There is an abundance of things to do and see in this part of Somerset; please come back to this page, as we continue to update it with more ideas to help you plan your stay with us. Have a look at our Things to See and Do page too.
Throughout the year, there’s always lots on, including:
Fancy a guided walk ’round Wells? Take a look at Wells Walking Tours, which leave from The Crown on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday each week. Please note these days are seasonal. However, tours are available throughout the year, please check with Siobhan at Wells Walking Tours telephone: (01749) 672438, mobile: 07961159122.
If you need any further information, please telephone Wells Tourist Information office on +44(0)1749 673477. Alternatively visit www.wellssomerset.com.
Winter Months: Somerset Levels Starlings Spectacular
Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Westhay Moor Nature Reserve and Ham Wall Nature Reserve
The Somerset Levels plays host to several million starlings each Autumn/Winter. They start to arrive in the late summer but the flocks are at their most numerous during the winter months. They migrate from the far north to roost and survive in our relatively milder climate. To find out where the starlings have been seen and approximate times, visit www.foxybiddy.com
Saturday 11th February: Antiques & Collectors Fair, Town Hall, Wells
Saturday 11th February, 2012: Priddy Folk Festival Concert Series
The Boat Band. Priddy Village Hall plus bar. Local support acts 7.30pm start. For tickets (£10) and information, telephone 01749 870078.
Wednesday 15th February: Craft and Gift Market, Town Hall, Wells
18th to 19th February: 32nd Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
Wednesday 22nd February: Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Market, Town Hall, Wells
Thursday 23rd February to Saturday 25th February, 2012: Two One Act Plays, Little Theatre, Wells
The Last Bread Pudding – Nick Warburton
The committee of an amateur dramatic group are meeting to discuss a new play written by one of its members. The presentation of the meeting reflects the ideas put forward by the committee, making the play a demonstration as well as a discussion of those ideas. Very tongue in cheek, styilzed and over the top.
Last Tango in Little Grimley – David Tristram
Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society is in trouble. The membership has dwindled to 4 and the audiences are not much bigger. They need rent money soon or they will be thrown out of their premises. There’s only one thing that sells tickets these days argues the chairman. Thus begins the chaotic and hilarious build up to an evening of extraordinary home grown drama that won’t be forgotten in a hurry. www.littletheatrewells.org
Saturday 25th February, 2012: Spring Craft Fair
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Thursday 1st March, 2012: Wells Evening Society Lectures
A Recent Archaelogical Project in Ethiopia with Louise Scofield. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells from 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend individual lectures for a fee of £6.00. For details about the society contact Steve Lee on 01749 670019. www.wellseveningsociety.co.uk.
Sunday 4th March, 2012: Long Paws Comedy Club
Another treat in store for the next Long Paws at the Little Theatre. ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ and ‘Mock the Week’ star Simon Evans headlines with a superb supporting bill. See below for full details.
As usual, tickets are £10 in advance (£12 on the door). The doors open at 7pm and the show kicks off at 8pm.
Simon Evans
Star of ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’, ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘Dave’s One Night Stand’.
Writer for ‘Not Going Out‘ and ‘Argumental’.
“Intelligent, supremely well-composed. Observational comedy at it’s very
Stuart Goldsmith
Star of ITV’s ‘Show Me the Funny’.
Chortle Award nominee: Best Breakthrough Act 2011.
“The excellent Stuart Goldsmith… a charming, expert stand-up.” **** Sunday Times
Mark Stephenson
Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2012: runner-up.
Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2011: runner-up.
“an astute eye for observation and a gift for expressing himself with subtlety and oblique wit” Chortle
Lloyd Griffith
Soho Theatre Comedian of the Year 2011: Finalist.
“Inherently funny…very neat lines in his comic repertoire” Chortle
Click here to book tickets online or you can phone 08444 772000.
www.longpawscomedy.co.uk
info@longpawscomedy.co.uk
07929 881 040
Sunday 18th March 2012: Stars Over Somerset, Charterhouse Centre, Blagdon, BS40 7XR.
A practical and informative astronomy evening for all ages. Led by experienced astronomer Adrian Dening, the Charterhouse Centre opens its doors for the evening to discover answers to these questions and explore the Universe.
Following an informative talk on general astronomy and observing tips, we will be taking advantage of the superb dark skies on the Mendips to conduct our own adventure into space from the comfort of the observatory dome. Our “special guest” for the evening will be a large piece of the Campo del Cielo meteorite that was discovered in Argentina in 1576.
