On the outside of the building, facing the Canon's houses to the north, is a still-working medieval clock, originally intended to remind them of the many services conducted during the day at the cathedral. At the top of the long flight of worn stone stairs), leading out from the north transept is the Chapter House, an octagonal building with a stunning fan-vaulted ceiling. It is here that the business of running the cathedral is still done by the members of the Chapter, the cathedral's ruling body.

If your travel schedule permits it, plan to arrive in the cathedral area on Sunday afternoon, about 2 p.m., when you will be treated to a glorious, but deafening, hour-long performance of pealing bells (check times and dates with Wells Cathedral).

A few miles out of town is the whimsically-named town of Wookey Hole, and its namesake cavern, Wookey Hole Caves. This is a fun place to go for the whole family, with cavern tours, paper-making demonstrations and picnic areas and gift shops.

Other places on interest include Cheddar Caves, the town of Glastonbury, city of Bath and Longleat Wildlife Park.