to the medieval Vicars’ Hall and Vicars’ Close beyond.
- West Front and Cathedral Green: Wells’ iconic West Front offers a spectacular backdrop for many moments on screen, and looks out to the spacious and well-kept Cathedral Green.
Arrange a Viewing
If you are interested in using Wells Cathedral or its precincts as a venue for filming or photography, please contact our Events team by email to events@wellscathedral.org.uk or by calling 01749 832 207.
