
You guys ….. I’m moving back to Chile today ……..!?!@!#!$!
I can’t believe that the day has already come! What a whirlwind life has (once again) been. While I’ve been having a blast running around and visiting all my friends and family at home, I have to admit that I’m so excited to get back, stay put for a bit and start a normal routine. Weirdly, I need a break from travel. Just a short one …
So, as I haven’t had a moment to think, let alone write, today we have a special guest! For Wanderful Wednesday today, we have Mike McLeish, of the bicycle blog Pinch-Flat, here to talk about his hometown of Wells in England!
He’s currently taking full advantage of the warm weather in SE Asia [jealous!], where you can find him cycling through traffic in Kuala Lumpur. Be sure to follow him on Twitter at @Pinch_Flat.
Well enough from me! Considering I leave in less than 24 hours, I probably should be packing……
Here’s Mike:
One Day in Wells, England
Wells, the smallest city in England, nestled delicately within the Mendip Hills, only a few miles from the globally-famous Glastonbury Festival site and home to the cop caper “Hot Fuzz.”
Having lived in Wells all of my life, I feel qualified to provide a one-day itinerary fit to burst with the best of Wells so make sure you read this guide if you ever plan to visit.
English weather is famously bad, so although I would highly recommend visiting Wells in the depths of summer (the end two weeks of July), I would still ask you to brace yourselves for a possible, unruly downpour.
Breakfast
Suggested time 10:00-11:00
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day and who better to entrust with that hefty responsibility than Ivan and Susan Hewitt at “Strangers with Coffee.” Situated on a quiet side street this café is the perfect, relaxing start to a busy day.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, then this, small in stature yet big in atmosphere establishment is a must-visit. Ivan has trained with Allpress and Origin, so he knows a thing or two about the black nectar.
This wealth of expertise translates into a café that operates on a friendly and informal frequency. Coffee aside, the continental breakfast options will be able to satiate a plethora of morning tummy grumbles.
The scrambled eggs are perfectly cooked, seasoned and served with artisan baked wholemeal toast and the bacon sarnies are delicious.
With Strangers often being filled to the rafters with those looking for their morning fix, you may find yourself without adequate seating arrangement, so I thought it best to include a couple of alternative options.
Square Edge Cafe – Situated on the edge of the market square (I see what they did there!) offers an excellent selection of breakfast options and a funky outdoor courtyard to boot.
Andre’s Café – Only a minute walk up the road from ‘Strangers’ is a superb, little café who have delicious cooked breakfasts, omelets, and juices.

The Wells Market
Suggested time 11:00-12:00
Now with stomachs lined, make your way leisurely up to the market square.
The Wells market is twice weekly and held every Wednesday and Saturday. Filled with local artists, small businesses and freshly sourced produce it’s host to an eclectic mix of wares.
On Wednesdays, a farmers’ market adjoins the general market and provides an even bigger showcase of local food. The bustle of market days provides a unique energy that transforms the ambiance of this sometimes, sleepy city.
I’m personally in regular attendance of the market and so have my favorite stalls. Wookey Farm and Blackrock Kitchen are two of my most visited.
The first being host to an incredibly delicious selection of hard and soft goats’ cheese (and free tasters!).The latter, a stall smothered in mouth-watering pastries. The Portuguese Custard Tarts are excellent!
It’s nearing lunchtime, although, I’m not sure you’ve worked off that bacon sandwich just yet! Now it’s time to be a tourist, but not any ordinary tourist. Armed with a little insider knowledge you’ll be able to see the lesser known side to this cathedral city.

