The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photoThe Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photoThe Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Wells Exterior photo
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From124US$ /night
Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

20 Sadler St, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE
-
Next to Wells Cathedral
Great
8.7
9.2
/10
4.6
4.2
/5

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant - A family-run hotel with cathedral views, Italian dining, and historic charm

Facing the West Front of Wells Cathedral on Cathedral Green, The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers a blend of historic ambiance and Italian cuisine. The 3-star hotel features rooms with premium bedding, free WiFi, and tea/coffee facilities, some offering views of the cathedral or street. Rugantino Restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes, while the property includes a bar, garden, and dry cleaning services. Located yards from Wells Market Place, the hotel provides easy access to landmarks like Vicar's Close and St Cuthbert's Church. Managed by the Rossi family for over 43 years, The Ancient Gatehouse maintains a peaceful atmosphere with narrow corridors and steep staircases reflecting its medieval character.

Pros

The hotel overlooks Wells Cathedral Green, providing direct views of the West Front.

Rugantino Restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.

Rooms include premium bedding, free WiFi, and tea/coffee facilities.

The property features a garden and terrace for guest use.

Centrally located near Wells Market Place and historic landmarks.

Cons

Some rooms are accessible only via narrow corridors and steep staircases.

Limited on-site parking availability.

“Location is key here, with the Cathedral and city center mere minutes away. I found the building's history intriguing, dating back to 1451-expect some quirks in its layout. The restaurant stood out for its authentic Italian cuisine, making it a worthwhile choice.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Classic Double or Twin Room
2 persons
13 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Double Room Cathedral View
2 persons
14 m² 
1 Double bed
City view
Heating
Bathtub
Classic Single Room Cathedral View
2 persons
10 m² 
1 Single bed
City view
Shower
Heating
Double Room Four-Poster Bed
2 persons
8 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • Off-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel Location

20 Sadler St, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE
Map view
20 Sadler St, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE
Nearby
Church
Wells Cathedral
270 m
Wells BA5 2PD
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
500 m
Museum
Wells and Mendip Museum
170 m
Vicar's Close Street
Vicar's Close
350 m
Gallery
A2 Gallery
320 m
Wells Market Place
170 m
Church
St Cuthbert's parish Church
480 m
Library
Wells
220 m
St Andrew St s/n Wells BA5 2UE
Scissor Arches
20 m
Wells BA5 1US
The Bishop's Barn
500 m
Cathedral Green s/n Wells BA5 2UE
West Front
130 m
1 Cathedral Green
Wells Cathedral Music School
200 m
1 Vicar's Cl
Vicar's Chapel & Library
350 m
Park
Wells Recreation Ground
460 m
Restaurants
Great Shakes
100 m
10 Heritage Courtyard Sadler Street
West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells
140 m
1A Sadler Street Market Place
Parsons Bakery
140 m
2 High Street
Costa Coffee
200 m
16 High Street
Waitrose
270 m
Whiting Way
Daniels Sandwich Bar and Cafe
410 m
5 Queen Street
Just Ales
480 m
38 Market Street
The Quarter Jack
590 m
18 Priory Road
Ram's Kebab
600 m
Princes Road
Explore Wells
Nearby Activities and Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral
4 minutes' walk
Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass. Free guided tours and stunning grounds.
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
7 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens and a historic palace. Explore the moat and the charming grounds.
Wells and Mendip Museum
Wells and Mendip Museum
2 minutes' walk
Local history museum showcasing Wells' heritage. Features varied exhibits suitable for families.
Wookey Hole Caves
Wookey Hole Caves
8-minute drive
Fascinating limestone caves with stunning formations. Offers guided tours and a range of activities.
Hiking at Ebbor Gorge
8-minute drive
Thrilling walks with scenic views. Suitable for all skill levels and open year-round.
Relaxation at Milton Lodge Gardens
19 minutes' walk
Serene gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Free admission, great for families.
Rugantino Restaurant
0 minutes' walk
Italian dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Signature pizzas and homemade pasta, ideal for families.
Great Shakes
Great Shakes
2 minutes' walk
Fun diner famous for milkshakes. Casual vibe with light bites and sweet treats; no reservations needed.
West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells
West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells
2 minutes' walk
Cornish pasties and local delicacies. Great for a quick grab-and-go meal, casual dining style.
Wells Film Centre
10-minute walk
Independent cinema showcasing a variety of films. Hosts special screenings and family-friendly showings.
The Crown Inn
8-minute walk
Local pub with live music events. Casual atmosphere with a family-friendly dining menu.
Getting around
City Centre
Wells3 min  ·  200 m
Airports
Bristol (BRS)47 min  ·  30.8 km
Exeter International (EXT)142 min  ·  94.3 km
Bus
Bus stop14 min  ·  8.8 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
All visitors are offered a american breakfast for a fee. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian
Number of rooms:
8

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 525 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
91%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.1/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Excellent location
Friendly staff
Clean room
Cons
Lack of parking
Old furniture
Noisy room
Guest reviews
based on 285 reviews
3.5/5
based on 1018 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant?
Rooms include Wi-Fi, premium bedding, a mini fridge bar, tea and coffee making facilities, and a digital TV.
Is breakfast available at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 20 GBP.
How far is The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant from Bristol Airport?
The hotel is 35 km from Bristol Airport.
What dining options does The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offer on-site?
The on-site Rugantino Restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine.
What nearby attractions are within walking distance of The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant?
Nearby attractions include Wells Cathedral (0.5 km) and The Bishop's Palace and Gardens (1 km).
What facilities are available for guests at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant?
Facilities include a bar/lounge area, luggage storage, and dry cleaning services.
Can guests find recreational activities at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant?
Guests can enjoy access to a golf course nearby.
What unique architectural features does The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant have?
The hotel features a centuries-old spiral stone staircase and period charm.

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Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room