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.
Opening Hours
Summer Opening Hours (29th March – 24th October 2026)
The Palace, Gardens and Chapel are open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Winter Opening Hours (October 2025 – 28th March 2026)
The Palace, Gardens and Chapel are open daily from 10am to 4pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Summer Late Openings
Every Friday evening throughout summer 2026, the site remains open until 8pm (last entry 7.30pm), with the exception of 3rd, 17th and 24th July. Late opening dates are: June 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th; July 10th and 31st; August 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.
Partial Site Closure
The Palace building will be closed from 12pm on Friday, 4th September 2026.
Membership and Free Entry
RHS Members enjoy free entry every Friday year-round, and every Monday during winter hours in 2026 (excluding special events).
Historic Houses Members can visit during normal opening hours. Membership is not valid on special event or ticketed days.
Friends of the Palace Members have year-round access to the Palace and gardens during opening hours, plus exclusive access to Friends events throughout the year.
Guided Tours
In-Person Guided Tours – Summer
Buildings tours run at 11am and 2pm daily, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Gardens tours run at 12pm and 3pm daily, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Both are subject to volunteer availability; visitors are recommended to ask at the Ticket Office on the day.
In-Person Guided Tours – Winter
A guided tour runs at 12pm daily, lasting approximately 1 hour. The gardens tour is weather dependent. Tours are subject to volunteer availability; visitors are recommended to ask at the Ticket Office on the day.
Multimedia Palace Tours
Available daily between 10am and 4pm. Volunteers are on hand to explain how to use the guides.
Digital Garden Tours
Free digital garden tours are available via the Bloomberg Connects App at any time—at home, on the bus, or on-site. On-site, connect to the free Wi-Fi and scan QR codes. An interactive garden map is also available online at any time.
Wellbeing and Activities
Monthly Mindful Walks
Held on the first Friday of every month at 10am, lasting approximately 40 minutes. These take place throughout the year.
Tai Chi for Wellbeing
Details to be confirmed for 2026. Previously ran every Thursday from 11am to 12pm.
Down to Earth Yoga
Details to be confirmed.
Silent Space – Quiet Garden
Available for the last hour of each day.
Dragon's Lair Play Area
Available during general opening hours.
Exhibitions and Events
Fun and Games at the Palace Exhibition
24 July – 13 September 2026
Tom Winter Exhibition
19th September – 21st November 2026
Exclusively for Friends Events
- Bring Two Friends for Free Day: 28 August 2026 and 22 November 2026
- Palace Architecture Talk: 10 September 2026
- Medieval Bishops' Banquets Talk: 20 October 2026
Meet the Curator: Behind the Scenes of the 'Fun and Games Exhibition'
11 September 2026
What's On for Families in Wells
Throughout 2026
Community Access and Facilities
Accessible Group Entry
Available via a new entrance. Access is managed by the Community Engagement Manager and Community Gardener.
Community Garden Sessions
Ongoing. Access is managed by the Community Engagement Manager and Community Gardener.
Conservation Works
Scaffolding is in place at the Gatehouse for conservation works, expected to remain for approximately 17 weeks.
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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