The Famous Wells Cathedral
Suggested time 12:00-14:00
Start at the Market Place and walk through Penniless Porch as you continue you will come face to face with the reason Wells is named a city – its Cathedral. It’s an architecturally striking building with a many carved statues adorning its facade.
Entrance to the Cathedral is free. However, donations are welcomed. Regardless of faith, the Cathedral is appreciated by everyone who visits, as it’s of deep historical and local significance. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to sit in on a recital rehearsal.
After exiting the Cathedral, follow the main path up to the left-hand side of the building. Walk along this path until you come to Vicar’s Close on your left. Vicar’s Close is the oldest residential street in Europe, having been built in the 14th century.
It’s one of my favorite places to visit as its cobbled streets, and proud chimneys are truly reminiscent of an age long gone. With robe-clad choirboys scampering past you, you would be forgiven thinking you had just entered a film-set.
Having had a little nose around carry on up the street and you’ll find your way to The Combe.
The Combe is a walled garden, open to the public during the summer. The flat, grassy bottom field is winged by steeply, sloping sides, covered in dense bush.
The length of the garden is surprisingly vast, and when you’re confronted with a palm tree and bamboo, you become even more unsure of your whereabouts.
The Combe is the perfect picnic, hide-n-seek, and chill out spot for all of those who want to venture off of the beaten track.
Upon exiting The Combe, you’ll want to find your lunch spot – The Good Earth.

An Earth Friendly Lunch
Suggested Time 14:00-15:00
The Good Earth is a vegan-friendly, counter service affair with outstandingly flavorsome food. It’s a busy place over lunch time so be prepared to squeeze through as you wait for service.
You won’t be standing there for long as the efficient counter-service system is a well-oiled machine. Personally, I enjoy the hands-on service and think it sets a precedent for the rest of your lunch-time experience.
With a range of options on offer, my only qualm is that it’s too hard to choose! There is typically lasagne, pizza, quiche, soup and an array of salads to choose. My personal favorites are the lasagne or quiche, both packed with veg and cheesy goodness.
Do not miss out on the freshly made salads as you can have them as a side for only a couple of pounds more.
The incredible cake selection is a haven for those of us with a sweeter tooth. As you slide down the queue, tray in hand, the cakes are difficult to bypass. Brownies are always a solid selection for a sugar offering although the strawberry frangipane and coconut sponge are both particularly good.

A Bike Ride
Suggested time 15:00-16:30
Being a bicycle buff myself no itinerary would be complete without a little jaunt on two wheels. The ride detailed here is around 10 miles, but it’s not for the faint hearted and should be treated with discretion, as there is quite a large hill involved.
I’ve named it the Priddy Loop, and I complete it whenever I need to clear my head. Don’t be too worried. The hill is walkable and well worth the effort.
To begin with, if you didn’t bring a bike and helmet with you then fear not as Bike City, around the corner from Good Earth, can provide you with all your hire needs.
When setting off from Bike City aim towards Deerleap. Once you’re on this road, the calves will begin to burn. It’s a steep elevation and be wary of motorists. You will come to a very sweaty stop when you get to the vantage point.
The view here is arguably the best view of the Somerset levels, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Bristol Channel and Exmoor National Park. Rest your laurels and enjoy the scenery.
You can even hammock camp here if you find a hidden spot.
Following the view carry on up the hill until you reach a pub called the Queen Vic at the top. It’s all downhill from after Queen Vic, so feel free to stop some food if you missed your lunch. If continuing follow the old Bristol road and you’ll find yourself back in the high street before you know it.

Pub O’clock
Suggested time 16:30 – 18:30
Between this time and dinner, I’d suggest a leisurely walk up to the Bishop’s Palace and moat or to visit one of Wells’ many pubs. The Crown, situated in the market place, is a people-pleaser, stocked with local beers, ciders, and wines.

