The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
Home of the Bishops of of Bath and Wells, and their swans, for 800 years.
Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Facilities for children
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
No parking
-
Pet friendly
-
Picnic area
-
Shop
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
- Large font signs and leaflets
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy.
Surrounded by a breath-taking moat (with resident swans) visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge, walk under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells.
There are 14 acres of outstanding, RHS Partner gardens to explore, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name and there is also a natural play area “The Dragon’s Lair” hidden in the Arboretum.
Discover the medieval splendours of the Palace buildings, from the vaulted Undercroft to the elegant Long Gallery, and experience year round family events, guided tours, audio visual guides, a gift shop and a café with the best views in Wells!
From family and community garden activity days, historic re-enactment, concerts, talks, workshops and demonstrations to family theatre – we’ve got something for everybody whatever your age or interests.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
General Opening Hours
Summer Season: 29th March 2026 – 24th October 2026
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens are open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Guided Tours
Summer In-Person Tours (29th March – 24th October 2026)
- Buildings Tour: 11am and 2pm daily, approximately 30 minutes
- Gardens Tour: 12pm and 3pm daily, approximately 45 minutes
Both tours are subject to volunteer availability. Visitors are recommended to check at the Ticket Office on the day.
Winter In-Person Tours (from 25th October 2026)
- Palace and Gardens Tour: 12pm daily, approximately 1 hour. The gardens tour is weather dependent.
Subject to volunteer availability — please check at the Ticket Office on the day.
Self-Guided and Digital Experiences
Multimedia Palace Tours are available between 10am and 4pm from the entrance to the Palace building. Volunteers are on hand during this time to explain how to use the guides.
Free Digital Garden Tours are available via the Bloomberg Connects App at any time — on-site, at home, on the bus, or in the café.
An Interactive Garden Map is also available at any time with no time restrictions.
Family Activities
The Dragon's Lair Play Area is available during general site opening hours.
Seasonal Closures
- Friday, 17th April 2026: Palace building closed from 12pm
- Saturday, 9th May 2026: Palace and Gardens closed from 12pm (Café remains open)
- Saturday, 30th May 2026: Palace building closed from 12pm
Special Events and Exhibitions
- The Bishop's Palace Illuminated in Pink and Yellow (Brain Tumour Awareness Month): 27–29 March 2026
- Easter Family Activities: 3–19 April 2026
- 'Finding Home' Art Exhibition: 3 April – 21 June 2026
- Exclusively for Friends – Early Garden Opening & Dawn Chorus: 17 April 2026
- The Bishop's Palace 'Open Day': 26 April 2026
- Wellbeing Walks: Monthly, year-round
Historic Houses members visit free.
The Bishop’s Palace Admission Ticket includes 12 months of return visits from the date of your first visit and you’re welcome to use it again on any normal sightseeing day.
Adult: £15
Child: £7 (5-17 years old)
Students: £12 (valid student card must be shown on arrival)
Under 5s: Free
See the Palace website for further info and updates.
Historic House Cards not valid on some event days – please see the Palace website for details.
Group discounts apply.
We ask that all groups book in advance to ensure that we can offer you the best possible experience. Ideally bookings should be made at least one month in advance. You may wish to telephone to enquire about available dates and make a provisional booking.
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
- Large font signs and leaflets
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
In the centre of the City of Wells; the smallest city in England. The Bishop’s Palace is adjacent to the magnificent Wells Cathedral and ancient Market Place. Wells is located 20 miles from Bristol and 20 miles from Bath.
Nearest train station is Castle Cary, 9 miles away.
Buses run regularly from Bath, Bristol and the coast. Bus numbers 26, 29, 37, 126, 161/2, 173, 375, 376, 377 all run close to the Palace.
We’re on Sustrans cycle route 3.
Coaches drop off at Prince’s Road Coach Park, a 10 minute walk away.
Find the exact address on what3words:
///obstruct.isolating.next
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
