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The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photoThe Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photoThe Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photo

The Gainsborough Bath Spa - Bath, Somerset

•
8.8|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$122 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
23Oct
Check-out
24Oct
Guests
2 Guests
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
/5

Historic hotel facing Wells Cathedral with authentic Italian dining

Location and Historic Setting

The Ancient Gatehouse sits directly on Wells Cathedral Green, facing the West Front of Wells Cathedral. The building incorporates a centuries-old spiral stone staircase and original narrow passages from its past as a historic gatehouse. Guests are within yards of the ancient market place and have access to Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills.

Guest Rooms

The hotel has 8 guest rooms, each with unique period decor and original architectural features like exposed stone walls. Some rooms have four-poster beds, and several offer direct views of Wells Cathedral from the window. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with premium bedding on the beds.

On-Site Dining

The Rugantino Restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine with a diverse menu of pasta dishes, desserts, and wines. The restaurant offers breakfast made to order, using local produce, and provides outdoor seating on the terrace during good weather. Guests can also enjoy a bar on site and special diet menus upon request.

Guest Services

Complimentary WiFi is provided throughout the property for guest connectivity. The hotel offers on-site dry cleaning and laundry services, as well as luggage storage for convenience. A safety deposit box is available in each room, and 24-hour security includes CCTV in common areas.

Highlights

Location: On Wells Cathedral Green, facing the West Front

Rooms: 8 guest rooms with four-poster beds and period decor

Dining: Rugantino Restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine

Services: Complimentary WiFi, on-site dry cleaning, safety deposit boxes

Hospitality: Family-run for over 43 years with personalized service

“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.”
Hotel logo
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
  • Superior Double Room Cathedral View
    2 persons
    14 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Classic Single Room Cathedral View
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

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

  • Public parking is possible at a location nearby at .

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.
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Restaurant photo
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Restaurant photo

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
Map view
Nearby
Church
Wells Cathedral
270 m
Wells BA5 2PD
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
500 m
Museum
Wells and Mendip Museum
170 m
Vicar's Close Street
Vicar's Close
350 m
Gallery
A2 Gallery
320 m
Wells Market Place
170 m
Church
St Cuthbert's parish Church
480 m
Library
Wells
220 m
St Andrew St s/n Wells BA5 2UE
Scissor Arches
20 m
Wells BA5 1US
The Bishop's Barn
500 m
Cathedral Green s/n Wells BA5 2UE
West Front
130 m
1 Cathedral Green
Wells Cathedral Music School
200 m
1 Vicar's Cl
Vicar's Chapel & Library
350 m
Park
Wells Recreation Ground
460 m
Restaurants
Great Shakes
100 m
10 Heritage Courtyard Sadler Street
West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells
140 m
1A Sadler Street Market Place
Parsons Bakery
140 m
2 High Street
Costa Coffee
200 m
16 High Street
Waitrose
270 m
Whiting Way
Daniels Sandwich Bar and Cafe
410 m
5 Queen Street
Just Ales
480 m
38 Market Street
The Quarter Jack
590 m
18 Priory Road
Ram's Kebab
600 m
Princes Road
Explore Wells
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Wells Cathedral
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
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
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
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
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
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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:
8

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.8/10
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 919 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.
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