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From124US$ /night
Check-in
19Jan2026Select date
Check-out
20Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

20 Sadler St, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE
-
Steps from Wells Cathedral
Great
8.6
9.0
/10
3.9
4.2
/5

Rooms with unique features

The Ancient Gatehouse offers rooms on the first and second floors. Rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, a digital TV, and an en-suite shower room. Some rooms feature half-tester beds and original four-poster beds. Selected guestrooms include heating, a desk, an alarm clock, and a telephone. Ironing facilities are available. Some rooms offer views of Wells Cathedral, subject to availability. Rooms are accessible by narrow corridors and steep staircases.

Italian cuisine

The Ancient Gatehouse includes the Rugantino Restaurant, specializing in Italian cuisine. The restaurant prepares traditional English table d'hôte menus. Onsite restaurants include Rugantino.

Leisure and Recreation

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel has a garden and a terrace. Recreational facilities extend to a garden.

Wells Cathedral Green Location

The Ancient Gatehouse faces the West Front on Wells Cathedral Green, near the ancient market place. Landmarks nearby include West Front (0.3 km), Wells Market Place (0.3 km), and Scissor Arches (0.3 km). The hotel is 35 km from Bristol Airport. Area attractions include Greenbank Pool. The hotel is well-located for exploring Somerset's historic areas.

Services and Amenities

The Ancient Gatehouse offers complimentary wireless Internet access. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Guests can make use of dry cleaning services. The hotel includes a bar/lounge. The guesthouse has multilingual staff. The property provides dry cleaning/laundry services.

“This family-run boutique hotel stands out with its personalized service and historic ambiance, enhanced by the centuries-old spiral stone staircase; the location is outstanding, with stunning views of Wells Cathedral and the Cathedral Green. Its specialization in traditional Italian cuisine is a treat, particularly at the Rugantino Restaurant. I find this place a cozy base for exploring the area.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Double Room Cathedral View
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Heating
Bathtub
Double Room Four-Poster Bed
2 persons
90 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Double Room Cathedral View
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • Off-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Ancient Gatehouse features the excellent Rugantino Restaurant, a delightful hub for authentic Italian cuisine. With an inviting atmosphere that blends traditional charm and culinary finesse, guests can enjoy meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all.
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Restaurant photo
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Restaurant photo

Rugantino

Authentic Italian
Ambiance
A traditional setting with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for casual meals or cozy gatherings.
Key Offerings
Specializes in mouthwatering Italian dishes, while also offering traditional English table dhôte menus. Dishes available cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences.
Reservation
Recommended
Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 - 20:00

Location

20 Sadler St, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE
Map view
20 Sadler St, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE
Nearby
Church
Wells Cathedral
900 ft
Wells BA5 2PD
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
1700 ft
Museum
Wells and Mendip Museum
600 ft
Vicar's Close Street
Vicar's Close
1200 ft
Gallery
A2 Gallery
1100 ft
Wells Market Place
600 ft
Church
St Cuthbert's parish Church
1600 ft
Library
Wells
800 ft
St Andrew St s/n Wells BA5 2UE
Scissor Arches
100 ft
Wells BA5 1US
The Bishop's Barn
1700 ft
Cathedral Green s/n Wells BA5 2UE
West Front
500 ft
1 Cathedral Green
Wells Cathedral Music School
700 ft
1 Vicar's Cl
Vicar's Chapel & Library
1200 ft
Park
Wells Recreation Ground
1600 ft
Restaurants
Great Shakes
400 ft
10 Heritage Courtyard Sadler Street
West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells
500 ft
1A Sadler Street Market Place
Parsons Bakery
500 ft
2 High Street
Costa Coffee
700 ft
16 High Street
Waitrose
900 ft
Whiting Way
Daniels Sandwich Bar and Cafe
1400 ft
5 Queen Street
Just Ales
1600 ft
38 Market Street
The Quarter Jack
2000 ft
18 Priory Road
Ram's Kebab
2000 ft
Princes Road
Explore Wells
Local Highlights Near The Ancient Gatehouse
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Wells Cathedral
4 minutes' walk
Gothic architecture and stunning interiors; a must-visit for historical enthusiasts.
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
7 minutes' walk
Historic palace with beautiful gardens; enjoy seasonal flower displays and guided tours.
Wells and Mendip Museum
2 minutes' walk
Local history and geology exhibits; family-friendly with interactive displays.
Wookey Hole Caves
30 minutes walking, 8 minutes' drive
Fascinating limestone caves; includes tours, attractions like a 4D cinema, and child-friendly activities.
Hiking at Ebbor Gorge
40 minutes walking, 8 minutes' drive
Scenic hiking trails for thrill-seekers with breathtaking views of the countryside.
Relaxation at Milton Lodge Gardens
19 minutes' walk
Serene gardens perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic amidst stunning flora.
Rugantino Restaurant
0 minutes' walk
Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere; signature dishes include homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
Great Shakes
2 minutes' walk
Casual café known for delicious milkshakes and light bites; a hit with families.
West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells
2 minutes' walk
Local pasty shop with a variety of fillings; perfect for a quick, hearty meal.
A2 Gallery
4 minutes' walk
Art gallery showcasing local talents; features exhibitions and community events.
Wells Comedy Festival
varies by venue, typically within 10 minutes' walk
Annual festival featuring local comedians and entertainment; family-friendly performances available.
Getting around
City Centre
Wells3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Bristol Airport (BRS)47 min  ·  19.1 mi
Bournemouth (BOH)138 min  ·  56.9 mi
Bus
Bus stop14 min  ·  5.5 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
All visitors are offered a american breakfast for a fee. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian
Number of rooms:
8
Questions of the users
About The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant
What parking options are available near the hotel?
10 December 2024
The Ancient Gatehouse does not have an onsite parking facility, but there are several nearby options. Overnight parking is available free of charge within the cathedral precinct from 16:00 until 10:00 the next morning. Additional free parking can be found 20 meters up the road or on New Street, just a 2-minute walk away. For those willing to walk a bit further, free parking is also available along Ash Lane, taking approximately 5 to 10 minutes. There is a paid car park on Whiting Way, about 5 minutes away, costing £6.50 for an overnight stay.
Are dogs allowed in the hotel?
18 March 2025
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay in the rooms at the Ancient Gatehouse.
Do the rooms come with ensuite bathrooms?
12 April 2025
All guest rooms at the Ancient Gatehouse feature ensuite bathrooms for added comfort and privacy.
Is breakfast included in the booking rate?
25 February 2025
Breakfast is not included in the booking price through booking.com. However, it can be added for £12.50 per person. It's recommended to message the hotel directly to arrange this.
What time is breakfast served?
15 January 2025
Breakfast is available from 07:30 to 09:30 on weekdays, while it is served from 08:00 to 09:30 on weekends.
Is there Wi-Fi access available for guests?
22 August 2024
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for all guests at the Ancient Gatehouse.
Can luggage be stored before check-in?
6 October 2024
Yes, luggage can be left at the hotel prior to check-in time, allowing guests to explore the area freely.
Is the staircase in the hotel accessible for guests?
3 November 2024
The hotel features several staircases; while the initial flight is regular, the ascent to some upper rooms includes a steeper staircase and a spiral stone staircase for the cathedral view suite.
What types of views are available from the four-poster rooms?
28 February 2025
Among the two available four-poster rooms, one offers a view of Wells Cathedral, while the other provides a street view.
Are pets allowed in the restaurant of the hotel?
10 January 2025
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the restaurant area.

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