Though small in size, the city of Wells in Somerset has played some mighty roles on screen. From the cult-classic status of Hot Fuzz to appearances in royal dramas and fantasy series, Wells’ medieval streets, gothic cathedral, and preserved architecture have made it a magnet for filmmakers.
Whether you're a cinephile, a Hot Fuzz superfan, or just visiting Somerset, this guide takes you through the films and TV shows filmed in Wells, including British and American productions — both old and brand new — along with a self-guided location tour.
Cinematic architecture: From the stunning Wells Cathedral to the Bishop’s Palace moat and Vicar’s Close (the oldest purely residential street in Europe).
Historical atmosphere: Wells has doubled for medieval England, regal Europe, and even fictional towns.
Compact filming zone: Most iconic locations are within a 15-minute walk — perfect for set designers and visitors.
Where: Wells Market Place, Crown at Wells Hotel, Swan Hotel, Bishop’s Palace, and more
Why It’s Legendary: Edgar Wright's action-comedy classic starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost was almost entirely filmed in Wells — with the city doubling as the fictional town of “Sandford.”
Key Locations:
Market Place: Home of the "Sandford Police Station" (actually the old Town Hall)
Swan Hotel: The pub where Angel and Danny have their memorable chats
Bishop’s Palace Grounds & Moat: Location of the dramatic shootout
City Centre Shops: Transformed into local Sandford businesses
What to Expect: Practically every major scene in Hot Fuzz was filmed within walking distance in central Wells. A must for film tourists.
Where: Wells Cathedral
Why It’s Regal: The cathedral’s gothic interior and cloisters stood in for Westminster Abbey during Queen Elizabeth I's dramatic procession.
What to Look For:
The Nave and Chapter House: Featured in scenes of royal grandeur and religious ritual.
Where: Bishop’s Palace and surrounding grounds
Why It’s Magical: This fantasy epic starring Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth used Wells to evoke an enchanted kingdom.
What to Look For:
Stone bridges, archways, and manicured gardens transformed with CGI for magical effect.
Where: Vicar’s Close and areas around the Cathedral
Why It’s Timeless: Though primarily shot in Cornwall, several episodes of Poldark filmed scenes in Wells to portray Georgian town life.
What to Look For:
Vicar’s Close: With no visible modern features, it’s ideal for period drama.
Cathedral Green: Frequently used as background for political or church-related scenes.
Where: Wells Cathedral
Why It’s Authentic: This historical drama starring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis relied on Wells for 16th-century ecclesiastical settings.
What to Look For:
Cathedral interiors used for scenes involving Cardinal Wolsey and church ceremonies.
Where: Wells Cathedral and side streets
Why It’s Sci-Fi Gold: Although more commonly filmed in Cardiff, Doctor Who has used Wells for several “alien” or medieval backdrops.
What to Look For:
Cloisters and alleys near the Cathedral dressed as faraway planets or dystopian pasts.
Where: Areas around Wells, including countryside and ancient structures
Why It’s New: Based on Bernard Cornwell’s Arthurian novels, this gritty new fantasy series used locations near Wells to portray post-Roman Britain.
What to Look For:
Castles and woodland areas surrounding Wells featured in sweeping battle scenes.
Here’s how to walk Wells like you’re Sergeant Nicholas Angel:
| Scene | Real-Life Location |
|---|---|
| Sandford Police Station | Town Hall, Market Place |
| Pub scenes with Danny | Swan Hotel & Crown at Wells |
| The big shootout finale | Market Square and Bishop’s Palace grounds |
| Church scenes | Wells Cathedral & gardens |
| Newsagent and corner shop | Streets off High Street, dressed for the film |
| Swan escape chase | Wells Recreation Ground & riverside path |
Unspoiled medieval charm: No phone wires, no glass storefronts, and barely a traffic light in sight.
Versatile architecture: Gothic, Georgian, Tudor, and fantasy-friendly all within one town.
Supportive local governance: Wells has a history of accommodating film crews with ease.
From bumbling village constables and medieval queens to wizards, aliens, and royal weddings, Wells has played it all. The city’s cinematic potential continues to attract major production studios — and it remains one of the best-preserved filming locations in the UK.
If you're planning a trip, follow in the footsteps of Simon Pegg, Cate Blanchett, and Matt Smith — and experience England’s smallest city through a film lens.
Make your movie pilgrimage complete by staying in a local property. Pass the Keys offers professionally managed short-term rentals in and around Wells — perfect for film tourists, history buffs, or those simply looking for a storybook escape.