Dinner at Subhouse
Suggested time 18:30-20:00
For dinner, I couldn’t recommend highly enough, The Subhouse, a quirky and cool smokehouse with top-knot donned staff included. The restaurant is a thoroughly relaxed affair, no bookings, communal tables and super-friendly service.
If meat is up your street, then this is the place for you. They offer burgers filled to the brim, juicy fried chicken and a selection of pies. The Subhouse is somewhere to indulge and not be judged for doing so.
The Subsmoke burger is my all-time favorite – pulled pork, bacon, and cheese. Need I say more? The building also hosts an upstairs lounge where you can continue to enjoy the atmosphere well into the evening.
Thanks for the perfect one day itinerary in Wells, Mike! Can’t wait to try it for myself one day! 😀
Check out Lauren on Location’s other “One day in” posts:
One Day in Madrid, One Day in Hamburg, One Day in Paris, One Day in London & One Day in Medellín
Calling all bloggers!
Do you have a place that you hold a special place for in your heart? If you only had 24 hours in this amazing place, what would you do? I’d love to hear what you have to say!! If you’re interested in doing a guest post on Lauren on Location and sharing what makes you love this place, be sure to contact me at lauren@laurenonlocation.com 😀
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Welcome to Wanderful Wednesdays!
Consider yourself a wanderer?! Well then, this Blog Hop is for you!
Meet your hosts: ME, Lauren of Lauren on Location, Van of Snow in Tromso, Isabel of The Sunny Side of This and Marcella of What a Wonderful World.
Here on Wanderful Wednesday we hope to promote an open and supportive community for like-minded bloggers- expats, travelers and all kinds of wanderers!
The linkup will take place every Wednesday at 8AM GMT.
Wanderful Wednesday Guidelines:
- Link up a wanderful travel related post below! One per blogger per week please!
- Spread the LOVE! Blog Hops are all about hopping around & getting to know others within the community! At the very least please try to comment on one other post before you go!
- Let’s get Social! Really liked a post you read? Don’t be shy! Share your favorites on Social Media! You can use the hashtag: #wanderfulwednesday
- Don’t forget to grab the button and link back to your wanderful hosts! Help us spread the word and let’s get others involved!

You can also pin your post to our new Pinterest Board! Let me know if you’d like the invite.
This week I’m throwing it back to a post I read two weeks ago and highlighting “Why and How Travelers should support Refugees” by Sarah at Endless Distances. Her honest and eye-opening post is so inspirational and definitely worth a read for everyone (not only travelers)! If you haven’t already, be sure to go check out her post and spread the love! Thanks for linking up with us Sarah! ?
Happy Hopping Friends!! 😀




