location-photo
camera
len
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Shutter Speed
1/200 sec
Aperture
f/4
Focal Length
28mm
ISO
100

Vicar's Close

avatar
@elensham
Walk down this quaint cobblestone street and step directly into the past. This charming stretch of buildings claims to be the oldest residential street in Europe, with historical houses that date back to the 14th century. Tucked behind Wells Cathedral, a famously beautiful Gothic church, it's not hard to see why this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Somerset.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (28mm)
  • Model (optional)

How to get there

N51° 12' 41.1876"W2° 38' 37.2768"
This photo was taken on Vicar's Close, a small residential street directly north of Wells Cathedral. The easiest way to get here is by car, but you can also take a bus. If you're traveling by car, I recommend parking in the lot that's south of the building (51.209417, -2.645282). Then, walk toward the Cathedral — it's impossible to miss, since the area is so small. Once at the West Front of the Cathedral, on the Cathedral Green, head north onto Andrew's Street. Walk east along the side of the Cathedral, following the signs for Vicar's Close, until you pass under an archway. Directly to your left, you'll see another archway leading into Vicar's Close. By bus: - Closest stop: HSBC Bank (via 67, 173, 174, 376 Mendip Explorer or 683 buses) - Head northeast toward Wells Cathedral

Tips

When to go

Best season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Best time

Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
In the warmer months between March and September, you'll be more likely to find green lawns and bushes outside the houses in Vicar's Close.
This location is suitable for photography any time of day.

Field tips

This is a historical location, so make sure to be respectful of the architecture. Don't sit or stand on retaining walls or enter any buildings that aren't open for public access.
I recommend shooting from straight from the middle of the road, as well as from each corner. Having an angled viewpoint (like I did) will help to show off the architecture.
When composing your shot, try having someone walk in the middle of the street. A human subject can breathe extra life into your photo.
The street may be small, but there's so much to see here! Try shooting at different angles and playing with unique perspectives.

Current weather

Wells
Partially cloudy
66o
F
Thu
75o
55o
Fri
70o
56o
Sat
83o
50o
Sun
86o
58o
Mon
85o
62o

Blue Hour

03:29
66o
Partially cloudy

Sunrise

04:12
66o
Partially cloudy

Golden Hour

19:14
66o
Partially cloudy

Sunset

20:05
66o
Partially cloudy

Do nearby

You absolutely can't miss Wells Cathedral! With its massive size and hundreds of intricate sculptures, this gorgeous church has served as a landmark of Gothic architecture in the UK for 850 years.
Frome is another lovely town to see in the area. It's about a 30-minute drive from Wells and is home to the original Somerset Market Town, which is a centuries-old market that attracts visitors from all over the world.

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