Wells, in Somerset

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Wells is a small yet bustling city and is bursting with energy this Easter time. It also sports an eccentric market on Saturdays, offering everything from pewter jewellery to handcrafted walking sticks. Wells Market Square was full of 'eggcellent' market stalls and street musicians today, and jam-packed with locals, visitors and street vendors all enjoying the sunshine. I spent an enjoyable hour wandering around the market square, which is gently enclosed by the buildings of Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, right in the centre of town.



Wells has always celebrated Swans, and egg- decorated sculptures, street signs and paintings were out in force today. These graceful white birds have been loved in Wells ever since the then Bishop of Wells' daughter taught a swan to ring a bell at the palace gatehouse when it wanted to be fed. Today there were swans everywhere we looked, and there are numerous pubs, cafes and businesses that all proudly bear the swan name.



Ever seen the comedy movie Hot Fuzz? This hilarious British movie was filmed in and around Wells, as the Crown Pub proudly advertises. Quite apart from Hot Fuzz though, there is something very cinematic about the city. It feels quintessentially British.



Wells has another claim to fame, with a bronze plaque and marker measuring the awesome long jump leap that won England a Gold medal in the 1966 Olympics.



I've often found that British cities have eccentric little quirks, and things that mark them out as unique. For Wells, it seems to be mirrors. They were everywhere today, in the market, in shops and in restaurants. With the beautiful weather we had today, the whole city shone.



#easter
#markets
#things_to_see
%wnbath