Wells has been named among nine of the UK's safest places for older people in a new national guide.

WorldAtlas included the city in its 9 Safest Towns In UK For Senior Living list, highlighting not only recorded crime but also the support available to older residents, access to services and the city's compact centre.

The guide particularly praised the Lawrence Centre in Wells, which supports older people including those living with mild to moderate memory problems.

Its weekday activities can include lunch, exercise, arts and crafts and music, while volunteer drivers help people who may otherwise struggle to get to the centre.

Wells' dementia support network was also singled out, including the Wells Memory Café and other groups brought together through the Wells Community Network.

Rather than judging safety purely on crime levels, the guide considered a broader mix of factors including healthcare and emergency services, transport, walkability and programmes designed to help older people remain independent and socially connected.

Police.uk figures quoted by WorldAtlas show 1,051 crimes were recorded in the Wells policing area between August 2025 and July 2026.

But the guide said Wells' case rested on more than those figures, pointing instead to the combination of community support, local services and the ability for residents to stay connected as they get older.

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The city's layout was another factor.

Wells Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, Vicars' Close, the Market Place and other facilities sit within a relatively compact city centre, allowing many everyday destinations to be reached without navigating a much larger urban area.

The regular market and cultural life around the centre were also highlighted as giving older residents reasons to remain active and involved in the community.

Wells appeared alongside Wokingham, Sidmouth, Sherborne, Ludlow, Keswick, Beaumaris, Lymington and Bakewell in the guide, published on Monday, 21 September.

It is the latest national mention for Wells after the city has featured in a string of recent guides and lists covering everything from places to live to visitor experiences.

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