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The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

3.0 star property
Central guesthouse connected to a shopping centre in Wells with a restaurant

Photo gallery for The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

Stunning cathedral with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, set amidst a serene campus.
Enjoy a warm and inviting dining experience with a beautifully set table and stunning city views.
Experience the charm of this historic building, featuring a stone tower and outdoor dining area with picnic tables.
Enjoy a classic and inviting space with a comfortable bed, dining area, and beautiful views.
Explore historic streets lined with traditional buildings and a prominent stone archway.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
The current price is NZ$194
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Portable fan
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Single Room, 1 Single Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Portable fan
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

City Double or Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Portable fan
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Superior Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Portable fan
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Portable fan
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Portable fan
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
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About the area

Map
20 Sadler Street, Wells, England, BA5 2SE

What's nearby

  • Wells Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Vicar's Close - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Wells Bishop's Palace - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Wookey Hole Caves - 8 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Glastonbury Tor - 14 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

  • Frome Station - 27 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cathedral Green - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Quarter Jack - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Fosso Lounge - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Flapjackery - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Coffee#1 - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

Guest house connected to a shopping centre
A terrace, a garden and a restaurant are just a few of the amenities provided at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel. In addition to a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 25+ Mbps.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), express check-out and a front desk safe
  • Multilingual staff and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and include comforts such as premium bedding, in addition to thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and portable fans
  • Free toiletries and hairdryers
  • 18-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, daily housekeeping and desks

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish

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  • Free WiFi
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8.2 out of 10, Very good, 357 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking within 100 metres
  • Street parking available

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends; GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Rugantino

Family friendly

  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1473
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 18-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 24
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Thursday - Monday (8:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and Tuesday - Wednesday (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: from approximately GBP 15.00 for adults and from GBP 15.00 for children
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 24 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties

Property is also known as

Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Wells
Ancient Gatehouse Hotel
Ancient Gatehouse Wells
Ancient Gatehouse
The Ancient Gatehouse
The Ancient Gatehouse Wells
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Wells
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Guesthouse
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Guesthouse Wells

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

As of 5 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel on 31 Aug 2025 start from NZ$194.27, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM.

What time is check-out at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

Checkout is at 11 AM. Late checkout is available for GBP 24 (subject to availability).

Where is The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel located?

Located in the heart of Wells, this guesthouse is steps away from Wells & Mendip Museum and Wells Cathedral. Vicar's Close and Ebbor Gorge are also within 5 minutes.

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The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 103 out of 174 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 174 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 174 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 174 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 174 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elsa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very characterful, great restaurant, really good food. Doggy friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent location in a charming city
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An old character building which has a very modern feel to it. Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cleanliness and laid back feel about the place.Very good value for money
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved everything about it, the staff were amazing and can’t praise the Chef enough… the restaurant is top notch.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Possibly the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed in and the most friendly staff possible!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
All went fine
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bethany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay! The restaurant was great and such an interesting building.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just as it is described on the Expedia website. We loved it. Sadly only a one night stopover but we will definitely return. It was a stunning view (Wells Cathedral) in such a comfortable room. Wonderful!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderfully located in this historic city
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Lovely stay with an excellent welcome from very attentive hotel and restaurant staff. Room and bathroom was a bit smaller than I expected, and could do with a bit more modernising, TV was very small and floors quite uneven and creaky. But that kind of added to the atmosphere of an ancient gatehouse. Next time I would request a room with a view of the cathedral as I think these must be more spacious.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Cathedral visit.

We had never visited Wells and was interested in going to the Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Hotel looked well placed for this. Overall a good hotel with a good restaurant. Room a bit snug and absence of shower not great for visitors of a certain age. Bath looked like too much of a slip hazard.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dayna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Views of the Cathedral. Excellent location. Delicious Italian restaurant on-site with many options all around. Andy (manager) and the entire staff so friendly and helpful. Highly recommended for the price - 2 star at 4 star service. Parking not that convenient, but that is expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is beautiful, the staff great and the restaurant amazing. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Nice place, great staff

Can't fault the service, the breakfast was great, the staff friendly and they even did us pizza as we was running very late and missed dinner. The room was okay, only negative was the bed was small and you couldn't stand to shower, had to sit in the bath and hold the shower head, but it was fine.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Room was in need of updating, carpet was dirty. Staff were pleasant, but failed to tell us that they were not open on the day we left so no breakfast would be served. We just left our key at the closed desk. The restaurant looked very nice, but didn’t get a chance to try it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neil Porter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Room3

Room a bit tired in places but clean and comfortable bed with top view.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderfully friendly staff. Great location just steps away from the cathedral.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect small central place to stay

I rarely do reviews but what a gem of a place.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an absolute stunning property, Unique and Ancient, Clean and quiet great position for all Wells has to offer
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A little gem of a hotel. Narrow and steep staircases so probably not ideal for people with mobility issues but it really is beautiful. I stayed in room 4, small and pretty with the most amazing view of the cathedral. Central location, comfortable and clean and excellent value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Room with a View

Fantastic location with our room having a clear view of the wonderful Wells cathedral.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Beautiful Hotel, Amazing Breakfast, Awful Bed

The outside of this hotel is absolutely beautiful, with the historic Gatehouse plus connecting building and the location is complete perfection. I can’t imagine there is a better placed hotel in the whole of Wells. The staff were extremely welcoming and could not do enough for us. The breakfast is one of the best breakfast’s I have ever had in a hotel - no exaggeration! All made to order, with plenty of Hot Drinks and juices. Pretty much the only thing that let down our stay was the bed. The bed was so uncomfortable that at around 2am of not being able to sleep I actually decided to sleep on the floor! I did over head the staff talking about how the rooms and furniture were getting a refurb soon - which is promising. So although 3 stars feels harsh… I think it is fair as the bed was so bad that we could not properly sleep here.
Amazing Breakfast
Hotel Exterior
Cathedral View from breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a great place to stay …..love how old the building is and the quirkiness of it. Also the Beautiful view of the Cathedral from our room !
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely stunning views of the cathedral. Food and service was incredible
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023