Guests recommend The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant
Medieval gatehouse
Wells Cathedral views
Rugantino Restaurant
Complimentary hot drinks
English breakfast served hot
"The Italian restaurant downstairs, served really really delicious food & the staff was so lovely & friendly!"
Annie from United Kingdom
read full review
"Our room was delightful - very well maintained and clean with a fantastic view across to Wells Cathedral."
Philmex1 from United Kingdom
read full review
"The immaculately cleaned room overlooked the cathedral square and we were treated to the flocks of birds."
Feetuptraveller123 from United Kingdom
read full review
"Lovely rooms, well decorated."
Colin from Italy
read full review
Historic family-run hotel overlooking Wells Cathedral with authentic Italian dining
History & Character
The Ancient Gatehouse has been family-run for over 43 years, offering a level of personalized service that chain hotels cannot match. The building retains its original centuries-old spiral stone staircase and quaint narrow passages, giving guests a direct experience of the property's medieval past. Rooms are individually decorated with authentic period charm, including four-poster beds in select accommodations.
Dining
The on-site Rugantino Restaurant specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, with a menu that offers diverse options beyond standard fare. Guests can enjoy meals in a welcoming atmosphere that has earned consistent praise from visitors. The restaurant also provides room service for those who prefer to dine in their rooms.
Rooms & Accommodations
Several guest rooms offer stunning direct views of Wells Cathedral and the Cathedral Green, a sight unique to this hotel. Each room has been refurbished to a high standard while retaining original architectural features, such as exposed stone walls and historic beams. Premium bedding and comfortable beds are standard, and some rooms include four-poster beds for an extra touch of historic ambiance.
Location
The hotel sits directly on Wells Cathedral Green, facing the West Front, placing guests yards from the ancient market place and the city's main attractions. Within a five-minute walk, visitors can reach the Bishop's Palace and Gardens, as well as the historic Vicars Close. The location also provides easy access to the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, and nearby destinations like Bristol, Bath, and Longleat.
Services & Amenities
The hotel offers on-site dry cleaning and laundry services, as well as express check-in/check-out for convenience. Luggage storage and private check-in/check-out are available, along with a safety deposit box for valuables. Daily housekeeping, CCTV security, and 24-hour security monitoring ensure a safe and well-maintained environment.
Highlights
Location: Overlooking Wells Cathedral on Cathedral Green
Dining: Rugantino Restaurant - traditional Italian cuisine
History: Family-run for 43 years with medieval spiral staircase
Visit the stunning Wells Cathedral for its breathtaking architecture.
Try the locally-sourced lamb at Rugantino Restaurant for a true taste.
Stroll through the beautiful Vicar's Close, the oldest purely residential street.
Explore the Wells Market on Wednesdays for artisan goods and local treats.
Discover the hidden jewel of the Bishop's Palace garden for a peaceful escape.
Select your room type
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
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 stay in England now!
Facilities
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
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
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
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant: Location in England
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
Explore the Local Scene
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Wells Cathedral
4 minutes' walk
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Wells Cathedral features intricate sculptures and beautiful stained glass.
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
7 minutes' walk
This historic palace surrounded by stunning gardens offers tours showcasing its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Wells and Mendip Museum
2 minutes' walk
A local history museum featuring exhibits on Wells' past, including archaeology and natural history.
Wookey Hole Caves
8 minutes' drive
An awe-inspiring network of caves known for their stunning limestone formations and family-friendly attractions.
Pen Hill Hiking
11 minutes' drive
A popular hiking destination offering breathtaking views; ideal for thrill-seekers looking for adventure.
Relaxation at Milton Lodge Gardens
19 minutes' walk
A peaceful garden experience perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls amidst beautiful greenery.
Rugantino Restaurant
0 minutes' walk
An Italian gem offering authentic dishes like wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted pasta in a cozy atmosphere.
Great Shakes
2 minutes' walk
A delightful café known for its indulgent milkshakes and creative sweet treats, perfect for a casual snack.
Costa Coffee
3 minutes' walk
A cozy spot to grab a quick coffee or tea, with options for light bites in a relaxed environment.
West Cornwall Pasty Company
2 minutes' walk
A casual eatery specializing in traditional Cornish pasties, ideal for a hearty lunch on the go.
Wells Little Theatre
10 minutes' walk
A charming venue showcasing local productions; check out their schedule for plays and comedy nights.
Bishop's Palace Gardens
7 minutes' walk
A family-friendly space with seasonal events, including outdoor cinema and guided garden tours.
Getting around England
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?
Find exclusive rates for stays across England now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
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
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant.
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
Historic building character
Convenient location
Quality breakfast
Authentic Italian cuisine
Cons
Limited parking
Steep stairs
Guest reviews
based on 285 reviews
3.5/5
based on 915 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.
Guest reviews
Royal Ashton Hotel
Grays Boutique B&B
Andrewshayes Holiday Park
Raleghs Cross Inn
Hiding Space Westgate Apartments
The Malt Shovel Inn
Alexandra Hotel
The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster
Sparkford Inn
The Nags Head
Ibis Budget Leeds Centre Royal Armouries Museum