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
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
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.”
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!
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.
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
City landmarks
Cave
Wookey Hole Caves
2.53 km
Landmark
Wells Artisan Quarter
690 m
Garden
Milton Lodge Gardens
1.51 km
Cemetery
Mendip Hospital Cemetery
1.7 km
Landmark
Milton Lodge
1.45 km
Landmark
Pen Hill
3.26 km
Landmark
Ebbor Gorge
3.69 km
Store
Wells Reclamation Co
3.73 km
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
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 exclusive 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.
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.