Wells and Cheddar make a classic Somerset day out from Bath. Wells, England's smallest city, is reachable by bus 173 in about 1 hour 40, or roughly 40 minutes by car; Cheddar Gorge is a little further, best by car (about 50 minutes) or by bus onward from Wells. Wells Cathedral now charges about £15.50, and Cheddar Gorge and Caves is about £20.40 booked online. Here's how to plan it.
Getting to Wells
- By bus: First Bus service 173 runs from Bath to Wells, a scenic route via Midsomer Norton and Radstock, taking about 1 hour 40. Check the current timetable and fare before you travel.
- By car: about 22 miles and 40 minutes via the A39.
Wells is compact and walkable once you arrive, with the cathedral, market place and Bishop's Palace all together.
What to see in Wells
- Wells Cathedral: one of England's finest, famous for its scissor arches. It introduced tourist admission in 2024, now about £15.50 for an adult (a little less in summer, and after 3.30pm). It's free to attend a service, pray or light a candle.
- The Bishop's Palace and Gardens: a moated medieval palace with lovely grounds, adult admission about £15. A joint cathedral-and-palace ticket is around £22 and saves money if you want both.
Prices checked August 2026; some summer-saving rates run only to early September, after which standard prices resume.
On to Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar is beyond Wells:
- By car: about 50 minutes to an hour from Bath (28 to 30 miles via the A39 and A371).
- By bus: take the 173 to Wells, then the 126 onward towards Cheddar. It's doable but long, so Cheddar really rewards a car.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves: the dramatic limestone gorge with show caves and cliff-top walks. A Gorge and Caves Explorer ticket is about £20.40 booked online in advance. You can also just walk and drive the gorge itself for free and pay only for the caves and attractions.
Doing both in a day
With a car, Wells in the morning and Cheddar in the afternoon is a comfortable full day. By public transport it's tighter: budget the bulk of the day for travel, and consider focusing on Wells alone, with its cathedral and palace, rather than rushing to Cheddar as well.
The honest alternative
If you're car-free and short on time, Wells alone makes an excellent day by the 173 bus: the cathedral, the Bishop's Palace and the old market city are plenty. Save Cheddar Gorge for a day you're driving, when you can enjoy the gorge road and the caves without racing the last bus. For other options, see day trips from Bath.
FAQs
How do you get from Bath to Wells?
By First Bus service 173, a scenic route taking about 1 hour 40, or about 40 minutes by car (22 miles via the A39). Wells is compact and walkable once you arrive, with the cathedral and Bishop's Palace close together.
How much is Wells Cathedral?
About £15.50 for an adult (a little less in summer and for late afternoon entry), following the introduction of tourist admission in 2024. It remains free to attend a service, pray or light a candle, and under-18s go free.
Can you get from Bath to Cheddar Gorge by public transport?
Yes, but it's a long trip: bus 173 from Bath to Wells, then the 126 onward towards Cheddar. It takes the best part of a day each way, so Cheddar is much easier by car (about 50 minutes to an hour from Bath).
How much is Cheddar Gorge?
The gorge road itself is free to walk and drive; a Cheddar Gorge and Caves Explorer ticket, which includes the show caves and attractions, is about £20.40 booked online in advance. Check for the current standard gate price if buying on the day.