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
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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No parking
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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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.
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, Somerset, is a historic site open to the public, offering a variety of attractions and events throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and events:
General Opening Times
The Palace, Gardens, and Chapel are open daily:
- Summer (March to October 2025): 9:30am – 5:30pm
- Winter (October 2025 to March 2026): 10:00am – 4:00pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The site is closed on 24th, 25th, and 26th December, and from 5th to 7th January 2026. Special opening hours apply during the Christmas and New Year period.
Attractions
- The Gardens: 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, open year-round.
- The Bishop’s Table Café: Open daily, serving locally-sourced food. Free to visit without admission to the Palace.
- The Dragon’s Lair: A creative play area for children, located in the Arboretum.
Events
- Snowdrop Month: February 2026, featuring guided walks and talks.
- Christmas Illuminations: 29th November 2025 to 4th January 2026, with time slots from 5pm to 8pm.
- Visit Father Christmas: Selected dates in December 2025 (sold out).
- Secret Supper Club: Every second Thursday of the month starting January 2026.
- Party at the Palace: 3rd to 5th July 2026.
Admission
Admission tickets include access to the Palace, Gardens, and events (unless ticketed separately). Prices for 2025:
- Adult Day Ticket: £14
- Child Day Ticket (5-17 years): £7
- Annual Pass: £25 for adults, £40 for a family (1 adult), £65 for a family (2 adults).
Discounts are available for Historic Houses members, RHS members, and Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 vouchers on specific days.
Tours
Daily guided tours and multimedia tours are included with admission. Summer tours are available at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm, while winter tours are at 12pm.
For more details, visitors can contact The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens directly at 01749 988111 or visit the site at Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD.
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:
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