The heart and soul of Wells is undoubtedly the impressive Wells Cathedral, a true gem of Gothic architecture. This majestic building, which dates back to the 12th century, impresses not only with its monumental west facade, decorated with hundreds of sculptures, but also with its unique interior. The cathedral is famous for its characteristic 'scissor' arches, which are a true marvel of medieval engineering. During your visit, be sure to look out for the famous astronomical clock from the 14th century, which still keeps time and displays moving figures of knights.

For families with children, the cathedral offers special tours and educational programs that introduce the history and architecture of the site in an accessible way. It's also worth climbing the tower for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area.

Right next to the cathedral is another gem - The Bishop's Palace & Gardens. This medieval bishop's palace surrounded by a moat is not only the seat of the bishop, but also has magnificent gardens open to the public. Children will be delighted to feed the swans, who have been pulling the bell string for centuries to get a portion of food. The palace gardens are the perfect place to picnic and relax after visiting the cathedral.

When comparing the two attractions, it's worth noting that while Wells Cathedral offers a more monumental and historic experience, The Bishop's Palace & Gardens provides a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The Cathedral is open daily and admission is charged (as of 2023), while The Bishop's Palace & Gardens has more limited opening hours, but offers annual passes, which can be beneficial for families planning more frequent visits.

One of the most charming corners of Wells is undoubtedly Vicars' Close, the oldest surviving medieval street in Europe. Dating back to 1348, this picturesque street consists of a row of identical cottages that were once inhabited by the vicars of the cathedral. A walk along Vicars' Close is like a trip back in time - the cobblestone street, surrounded by carefully maintained stone houses, creates a unique atmosphere. It's the perfect place for a family stroll and a live history lesson. Children will be delighted to imagine what life was like in a medieval town.

For those who want to explore the history of the region, the Wells & Mendip Museum is invaluable. This intimate museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Wells and the surrounding Mendip Hills. Exhibits include everything from prehistoric fossils to medieval artifacts and artifacts related to local mining. The museum also hosts interactive workshops for children, making it a great place for a family visit, especially on rainy days.

Comparing the two attractions, it's worth noting that Vicars' Close offers a more outdoor and visual experience, perfect for sunny days and short walks. It is free to visit, making it attractive to families traveling on a budget. The Wells & Mendip Museum, on the other hand, while requiring the purchase of an admission ticket, offers a more educational and interactive experience, especially valuable in inclement weather or for families seeking a deeper understanding of the region's history.

It's a good idea to plan your visit to Wells so as to combine a walk along Vicars' Close with a visit to the museum - this will give you a fuller understanding of the history of the city and the region. Remember that the museum has limited opening hours, so it's worth checking before visiting (as of 2023). Vicars' Close is available to visit all day, giving you more flexibility in your schedule.

For families looking for exciting adventures outside of Wells' historic center, the Wookey Hole Caves are an invaluable attraction. Located just a few miles from the city center, these famous limestone caves offer an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Wookey Hole Caves is not just a system of impressive caves, but an entire complex of attractions. The tour begins with an exploration of the underground chambers, where you can admire fascinating rock formations and learn about the legends associated with the place, including the tale of the mysterious Wookey Witch. The guides tell the story of the caves in a colorful way, which keeps even the youngest tourists engaged and fascinated.

Once on the surface, a number of additional attractions await visitors. The dinosaur park with moving models of prehistoric reptiles is a treat for young paleontologists. A magical mirror maze, circus shows and paper-making workshops are just some of the entertainment available. The complex also features a motor museum and an exhibition on cave diving.

There is a special playground and mini golf for the little ones, and an outdoor swimming pool is also in operation during the summer season. Wookey Hole is also home to the ripening process of the famous Cheddar cheese - here you can see how this traditional delicacy is produced and ripened in the caves.

When comparing Wookey Hole Caves with attractions in downtown Wells, it's worth noting that it offers a more diverse and interactive experience, especially appealing to families with children of all ages. While the historic Wells center focuses mainly on architecture and cultural heritage, Wookey Hole combines educational elements with pure entertainment.

Note that admission tickets to Wookey Hole Caves are more expensive than to downtown attractions, but include access to all attractions in the complex. It's worth checking current prices and opening hours on the official website before planning a visit (as of 2023).

All in all, Wells and its surroundings offer an extraordinary combination of history, culture and adventure. From the majestic cathedral and charming medieval streets, to educational museums and the exciting Wookey Hole caves, there is something for everyone. A visit to Wells is not only a history lesson, but above all an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of the English countryside.