The Cathedrals of the Church of England receive limited funding from the church and government and rely on donations, legacies and grants as well as the income they can generate for themselves. That means here at Wells we must raise £4,500 per day through our own endeavours and with the vital help of our visitors, congregation and supporters.
However, our responsibility to maintain and support this historical site for future generations means that from 22nd April 2024 we will ask tourism visitors to contribute to that upkeep with an admission charge.
This change is in effect from 22nd April and there will be a new set of prices for pre-booked groups and tours.
These new prices will only affect new bookings made after 22nd April 2024.
All group bookings that have already been made will be honoured at the current prices for group bookings.
The new ‘Group Visit and Private Tour’ Information Booklet will soon be sent out to those on our mailing list and posted on our website under ‘Group Visits & Private Tours’. This will contain more information on the great packages that are on offer for you to plan and book groups and private tours to visit the Cathedral.
The Cathedral offers a group rate of £8.00 per head for a Cathedral Highlights tour, £10 per head for a ‘Special Interest’ tour, or £7.00 per head for a visit without a tour. All of these rates include VAT.
All of our guided tours can be tailored for physically or visually impaired group visitors if booked in advance, including a sensory tour which can include incense. You can also pre-book wheelchairs for any less mobile members of your party.
Please contact our Visits team on 01749 671663 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 3pm), fill in an ENQUIRY FORM, or email visits@wellscathedral.org.uk for more information, or look at our Accessibility page.
To ensure that you have the best experience possible, we ask that you book with at least two weeks’ notice. As we host so many services and events at Wells Cathedral, we cannot guarantee your group’s entry if you haven’t pre-booked.
We offer the following benefits for our pre-booked groups:
- Complimentary place for the group organiser, tour manager or bus driver
- Free pre-booked familiarisation visit for the tour leader ahead of your visit
- Refreshments to the value of £8.50 for the coach driver of all pre-booked groups. Driver to collect voucher from the Welcome Desk in the New Entry Cloister and present in the Café.
Promotions and discounts are available for multiple and block bookings, please contact Visitor Services for 2023 Group Rates – visits@wellscathedral.org.uk
To discuss your requirements and to book your visit please fill out the enquiry form below and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Running late? Please call us on 01749 671663. Please also note that during services access to certain areas of the Cathedral may be restricted. You can check our Closures and Restrictions page here for more details.
Group accommodation
There are a number of hotels in Wells and the surrounding area that happily accommodate groups. To see more information, please click on the links below.
Group catering
We can accommodate up to 96 people in our light and airy café and special discounts are available for group leaders/drivers or for multiple bookings. If you would like to bring a group for morning coffee, a spot of lunch or a delicious afternoon tea, please email us at visits@wellscathedral.org.uk or phone us on 01749 676543.
Travelling to Wells and parking
Wells is easily reached by both car and public transport and there are several car parks within 5-10 minutes walk of the Cathedral.
The Coach Park is located at the Coach/Bus Station in Princes Street (BA5 2DT). This is the best place to drop off your passengers. Toilets are available and “meet and greet” teams are available at peak periods with maps and discounted shopping vouchers as well as lunch vouchers for drivers. The Cathedral is an 8–10 minute walk up the High Street from the coach station.
Please let the Wells Meet & Greet team know when you are arriving at the Coach Park so they can ensure that a member of the ‘meet & greet’ team are there to meet you. Contact our Wells Meet & Greet Team Leader, Ross Young, on 07721 523487 or email: ross-young@hotmail.co.uk
No parking charges apply. Signage is plentiful from whichever direction you enter Wells. Princes Street Coach Park, Wells, BA5 2DT
For disabled and limited mobility passengers only, you may use the disabled setting down point in Sadler Street (BA5 2RX). Note that the setting down point is time-limited and only for setting down and picking up disabled and limited mobility passengers. The Cathedral is a 3-4 minute walk. After dropping off please follow the signs to the Coach Park. There are no facilities for drivers or passengers at this point. Sadler Street Disabled Setting Down Point, Wells, BA5 2RR.
Wells Cathedral Cancellation Policy
All booked groups that hold an Account with the Cathedral will need to give Visitor Services Co-ordinator (visits@wellscathedral.org.uk) notification of any cancellations at least 7 days prior to the visit.
Failure to notify after this time frame will invoke a penalty of £3.00 per booked guest.