The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant, Wells

Name: The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant, Wells
Address: 20 Sadler St, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2FE
Price range: US$122+
Rating: 8.8

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The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

20 Sadler St, Wells, BA5 2FE

Steps from Wells Cathedral

Great

8.8

9.2

/10

4.7

4.2

Loved by The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant guests

Unique bedrooms

Sensational view

Accommodating staff

Comfortable bed

Delicious meals

"Wells is magical and having the view of the cathedral like we scored from both rooms is a rare treat."

Sergei from United States

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"My wife and I stayed at the Ancient Gatehouse last week first staying in room 7 then room 9 both rooms were so comfortable and gave a real sense of history like stepping back in time 500 years but with all the mod cons."

Adi Brown

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"The room was lovely and had a nice clean bathroom."

Catherine

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3-star luxury near Wells Cathedral

Accommodations

The Ancient Gatehouse offers a range of luxury hotel accommodation options in Wells, each providing direct views of Wells Cathedral. Guests may choose from individually designed rooms that reflect the historical charm of the city. With striking views and thoughtful amenities, each stay emphasizes the historic surroundings.

Location

Situated on Wells Cathedral Green, the hotel is just yards from the ancient marketplace, allowing guests to easily explore Somerset's historic beauty spots. As the smallest city in England, Wells boasts a compact center with cobbled streets and medieval architecture. This prime location ensures that guests are immersed in the rich history and culture of the area.

Dining

The Rugantino Restaurant on-site serves delicious Italian cuisine crafted from local ingredients. Guests have the option to enjoy meals in a hospitable atmosphere that pays homage to traditional flavors. Dining at the hotel adds a culinary dimension to the overall stay, highlighting regional culinary practices.

Views

The most prominent feature of The Ancient Gatehouse is its priceless views of Wells Cathedral, which attracts numerous visitors each year. The architectural grandeur of the cathedral enhances the experience of staying at the hotel. Guests can appreciate the scenic beauty and rich history at every turn.

Accessibility

Accessibility is facilitated by the hotel's central location, allowing visitors to easily navigate Wells and the surrounding Somerset area. Guests can reach key historic sites and attractions without the need for extensive transportation. The convenient position is beneficial for both leisure travelers and those wishing to explore the local heritage.

Highlights

Location: Wells Cathedral Green

Dining: Rugantino Restaurant

Views: priceless views of Wells Cathedral

Accommodation: individually designed rooms

“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.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningItalian Excellence

The Rugantino restaurant served a delicious supper. The pizza was huge, worth sharing! Breakfast was also excellent, with lovely coffee.

Oliver from Canada

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Guest ParkingEasy Parking

I received useful information about public parking options. A nearby Waitrose offers long-stay parking.

Rajesh from India

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BedroomComfort Defined

The superior double room offered lovely views of the green and cathedral. The four-poster bed was sturdy and extremely comfortable.

Isabelle from France

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BathroomLuxurious Bath

The bathroom featured a luxurious copper bathtub, a modern shower, and a WC. Hot water was available within seconds.

George from Australia

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Select your room type

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Classic Double or Twin Room
2 persons
13 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Superior Double Room Cathedral View
2 persons
14 sq. feet
1 Double bed
City view
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Classic Single Room Cathedral View
2 persons
10 sq. feet
1 Single bed
City view
Heating
Shower
room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
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
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

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.

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

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Location

20 Sadler St, Wells, BA5 2FE

Explore Wells

Local Highlights Near The Ancient Gatehouse

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
Wells 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Bristol (BRS) 47 min · 19.1 mi
Exeter International (EXT) 142 min · 58.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop 14 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

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at .

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel 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:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the hotel's superb location directly in front of the cathedral, with some rooms offering perfect views of it and the park. The Italian meals at the restaurant are a highlight, with the pizza being particularly popular. Rooms are generally spacious and some feature full-length mirrors. Some guests have noted the access staircase can be narrow.

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Review score

Based on 556 verified reviews

8.6 /10

Great

91 %

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Location

9.8/10

Free WiFi

7.9/10

Breakfast

8.3/10

Pros

Hospitable staff

Spotless room

Great location

Ample tea things

Cons

Filthy carpet

Steep stairs

No reception

Dark building

based on 285 reviews

3.5/5

Christina from United States

Single

classic double or twin room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 20, 2025

6/10

acceptable stay, disappointing room

missing bedside table missing light

the location was good. the cathedral was quite close.

The room was not as expected. there was no bedside table or light on one side of the bed. That was inconvenient.

0 Helpful

Daniel from United Kingdom

Couple

Classic Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 11, 2025

9.7/10

lovely central stay

fantastic location friendly staff good food

i enjoyed the location. it was fantastic, near to the cathedral. staff were friendly. i found the food to be very good too.

i didn't like the bathroom mirror light, it didn't work. the manager said the led bulbs were burn out. no one tried to repair it .

Rooms

9/10

beds were comfortable. the room had plenty of storage for luggage and clothes. it had everything i needed , including convenient outlets.

Location

10/10

the location is great. it is right on the green shared by the cathedral. access to key attractions and local amenities is immediate.

Service

10/10

the staff was very friendly and helpful. they offered attentive service and created a relaxed atmosphere. antonio stood out, he provided really good assistance and professional care.

0 Helpful

Andrew from United Kingdom

Single

Classic Double or Twin Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 08, 2025

6/10

mixed feelings about the stay

steep stairs inadequate handrails

the room's power setup was quite inconvenient i could not use both sockets simultaneously. i had to decide between charging my phone and using the bedside lamp which was annoying. also the stairs were very steep, and i was warned, but they still presented a challenge for me as an older traveller. adequate handrails were not available on the steep stairs. the carpet looked loose on the stairs.

0 Helpful

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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.

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.