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The Rib

The Rib is one of the few houses in England that can boast a cathedral and a sacred well in its garden. Whilst the garden is compact, it delivers a unique architectural and historical punch. Long established trees, interesting shrubs and more recently planted mixed borders frame the view in the main garden. Ancient walled orchard and traditionally planted cottage garden.

Owner Info

  • Paul Dickinson & David Morgan-Hewitt
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib
The Rib

About The Rib

The Rib is a privately owned medieval canonical hall house located at the East End of Wells Cathedral. It is hard to imagine that any house and garden in England can be bettered in terms of its architectural setting, with nothing later than the 15th century to be seen anywhere, front or back. The garden is dominated by the cathedral, its Lady Chapel and Chapter House which loom large over the well established trees and shrubs which frame every view.

The focal attraction in the front garden is the remarkable Cornus Contoversa Variegata – perhaps the finest specimen in the South West of England. To the rear, the main garden consists of a modern terrace with 5 huge terracotta pots, a lawn leading down to St Andrew’s Well and some newer mixed borders.

Through the yew arch is an ancient walled orchard, with long-established fruit trees, vegetables and wildflowers. Through the beech hedge is a traditionally-planted cottage garden and small pond. There are seating areas positioned around the garden to take advantage of the views.

Garden visit can be combined with visiting the many attractions of this pitch-perfect ancient city, including cathedral Evensong at 5.15pm.

The Rib features

Location details

The Rib,
Wells,
Somerset,
BA5 2UR

Directions to The Rib
There is absolutely no parking at or very near this city garden. Visitors should use one of the 5 public car parks and enjoy the 10-15 minutes stroll through the city to The Rib.

The Rib openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 12:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Slightly bumpy but short gravel drive and uneven path to main rear garden. 2-3 steps up to orchard and cottage gardens. Grass areas uneven in places.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at The Rib at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Rib. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at The Rib are accessible to wheelchair users.

The Rib is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.