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The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Italian cuisine
Exterior
Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, individually decorated
Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, individually decorated
Front of property

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
20 Sadler Street, Wells, England, BA5 2SE
  • Place, Wells Cathedral
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Wells Bishop's Palace
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Mendip Hills
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Bristol (BRS-Bristol Intl.)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Room options

Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

City Double or Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Superior Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, individually decorated

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Wells

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel places you next to Wells & Mendip Museum and Wells Cathedral. The 9 rooms at this 3-star guesthouse include electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and premium bedding. Centrally located in Wells, the guesthouse is connected to a shopping center, and a short walk from Vicar's Close and Ebbor Gorge.
View more Guest Houses in WellsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Wells & Mendip Museum - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Wells Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Vicar's Close - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Wells Bishop's Palace - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Mendip Hills - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Frome Station - 27 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Sheep & Penguin - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Fosso Lounge - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Crown at Wells - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Tuckers Fish And Chip Shop - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Quarter Jack (Wetherspoon) - ‬7 min walk

About this property

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

A local mainstay since 1473, The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, express check-out, and a terrace. If you plan to drive, free offsite parking is available. A multilingual staff is on hand to help secure valuables, and offer sightseeing advice. This smoke-free guesthouse also has a garden.
18-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds sport premium bedding. Electric kettles, portable fans, and phones are also standard.

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Front of property
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends; GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Rugantino

Family friendly

  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1473
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 18-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 24
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Thursday - Monday (8:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and Tuesday - Wednesday (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately GBP 15.00 for adults and GBP 15.00 for children
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 24 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-10 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free nearby parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The guesthouse can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Wells
Ancient Gatehouse Hotel
Ancient Gatehouse Wells
Ancient Gatehouse
The Ancient Gatehouse
The Ancient Gatehouse Wells
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Wells
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Guesthouse
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Guesthouse Wells

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

As of Mar 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel on Mar 29, 2026 start from $123, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see close to The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

This guesthouse is located in Wells, just steps from Wells & Mendip Museum and Vicar's Close, and within a short walk of Mendip Hills. You'll also find Wells Bishop's Palace and Ebbor Gorge less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there isn't parking at the guesthouse but you'll find free parking.

Does The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel have a casino on the premises?

No, The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

Is The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel good for couples?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as a restaurant and a bar.

Does The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Rugantino.

Will The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Does The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this guesthouse.

How close is the airport from The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel is Bristol International Airport (BRS), which is 18.7 mi away (39 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel.

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 125 out of 202 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 54 out of 202 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 202 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 202 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 202 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
What stood out??? Well, for one, it was the staff. They welcomed me and gave me a lovely room. I had a table booked for 10 of my family, and the food was excellent. The wine was superb too, and I asked for a favour, which they delivered. This is one of my favourite hotels in the UK and will be my go-to whenever I go to Somerset to see my family. The only downside is the parking, but that is minuscule compared to the service I received from The Ancient Gatehouse. Well done all.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Fantastic friendly helpful staff...real Italians! Oh, and great breakfast lady from Ulster. The room was very clean with nice touches such as still & sparkling water. The view over the cathedral was stunning when enjoying coffee & a hot cooked breakfast. Just great to stay in a real family run establishment.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Una

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
View from bedroom over Wells Cathedral. Greatvlocation
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc t D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely old building. Great old style bed
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

roger

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, some really friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I had a lovely stay here and the breakfast was delicious. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes , it was very clean. The staff were very helpful and attentive and managed to get us a dinner table at short notice.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonja

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
fantastic hotel beautifully decorated room. Wells is an amazing city to visit.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and the staff helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very central, parking easy on road cross to cathedral. Fab view of cathedral from breakfast, ate dinner in the Italian in the ground floor - very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Declan

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice, plus the Italian restaurant

Parking was as advised, it is Salisbury you have to contend with that. Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abdul

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Everywhere is very walkable. Wide range of shops and restaurants. The Gatehouse is unique and charming. The hotel staff are very nice and accommodating. Great value for money. Beds comfortable. Room very clean. Overall a great experience and the city of Wells is a must-see
View from dining room
Dining room
Lobby
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Megan

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Great service, good overall

A charming hotel in a lovely area. Staff were attentive and friendly. Restaurant had incredible food and ambience. I booked a single room which was fine. It was quite dusty in the room, notably on the top of the wide picture rail going around the bed. I only noticed when settling down to bed, I’m sure staff would have cleaned otherwise. The corner the bed was in was also a little dark and dingy and pillows were naff. Can hear other guests quite clearly particularly when they are coming up the stairs. Steep stairs up to the rooms. Beautiful view out the room window and good shower and bathroom. Would stay again but in a different room. Worth noting as well that hotel is unmanned overnight. Staff leave the restaurant in the late evening and there is no staff in until 8am ish. There are emergency numbers but worth knowing for safety and security.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Brilliant overnight stay

Stayed here for one night, staff were all very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. We stayed in room 2 which was at the front. Lovely big room with 4 poster bed. Very comfortable and clean. There are lots of hotels in Wells but I’m glad we chose this one.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Edward

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
NO PARKIING Despite not being able to reach the hotel because of a road block, not being able to speak to anyone when we phoned (and we tried several times), being offered parking options that were not available or impractical as a stop from our check-in to check-out, meaning we had to carry our luggage through town from Waitrose long-stay car park, no reception staff for most of our stay and not being able to get breakfast in the hotel, we actually liked the place. The location is ideal for visiting the cathedral and also for excellent restaurants and coffee shops. The passage to our room felt a little like a worm hole; it goes in all directions at rather curious angles. The room offered a view across the green to the cathedral. The clock chimes every quarter; you’ll hear it if you’re awake but it didn’t keep us awake. WiFi in our room was only 6mbps down at best – but even if there a WAP on our floor, the thickness of the walls meant it would have struggled. The bathroom has a bath and a hose with a shower head but no shower. Hot water supply is good. The room had a nice feel about it. The building is definitely old and the hotel has an eccentric charm. We’d stay there again, if we were not driving.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Hotel facilities only open Monday left to our own devices Tuesday and Wednesday. No breakfast available.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely old hotel in magical location

Excellent small historic hotel facing Weeks Cathedral. The view of the Cathedral from my bedroom was magical. Nice breakfast and very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elsa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very characterful, great restaurant, really good food. Doggy friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming visit!

We loved our stay at the Ancient Gatehouse. It is just that, ancient and charming. The room was lovely and had a nice clean bathroom. We were fortunate to have a room that looked out over the green and had a view of the cathedral. There is no air conditioning. Very few places in the UK or Europe have AC, these are old buildings. There was a fan and large windows which suited us perfectly. The hotel has an excellent Italian restaurant where we ate dinner. We stayed only one night, but we will definitely return in the future.
View of Wells Cathedral from the Bishops Palace
View from our window (the front is under renovation)
Wells Cathedral
Bedroom
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful location

Lovely room in an interesting building in the heart of Wells. Friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly and welcoming - we enjoyed our visit to Wells itself very much indeed. It was our second visit to this hotel and we would certainly choose it again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent location in a charming city
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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