Gateway to the City of Wells

and central witness to

over a thousand years of

British History

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

Step through our doors and you're literally walking through seven centuries of English history. Our hotel sits within the magnificent medieval gatehouse that once controlled access between Wells Cathedral and the bustling market town beyond - the same stone archway that witnessed bishops wielding real political power, Civil War sieges, and the everyday drama of a community balanced between the sacred and secular. When Bishop Jocelin built these walls in the 13th century, he probably never imagined they'd one day welcome travelers from around the world, but there's something wonderfully fitting about it. After all, gatehouses have always been about hospitality - controlling who enters, yes, but also providing shelter and welcome to those deemed worthy of passage.

What makes staying here so special isn't just the incredible architecture or prime cathedral green location - it's being part of an ongoing story where every stone has witnessed moments both grand and intimate. We're simply the latest custodians of this remarkable building, continuing to offer what it always has: warm welcome, comfortable shelter, and front-row seats to one of England's most perfectly preserved medieval streetscapes. Beyond our ancient walls, you're perfectly placed for everything Wells has to offer - cathedral tours, market square browsing, moat races, lantern festivals and even beautiful walks and biking adventures for all abilities and timeframes. There is even the Wells Literature Festival and a Wells Comedy Festival every year.

Whatever you choose to explore, it is always a perfect ending to any day, if you choose to enjoy the authentic Italian hospitality at Rugantino's restaurant, another local establishment with its own wonderful story connecting Roman tradition to Somerset soil. Come and add your own page to the gatehouse story.

Step through our doors and you're literally walking through seven centuries of English history. Our hotel sits within the magnificent medieval gatehouse that once controlled access between Wells Cathedral and the bustling market town beyond - the same stone archway that witnessed bishops wielding real political power, Civil War sieges, and the everyday drama of a community balanced between the sacred and secular. When Bishop Jocelin built these walls in the 13th century, he probably never imagined they'd one day welcome travellers from around the world, but there's something wonderfully fitting about it. After all, gatehouses have always been about hospitality - controlling who enters, yes, but also providing shelter and welcome to those deemed worthy of passage.

Step through our doors and you're literally walking through seven centuries of English history. Our hotel sits within the magnificent medieval gatehouse that once controlled access between Wells Cathedral and the bustling market town beyond - the same stone archway that witnessed bishops wielding real political power, Civil War sieges, and the everyday drama of a community balanced between the sacred and secular. When Bishop Jocelin built these walls in the 13th century, he probably never imagined they'd one day welcome travelers from around the world, but there's something wonderfully fitting about it. After all, gatehouses have always been about hospitality - controlling who enters, yes, but also providing shelter and welcome to those deemed worthy of passage.

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Our Rooms

Each of The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Bedrooms have their own individual design and character. The rooms are very cosy with lots of atmosphere as they are all beautifully decorated with some stunning views over the Cathedral Green and The City of Wells.

All rooms come equipped with flat screen Tv’s, En-suite bathrooms, Tea & Coffee facilities.

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Rugantino's Restaurant

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Rugantino's true Italian story began in 1974 when Franco Rossi from Assisi in Umbria - known as the green heart of Italy for its rolling hills east of Tuscany - moved to Wells and met local girl Heather. They married in 1968 and six years later opened Rugantino, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Somerset. Today, their sons Jon and Nick continue the family tradition, running both the restaurant and the Ancient Gatehouse Hotel, ensuring that same passion for genuine Italian hospitality lives on.

Umbria is famous for black truffles (which are highly prized), amazing hams, sausages, porchetta and other cured meats particularly Guanciale ham and Norcina sausages which come from Norcia. This town has become so famous for its method of pork butchery and preparation of cured meats, that butchers across Italy now use the term ‘norcino’ to refer to all kinds of meat preserved in the ‘Norcia’ way and the name ‘norcineria’ is used for butchers that specialize in preparing, curing and selling pork products.

BOOK A TABLE NOW

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Rugantino's true Italian story began in 1974 when Franco Rossi from Assisi in Umbria - known as the green heart of Italy for its rolling hills east of Tuscany - moved to Wells and met local girl Heather. They married in 1968 and six years later opened Rugantino, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Somerset. Today, their sons Jon and Nick continue the family tradition, running both the restaurant and the Ancient Gatehouse Hotel, ensuring that same passion for genuine Italian hospitality lives on.

BOOK A TABLE NOW

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Weddings

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Imagine celebrating your special day with authentic Italian hospitality in one of Wells' most atmospheric locations, right on the Cathedral Green with those stunning views as your backdrop. Our intimate restaurant space creates the perfect setting for memorable wedding receptions, where our experienced team will work with you to create a truly personal celebration with exceptional food that reflects the joy of your big day.

Ready to start planning? Give us a call on 01749 672 029 to discuss your vision and let's create something magical together

LET'S TALK

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