The magnificent structure is in a small community about 90 minutes from London. It's near the cities of Bristol and Bath. Construction began in 1175, and it was the first in Britain to be built in the Gothic style.

The cathedral is also famed for its vintage action clock. Built in 1390, the mechanisms are interesting, with medieval animated jousting knights circling the face realistically on the quarter hour. Directly across from the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, another medieval monument. This was the palatial home of the Bishops of Wells and Bath, built just after the cathedral.

The Vicars' Close, Britain's only remaining intact medieval street, connects the cathedral with other city buildings, including a series of houses built in the 1300s. They’re cathedral property and built so the choir and other employees could live together onsite.

One house, 14 Vicars' Close, can be rented for a luxury visit stay. It makes a great base to explore the charming Wells. The two-story, four bedroom house sleeps up to eight, and rents for about $700 for a three-night stay.

Train service from London’s Paddington Station gets you to Castle Cary near Wells Station, and then it's a short cab ride. Train and cab fare is about $100 roundtrip. It's also reachable by bus from Bath and easily by car as well.