Loved by The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant guests
Ancient Gatehouse room
Rugantino Restaurant
Cathedral view
Italian cuisine
Four poster bed
"Room (No 3) very lovely with a magical view."
Sarah from United Kingdom
read full review
"The immaculately cleaned room overlooked the cathedral square and we were treated to the flocks of birds coming home to roost."
Feetuptraveller123 from United Kingdom
read full review
"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 from United Kingdom
read full review
"A beautiful patio with cathedral views was a perfect place for a pre-dinner drink."
Matt H from United Kingdom
read full review
Boutique hotel on Wells Cathedral Green with authentic Italian dining
Historic Building & Location
The Ancient Gatehouse sits directly on Wells Cathedral Green, facing the West Front of the cathedral. The building retains a centuries-old spiral stone staircase and quaint passages that reflect its history as the original gatehouse. Guests are just yards from the ancient market place and within walking distance of the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills.
Dining
The on-site Rugantino Restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine and offers special diet menus upon request. Guests can dine on the sun terrace with outdoor furniture overlooking the cathedral green. The restaurant serves dinner and breakfast, with packed lunches available for day trips.
Rooms & Comfort
Each room has been refurbished to a high standard while retaining original character, with some rooms featuring four-poster beds. Room types include the Classic Single with Cathedral View and Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View. Premium bedding and en-suite facilities are provided in all accommodations.
Services & Amenities
The hotel has been family-run for over 43 years, offering personalized service with 24-hour security and CCTV. On-site dry cleaning and laundry services are available, along with express check-in/check-out and luggage storage. A safety deposit box is provided for guest valuables, and the property has a garden and terrace.
Nearby Attractions
Wells Cathedral is directly opposite the hotel, and the ancient market place is a short walk away. The Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills offer walking and cycling opportunities within easy reach. Bristol, Bath, and Longleat are also close by for day trips.
Highlights
Location: On Wells Cathedral Green, yards from ancient market place
Dining: Rugantino Restaurant - authentic Italian cuisine
Rooms: Refurbished rooms with four-poster beds and cathedral views
Services: Family-run for 43 years with express check-in
Nearby: Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, Bath, Longleat
“From my understanding, the positioning here is truly remarkable, placing you directly opposite the cathedral green, a view that seems to captivate. Guests consistently mention the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms, some even noting a rather appealing historical charm to the beds themselves. Coupled with what sounds like exceptional Italian cuisine downstairs and genuinely friendly staff, it strikes me as a rather well-rounded and worthwhile stay.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Uksomerset
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 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Superior Double Room Cathedral View
2 persons
14 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Classic Single Room Cathedral View
2 persons
10 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
June 2026 - June 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
June 2026
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
July 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review 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
Show more
Dining Onsite
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy at Rugantino, an inviting restaurant nestled within The Ancient Gatehouse. This smoke-free oasis boasts a warm ambiance and showcases traditional Italian cuisine alongside classic English table dhôte menus, creating an enticing culinary blend for all palates.
Rugantino
Italian and traditional English
Ambiance
Cozy, traditional setting with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxed gatherings.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a variety of meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes, highlighting authentic Italian flavors and traditional English fare.
Reservation
Recommended for optimal dining experience.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Location
20 Sadler St, Wells, BA5 2FE,
Explore Wells
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Wells Cathedral
4 minutes' walk
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, famed for its intricate façade and two unique towers. Must-see for history enthusiasts.
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
7 minutes' walk
Historic palace surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering guided tours and picturesque views. Family-friendly with seasonal events.
Wells and Mendip Museum
2 minutes' walk
Local history museum featuring exhibits on the area's cultural heritage. Engaging for both families and history buffs.
Wookey Hole Caves
8 minutes' drive
Fascinating caves with guided tours showcasing stunning stalactites. Enjoy family-friendly attractions and adventure activities.
Hiking at Ebbor Gorge
8 minutes' drive
Thrill-seekers can enjoy dramatic landscapes and challenging trails in this natural gorge. Parking is available nearby.
Relaxation at Milton Lodge Gardens
6 minutes' drive
Serene gardens perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Ideal for families or those looking to unwind amidst nature.
Rugantino Restaurant
0 minutes' walk
Authentic Italian cuisine emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Reservations recommended for popular evening seating.
Great Shakes
2 minutes' walk
Fun, casual spot for delicious milkshakes and snacks. Great for families with kids craving a sweet treat after sightseeing.
West Cornwall Pasty Company
2 minutes' walk
Local favorite offering traditional Cornish pasties. Quick takeout ideal for a meal on the go while exploring the city.
Wells Film Centre
5 minutes' walk
Cozy cinema showcasing indie films and classics. Ideal for couples looking for a relaxing evening out.
The Crown Inn
7 minutes' walk
Lively pub with regular live music events, trivia nights, and local ales. Welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Wells 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Bristol (BRS) 47 min · 30.8 km
Exeter International (EXT) 142 min · 94.3 km
Bus
Bus stop 14 min · 8.8 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
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:
8
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 559 verified reviews
8.6 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.1/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free WiFi
8.9/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Cathedral views
Excellent location
On-site Italian restaurant
Friendly staff
Cons
Inconvenient parking
Room not ready
Street noise
Guest reviews
based on 285 reviews
3.5/5
based on 997 reviews
8.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Orchardleigh Estate
The Riverside Inn
The Miners Rest, Formerly The Radstock Hotel, Near Bath
The Old Manor House Hotel
720 Holiday Resort Unity, Brean
Grays Boutique B&B
The Old Farmhouse
Bath Backpackers
The Green Dragon
Hiding Space Westgate Apartments
The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster