Wells and Mendip Museum

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1893 by Herbert E. Balch (1869–1958), an amateur archaeologist, naturalist and caver, to show his collections of historical objects and natural specimens. Its aim was to serve the public of Wells and the Mendip area and to promote public education about their historic and natural environment, a principle summed up as “Search and Learn”. The Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, of which Balch was an original member, helped establish and run the museum.

In 1932 the collections moved from the cloisters of Wells Cathedral to their present home, the former cathedral chancellors’ house. The oldest parts of the building date from the 15th century, and most of the rooms on show are 17th- and 18th-century. Excavations in the garden have turned up material from the 11th or early 12th century, including a stone head probably from the first Norman cathedral.

The displays cover natural history, archaeology, geology and social history. A well-preserved ichthyosaur, the Jurassic Sea Dragon, is shown in the lobby. The museum library holds more than 10,000 items, and the museum houses the Wells City Archives, owned by Wells City Council, which include documents back to the 12th century. The museum is a registered charity and an Accredited Museum.

Highlights

• Jurassic Sea Dragon ichthyosaur in the lobby
• Roman Mendip and geology displays
• Wells City Archives with documents from the 12th century
• Herbert Balch’s study and collections
• Historic chancellors’ house on Cathedral Green

Permanent exhibition

• Jurassic Sea Dragon – A well-preserved ichthyosaur displayed in the museum lobby.

Founded

1893

Operated by

Wells and Mendip Museum (registered charity no. 1204396)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor has level access, and its exhibitions can be visited by wheelchair and mobility scooter. The first floor is not accessible, with uneven wooden floors and steps between galleries. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor, and volunteers help visitors with limited mobility. Parking on Cathedral Green is limited to two hours and includes some Blue Badge bays.

Kids & families

A family ticket is offered. The museum’s displays, activities, trails and loan boxes support primary-school learning.

Getting there & parking

If Cathedral Green is full, passengers can be dropped off outside the museum. Coaches cannot enter Cathedral Green and must use a designated drop-off point.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Lecture Hall (daytime or evening, with the walled garden and kitchen), the Jean Imray Room (daytime only) and the Exhibition Room overlooking Cathedral Green can be hired. Bookings are made through the museum’s venue hire website.

Plan your visit