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.

Lunch, tea and WC facilities available in Wells marketplace or Wells Cathedral.