Vicars' Close
Step back in time on Vicars' Close, Europe's oldest residential street, with original 14th-century houses still inhabited.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer people
Vicars' Close
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time on Vicars' Close, Europe's oldest residential street, with original 14th-century houses still inhabited.
"A beautiful street, a real step back in time, it is great that these houses still exist."
🚶♀️ Step Back in Time
Experience Europe's oldest residential street, remarkably preserved since the 14th century.
🤫 Be Respectful
These are private homes. Please be quiet and mindful of residents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Oldest Residential Street
Vicars' Close
Walk down Europe's oldest residential street, with original 14th-century houses still inhabited.
Medieval Architecture
Vicars' Close
Admire the remarkably preserved medieval houses, a true step back in time.
Proximity to Wells Cathedral
Adjacent to Wells Cathedral
Easily combine your visit with the magnificent Wells Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Timeless Charm
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Step Back in Time
Experience Europe's oldest residential street, remarkably preserved since the 14th century. 
🤫 Be Respectful
These are private homes. Please be quiet and mindful of residents.
📸 Capture the Charm
Perfect for photographers seeking historic architecture and quaint street scenes.
⛪️ Combine with Cathedral
Easily accessible from Wells Cathedral, making for a perfect historical pairing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Step Back in Time
Experience Europe's oldest residential street, remarkably preserved since the 14th century.
🤫 Be Respectful
These are private homes. Please be quiet and mindful of residents.
📸 Capture the Charm
Perfect for photographers seeking historic architecture and quaint street scenes.
⛪️ Combine with Cathedral
Easily accessible from Wells Cathedral, making for a perfect historical pairing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Vicars' Close as a 'fantastic historic street' and a 'real step back in time,' marveling at its status as Europe's oldest continuously occupied medieval residential street. Its charm, peaceful atmosphere, and connection to Wells Cathedral are frequently highlighted as major draws.
"Fantastic historic street. Oldest continually occupied medieval street in Europe. Connected to Wells Cathedral as residents are Vicars Choral."
Leonie Purvis
"Beautiful cobbled street. Well worth a short visit as it's located right next to the cathedral."
Luke Bourne
"Step back in history with this unique mediaeval cobbled Street. Very impressive and definitely worth a visit as it only a short walk from the cathedral. 👍🏻"
Malcolm Petfield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vicars' Close is located in the heart of Wells, Somerset, adjacent to Wells Cathedral. If you're driving, there are several car parks in Wells. From the city center, it's a short, easy walk. Public transport options include buses to Wells bus station, which is also within walking distance.
Yes, Vicars' Close is very easy to find as it's a prominent feature right next to Wells Cathedral. Follow signs for the cathedral, and you'll easily spot the entrance to the close.
There is no parking directly on Vicars' Close itself, as it's a pedestrian street. However, several public car parks are available in Wells city center, a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Vicars' Close is a public street and is free to visit. You can wander down the street and admire the architecture without any admission fee.
Vicars' Close is accessible at all times as it's a public street. However, remember that the houses are private residences, so visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and to be mindful of residents.
There is no entry fee to walk down Vicars' Close. It's a historic street that is open for everyone to explore respectfully.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating a magical, timeless atmosphere. This also helps avoid crowds, allowing for clearer shots.
While photography is generally allowed, remember that Vicars' Close is a residential street. Be respectful of the residents and avoid intrusive photography, especially of their homes.
You can capture stunning images of medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and the unique charm of one of Europe's oldest residential areas. It's a photographer's dream for historic scenes.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Vicars' Close is famous for being the oldest continuously occupied residential street in Europe, with its original 14th-century buildings still intact and in use.
It was built in the mid-14th century for the Vicars Choral, who served Wells Cathedral. The houses were designed to accommodate them and their daily needs.
The houses on Vicars' Close date back to the mid-14th century, making them over 650 years old.
Yes, Vicars' Close is still inhabited by the Vicars Choral, continuing its legacy as a residential street.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1 Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture medieval architecture, charming details, and the unique atmosphere of a street frozen in time. History enthusiasts can delve into the stories of the Vicars Choral and the daily lives of medieval clergy. Visiting early or late in the day is highly recommended for the best light and fewest crowds, allowing for a more immersive and productive experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
+2 This unique street was constructed for the Vicars Choral, the clergy who served Wells Cathedral, providing them with accommodation and a communal living space. The street's layout and the houses themselves have remained largely unchanged, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into medieval life. John Julius Norwich famously described it as 'that rarest of survivals, a planned street'. The houses on Vicars' Close were ingeniously designed for their time. They originally featured piped water and even latrines, though kitchen facilities were communal, with the vicars dining together in Vicars' Hall.
This foresight in planning has allowed the street to retain its authentic character for over six centuries. Walking down Vicars' Close feels like stepping directly into the past, a truly immersive historical experience that resonates with the echoes of centuries gone by. Today, Vicars' Close continues its original purpose, with the houses still serving as residences for the Vicars Choral. This continuity is what makes the street so special and a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing a place that time seems to have forgotten. Its proximity to the magnificent Wells Cathedral further enhances its appeal, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Wells' rich heritage.
Photography Tips for Vicars' Close
This also means fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots of the medieval houses and cobblestone path. The narrowness of the street and the uniformity of the buildings lend themselves to compositional symmetry and leading lines, drawing the viewer's eye down the historic thoroughfare. When photographing, remember that Vicars' Close is a living residential street. While visitors are welcome, it's essential to be respectful of the residents. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of their homes or private spaces. Focus on the architectural details, the textures of the stone and cobblestones, and the overall ambiance of the street.
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full sweep of the close, or a prime lens for detailed shots of the unique window frames, doorways, and rooflines. The absence of modern signage and the preserved medieval character make it a unique subject. Many visitors find that the overall atmosphere is as captivating as the individual buildings. Try to convey this sense of stepping back in time in your photographs. Look for interesting angles, play with depth of field to isolate architectural elements, and consider black and white photography to emphasize the textures and historical feel. The street's connection to Wells Cathedral also offers opportunities for wider shots that incorporate both landmarks, providing context and scale to your images.
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