Cost is £5 per person with a reduced rate of £2.50 for children.
Booking is essential as places are limited and warm clothing is recommended as we will be spending time outside. Please note – actual use of the Charterhouse telescope will be dependent on there being clear skies that evening. For further information or to reserve places, please contact Adrian Dening on 07545 641068 or via email to courses@AdrianDening.com
Wednesday 21st March, 2012: Crafts and Gift Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 24th March, 2012: Spring Craft Fair
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Sunday 24th March, 2012: Priddy Folk Festival Concert Series
Vin Garbutt. Priddy Village Hall plus bar. Local support acts 7.30pm start. For tickets (£10) and information, telephone 01749 870078.
Thursday 29th March, 2012: Wells Evening Society Lectures
The Large Hadron Collider: Big Science, big bangs and black holes with Dr. Kristian Harder. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells from 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend individual lectures for a fee of £6.00. For details about the society contact Steve Lee on 01749 670019. www.wellseveningsociety.co.uk.
Wednesday 4th April, 2012: Crafts and Gift Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Friday 6th and Saturday 7th April, 2012: Easter Festival of Arts and Crafts
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Monday 16th April to Saturday 21st April, 2012: The Sound of Music, Little Theatre, Wells
The Mendip Hills are alive with the Sound of Music! Come and see one of the world’s most loved musicals with iconic songs such as Edelweiss and Climb Every Mountain, based on a true story it has pathos, comedy and unending love of family and country. www.littletheatrewells.org
Wednesday 18th April, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Thursday 19th April, 2012: Wells Evening Society Lectures
Winning Matters: Winning is being better today than yesterday – every day with Dr. Frank Dick. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells from 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend individual lectures for a fee of £6.00. For details about the society contact Steve Lee on 01749 670019. www.wellseveningsociety.co.uk.
Saturday 21st April, 2012: Priddy Folk Festival Concert Series
Ewan McLennan. Priddy Village Hall plus bar. Local support acts 7.30pm start. For tickets (£10) and information, telephone 01749 870078.
Saturday 25th April: Antiques & Collectors Market, Town Hall, Wells.
Thursday 28th April: MSO Concert, St Cuthberts Church, Wells.
Friday 4th and Saturday 5th: May Fun Fair, Market Place, Wells.
Monday 7th May: May Day Celebrations, Market Place, Wells.
Wednesday 9th May: Antiques, Crafts and Collectors Market, Town Hall, Wells.
Sunday 13th May: Mendip Vintage and Classic Car Tour, Wells.
Wednesday 16th May, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 19th May, 2012: Priddy Folk Festival Concert Series
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman. Priddy Village Hall plus bar. Local support acts 7.30pm start. For tickets (£10) and information, telephone 01749 870078.
Tuesday 22nd May, 2012: Olympic Torch passes through Wells
The route for the Olympic torch sees the flame visiting more than 50 West Country communities, and passing historic landmarks including Stonehenge and Glastonbury Tor.
More than 95 per cent of the population will be within ten miles of the torch as it makes a snaking journey from Cornwall to London’s Olympic Stadium.
Torchbearers will carry it in relay. On parts of the journey it will go via horseback, bicycle, tram and steam-train.
List of places it will travel through on the 22nd May are: Taunton, Ilminster, Yeovil, Ilchester, Somerton, Street, Glastonbury, Coxley, Wells, Croscombe, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Southwick, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Bath, Bitton, Longwell Green, Hanham, Bristol (Evening celebration).
Saturday 26th May to Saturday 2nd June: Hilliard Exhibition, Town Hall, Wells
Wednesday 30th May: Craft and Gift Market, Town Hall, Wells
Wednesday 30th May to Saturday 2nd June: Royal Bath and West Show, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
Wednesday 30th May, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th June, 2012: The Crown’s Jubilee Beer and Cider Festival
A celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee encompassing local beers, local ciders, something lovely, local and hot to eat and a skittles alley! Further details as we have them but keep it free in your diaries.
Early June 2012: The Royal Bath and West Show, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset
The annual agricultural Bath & West Show. This not only features livestock judging, but also there are many stalls selling produce and crafts as well as motorcycle display teams and show jumping.
Many other shows and exhibitions regularly come to the grounds including flower shows, car shows, antique and collectors fairs, gardening shows, a beer festival and many more. www.bathandwest.com
Saturday 16th June: Somerset Schools Folk Dance Festival, Cathedral Green, Wells.