Great post! Wells is a fun city, my in-laws live very near by. It’s extra fun to explore if you love Simon Pegg movies for the Hot Fuzz sights! Yarp! #wanderfulwednesday
Seems like an amazing place to visit! Will have to see for myself one day! 😀
Thanks Keri! When new people come to stay I always make them watch Hot Fuzz and then take them on a tour of the town!
Also is it possible to get an invite to the Pinterest board please? what do you need from me? Thanks!
I’ll let Isabel know! She’s a bit busy at the moment with the new baby but I’m sure she can add you soon! 😀
Ah ofc, sorry I hadn’t thought about the baby situation, sorry to chase – aware she’s got much important things on her mind lol! :s
I hadn’t realized you had left Chile! But that’s exciting you’re going back! And how awesome that you’re from the smallest town in England! Cute guide! #WanderfulWednesday
Thanks girly! This was actually a guest post hehe .. I’ve never been but would love to see it one day! 😀
If you ever get the chance you should visit. I live in Asia now and miss it sometimes!
I would probably spend all day at the cheese shop, haha 🙂 hope your move goes smoothly, and I’ll be racking my brain for a “one day in” post!
Ohhh yayy! Would love to get one from you Jamie!! And thanks! I hope to share more about everything soon! 😀
All day in a cheese shop is something I’d happily do as well!
I love Wells but have never been there on market day so must do that in the future. I love the fact that your day had lots of foodie elements! You worked it off on the bike ride though so note to self that’s always a good idea! #wanderfulwednesday
Foooodie elements are always a huge part of my plans! Mike did a great job of incorporating that in! hehe 😀
There’s a great vibe on Market day. You should also check out the home made fudge stall if you ever make it there when it’s on!
Wells looks like an absolute dream, and I had no idea that it was the smallest city in England! I think taking a bike ride would be the perfect way to see the surrounding areas too, and I also love the idea of visiting the local market!
Mike sure put together a great plan! And I have to admit I didn’t know it was the smallest either :O… looks like a very cute place to visit though! 😀
Bike riding around the area is brilliant. Apart from my suggestion here most of the area is flat. On a sunny day you can cycle for miles on quiet country roads… I’m currently living in Asia and sometimes miss my local routes! 🙁
The market is always fun, even if you just get a coffee and watch the world go by.
That’s pretty cool that Wells is the smallest town in England! I don’t even know what town that would be here in the States. Have a great/safe trip back to Chile!
Thanks Christine! And you made me curious so I just looked it up. Apparently smallest town in the US is Buford, Wyoming- population of 1. hehe
A population of 1! Looks like Wells has some competition
Yay for going back to Chile! I totally know what you mean about just needing a normal life and routine. Thanks to Mike on the introduction to Wells.. the Good Earth cafe looks like my kind of place!
Weirdly can’t wait for a bit of routine haha … and yes I would love to try the Good Earth Café! Looks right up my alley 😀
Quite alright Anna 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post. Yep, the Good Earth serves some of the nicest food in town.
I think it’s really bad that I haven’t heard of Wells, oops! It sure does look lovely 🙂
Hahah .. don’t worry Marcella! Now you know 😛
You’re forgiven! it’s tiny!
Mmmm…I love all the talk about food in this post – I definitely travel with my tastebuds and tummy in mind! 🙂 Wells looks absolutely lovely, how sad that I’d never heard of this fine little city before!
I didn’t know much about it either until Mike offered to write this post! But it sure does look like tastebuds and tummy would be satisfied here 😀
Yeah, not many people have heard of it. It’s a gem though!
This place looks fantastic. I do not care about the size if there is good food around. Since like this city has tons of that. Congrats on moving back to Chile! #wanderfulwednesday
Thanks Ruth!! Hope to share more on the move soon! 😀
The food looks amazing (especially the coffee!). I also love the inclusion of pub o’clock 🙂
Always room for pub o’clock 😛
It’s essential!
Okay so I have the feeling that I missed the post where you’re telling us all about how/why/where you move back to Chile so I can’t wait to hear more about that! Wells seems pretty lovely. I can never say no to good food and pub culture so I’d probably love it there a lot!
Haha Van … don’t worry, you didn’t miss it! More info coming soon I promise! It was kind of an impulse move, so not even much to share yet =O
It’s a beautiful part of England. If you ever get a chance to visit you should definitely make a stop there!
Safe travels and good luck with your move back to Chile! xo
Thanks Setarra!! <3
Good luck with the move Lauren! Love that pub o’clock is included in this day 🙂
Thanks so much Rebecca!! And of course, always time for Pub o’clock 😀
It’s always been my favourite time of the day!
Oh you’re moving back! That’s so exciting! I’m sorry to be a bit behind given I’ve been stuck with my head in packing crates for the past couple of months, but I’m sort of back now and keen to catch up.
Wells is beautiful, and those views from the top of the hill are gorgeous. You might even get me on a bike for those….! You can’t have a one day guide anywhere in Britain without a good pub trip, so I’m glad to see that in there 🙂
I hope everything is going really well with the move, and if you want a one day post from me I can do sunny Bedford, or slightly sunnier Sydney!
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who thought she’d missed out an important life update on the move back! Glad to see you’re loving it so far and looking forward to more on the move soon 😀
I somewhat shamefacedly have to admit I’d not heard of Wells before this post, despite loving Glastonbury AND Hot Fuzz – but I’ll have to remedy that soon, it looks like a great place for a day-trip visit!