The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

3.0 star property
Pet-friendly guesthouse with a restaurant connected to a shopping center in Wells

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Photo gallery for The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

View from property
Front of property
Exterior
Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, individually decorated
Front of property

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Pet friendly
  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
20 Sadler Street, Wells, England, BA5 2SE
  • Wells & Mendip Museum
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Wells Cathedral
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Vicar's Close
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Bristol (BRS-Bristol Intl.)
    ‪39 min drive‬

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Room options

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Superior Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Wells

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel places you next to Wells & Mendip Museum and Wells Cathedral. The 9 rooms at this 3-star guesthouse include electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and premium bedding. Centrally located in Wells, the guesthouse is connected to a shopping center, and a short walk from Vicar's Close and Ebbor Gorge.

What's nearby

  • Wells Cathedral - 2 min walk
  • Vicar's Close - 4 min walk
  • Wells Bishop's Palace - 5 min walk
  • Wookey Hole Caves - 6 min drive
  • Glastonbury Tor - 13 min drive

Getting around

  • Frome Station - 27 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cathedral Green - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Quarter Jack - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Fosso Lounge - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Flapjackery - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Coffee#1 - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel

Pet-friendly guesthouse with a restaurant connected to a shopping center in Wells
A local mainstay since 1473, The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, express check-out, and a terrace. If you plan to drive, free offsite parking is available. A multilingual staff is on hand to help secure valuables, and offer sightseeing advice. This smoke-free guesthouse also has a garden.
18-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds sport premium bedding. 8 bathrooms, electric kettles, and portable fans are also standard.

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends; GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Rugantino

Family friendly

  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1473
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • 8 private bathrooms
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 18-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 24
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Thursday - Monday (8:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and Tuesday - Wednesday (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 20 per pet, per night
  • Dogs only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately GBP 15.00 for adults and GBP 15.00 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 24 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-10 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free nearby parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The guesthouse can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Wells
Ancient Gatehouse Hotel
Ancient Gatehouse Wells
Ancient Gatehouse
The Ancient Gatehouse
The Ancient Gatehouse Wells
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Wells
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Guesthouse
The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Guesthouse Wells

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

As of Feb 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel on Mar 5, 2025 start from $94.73, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see close to The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

This guesthouse is located in Wells, just steps from Wells Cathedral and Wells & Mendip Museum, and within a short walk of Mendip Hills. You'll also find Wells Bishop's Palace and Vicar's Close less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there isn't parking at the guesthouse but you'll find free parking nearby.

Does The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel have a casino on the premises?

No, The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as a restaurant and a restaurant bar.

Are there hot tubs at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Rugantino.

Will The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel for a fee of GBP 20 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this guesthouse.

How close is the airport from The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel is Bristol International Airport (BRS), which is 18.7 mi away (39 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel.

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 46 out of 152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 152 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great nights stay
We had a wonderful nights stay. The location is perfect for visiting Wells and backs onto the Cathedral green. The bed was very comfortable, a bit high maybe but such a good nights sleep. Can’t comment on the food as the restaurant was not open the night of our visit.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

georgiana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very very helpful and friendly. My traveling companion developed a medical emergency and they facilitated everything. My complaint is with Expedia it is very unusable in the UK I had to call home to get family to cancel reservations etc. etc. I would highly suggest you make The ability to contact you more more easily
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany M

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is beautiful, the staff great and the restaurant amazing. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bethany

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay! The restaurant was great and such an interesting building.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Sharon

Traveled with partner
The rooms were tired looking but bathrooms renovated and nice. Afternoon and evening staff were great but morning staff rude. restaurant on site fabulous No parking and off site parking very hard to find and long walk with cases. I would not recommend staying there
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderfully located in this historic city
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A little gem of a hotel. Narrow and steep staircases so probably not ideal for people with mobility issues but it really is beautiful. I stayed in room 4, small and pretty with the most amazing view of the cathedral. Central location, comfortable and clean and excellent value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

a

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel in a great location.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I heart Italy
Pretty pink room; stunning four poster; fab bedding; comfy bed; decent bathroom; super central location; quiet enough at night; cool decor. Only suggestions: glad for extra throw but it showed use by a dog and edges of room and around furniture bottoms needs cleaning. Otherwise very clean. FAB FOOD/RESTAURANT!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Centrally located Hotel
Small but very smart and well furnished ensuit single room with excellent views across the Green to the Cathedral. Very centrally situated.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderfully friendly staff. Great location just steps away from the cathedral.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Opted for a double room and shower but decided to go for a bath and was shown a beautiful room in the tower and took it ! Staff were very helpful and the food was delicious and beautifully presented
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

C

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ancient Gatehouse Hotel
We stayed in Wells to visit friends, the room was comfortable but small due to the age of the property that is understandable. The view from the room was superb
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Character property
Character property, loved the antique 4 poster bed. So comfy. En-suite very clean with good products. We dined in the restaurant in the evening and meal was excellent and so was breakfast. Staff really friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an absolute stunning property, Unique and Ancient, Clean and quiet great position for all Wells has to offer
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room with a View
Fantastic location with our room having a clear view of the wonderful Wells cathedral.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

nancy

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Graeme

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When I went to check in the person behind the counter told me I did not have a reservation. This then began a series of events that caused significant stress. My phone was out of power as was my lap top. I took my lap top to a neighboring hotel where I was able to see I DID have a reservation. That person was not there when I returned but check in was fine. When I eventually saw the person in question he said I must have made the reservation that day with no apology
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024