St Mary Magdalene's Church

The tower of St Mary Magdalene's Church rises above Wells like a finger pointing at the sky, and it's properly worth stopping for if you're camping nearby. This is a parish church with real presence - the kind of building that makes you understand why medieval people bothered to construct something this solid when a simple chapel would have done the job.

What you're looking at is Gothic architecture that commands attention, with a tower that dominates the Somerset landscape. Inside, there's the usual church treasury of old stone, carved details, and the quiet weight of centuries. It's not a spectacle like Wells Cathedral itself - that's just down the road and demands its own visit - but this church has character without the crowds.

Histor enthusiasts will get genuine value here. Family groups camping at Cathedral View Glamping or Orchard Farm Luxury Glamping can easily walk into Wells town centre and take this in along the way. Kids won't spend hours here, but twenty minutes of wandering about and looking up at the architecture beats another lap of the town square.

The main thing to know: opening hours aren't guaranteed, so if you're planning a specific visit, ring ahead or catch it when you're passing through. It's free to enter when open. Location-wise, it slots perfectly into a holiday around Wells - you can combine it with the cathedral, the Bishop's Palace gardens, and the market square without any backtracking. Proper efficient use of an afternoon.