Sunrise Celebration Festival 2012:
Thursday 21st June 21st to Sunday 24th June at Gilcombe Farm in Bruton, Somerset:
The weekend normally held by Glastonbury Festival. BBC News recently wrote “Anyone looking for a festival to fill the Glastonbury-shaped hole left…in 2012 need look no further than nearby Bruton in Somerset.” For further information/ticket purchases go to www.sunrisecelebration.com.
If you don’t fancy camping, stay with us; we’re around 20 minutes away!
Last weekend in June: Glastonbury Music Festival. No festival in 2012 but it will be back in 2013. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Wednesday 27th June, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 30th June, 2012: Priddy Folk Festival Concert Series
Ben Waters. Priddy Village Hall plus bar. Local support acts 7.30pm start. For tickets (£10) and information, telephone 01749 870078.
6th to 8th July, 2012: Priddy Folk Festival
The 21st Anniversary of Priddy Folk Festival. It is one of the friendliest family friendly folk festivals in the country which is held on Priddy Village Green. Acts to be confirmed. Lots of activities all weekend; dance, workshops, guided walks to explore the local area, a full programme for the children and much more. www.priddyfolk.org
Wednesday 11th July, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 14th July, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
July 2012 (date to be confirmed): Wells Charity Boules Tournament
The annual Boules tournament held in Wells Market Place. A great way to raise money for a very worthy cause, The Nepal Trust. www.crownatwells.co.uk/wells-boules
Saturday 21st July, 2012: The Godney Gathering, The Arena, Godney Farm, Somerset
Live music, on a farm, in the middle of the Somerset Levels…
Theis year’s line-up is The Subways, The Hoosiers, Stringerbessant, The Rainband, Goldray and Young Aviators. Tickets £16.00. www.thegodneygathering.com.
Wednesday 25th July, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
First weekend in August: Glastonbury Extravaganza at Glastonbury Abbey.
Having a rest in 2012, to return in 2013. Two evenings of live music in this spectacular setting. The acts in 2011 included The Bootleg Beatles, Status Quo on the Friday evening and Katherine Jenkins and the National Symphony Orchestra on Saturday evening. www.glastonburyextravaganza.com
Wednesday 22nd August, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Wednesday 22nd August: Priddy Sheep Fair, Priddy
Wednesday 29th August, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Wells Moat Race: bank holiday Monday in August. For more information, entering a raft, sponsoring a race or having a stall please email cityofwellslions@aol.co.uk
Saturday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September 2012: National Gardening Show, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet.
Wednesday 4th to Tuesday 11th September 2012: St. Cuthberts Music Festival, St Cuthberts, Wells.
Thursday 5th September: Antiques & Collectors Market, Town Hall, Wells.
Wednesday 6th to Sunday 9th September: Heritage Open Days, Wells
Wednesday 8th September, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Friday 13th September: Spend a Night on the Town, Wells.
15th to 30th September Somerset Art Weeks: a fortnight towards the end of September. www.somersetartworks.org.uk
Wednesday 19th September, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Wednesday 3rd October, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Thursday 4th October, 2012: Wells Evening Society Lectures
Capturing the Moment: 150 years of wedding photography with Paul Atterbury. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells from 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend individual lectures for a fee of £6.00. For details about the society contact Steve Lee on 01749 670019. www.wellseveningsociety.co.uk.
Saturday 6th October, 2012: Giant Autumn Craft Fair in aid of BIBIC
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Friday 12th to Friday 19th October 2012: Wells Festival of Literature.
Wednesday 17th October, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 31st October, 2012: Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 3rd November, 2012: Massice Christmas Craft and Gift Fair in aid of The National Autisic Society
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Somerset Hawk and Owl Trust: talks held on the second Tuesday of each month at Wells and Mendip Museum www.hawkandowl.org/Groups/MendipSomersetLevels
Friday 16th November, 2012: Wells City Carnival
Skies over Wells lit up from one of the biggest, illuminated Carnivals in the UK. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November, 2012: Crafts for Christmas Craft Fair
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Wednesday 14th November, 2012: Christmas Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Wednesday 21st November, 2012: Christmas Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Wednesday 28th November, 2012: Christmas Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Sunday 2nd December 2012: Wells Reindeer Parade.
Wednesday 12th December, 2012: Christmas Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Saturday 15th December, 2012: Christmas Crafts and Gifts Market
Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells 10am to 4.00pm. Run by West Country Craft Fairs 01749 677049.
Thursday 20th to Friday 21st December, 2012: Carols by Candlelight, Wells Cathedral, Wells.
