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 Times
Winter Opening (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 Opening (29th March 2026 – 24th October 2026)
The Palace, Gardens and Chapel are open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Guided Tours
In-Person Guided Tours – Summer (29th March – 24th October 2026)
- Buildings Tour: 11am and 2pm daily
- Gardens Tour: 12pm and 3pm daily
Both tours are subject to volunteer availability. We recommend asking at the Ticket Office on the day to confirm availability.
In-Person Guided Tours – Winter (October 2025 – 28th March 2026)
A guided tour is available at 12pm daily, subject to volunteer availability. Please ask at the Ticket Office on the day to confirm.
Multimedia Palace Tours
Self-guided multimedia tours are available between 10am and 4pm during general opening hours. Volunteers are on hand to explain how to use the guides.
Digital Tours & Maps
Explore the gardens at your own pace with our Free Digital Garden Tours via the Bloomberg Connects App, available anytime — at home, on the bus, or on-site. An Interactive Garden Map is also available online at any time. Free Wi-Fi and QR codes are available on-site.
Exhibitions
- 'Finding Home' Art Exhibition: 3 April – 21 June 2026
- 'Botanical Sculptures' Sculpture Exhibition: 22 May – 1 September 2026
Special Events & Extended Hours
Summer Late Openings
The site opens late every Friday throughout Summer 2026, with the first late opening on 5 June 2026. Please check the site for specific times and any exceptions.
Midsummer Early Garden Opening & Dawn Chorus
Join us for an early morning opening on 24th June 2026. Please check the site for the specific opening time.
Facilities
The Dragon's Lair Play Area is accessible during general site opening hours. Please note that dogs are not permitted in this area.
Planned Closures & Works
Partial Site Closures
- Palace building: Closed from 12pm on Saturday 30th May, Saturday 13th June, and Saturday 27th June 2026
- Conference Room: Closed 9am – 12pm on Thursday 2nd July 2026
- Palace and Gardens: Closed from 2pm on Friday 17th July 2026
- Undercroft: Closed 12pm – 3pm on Saturday 18th July 2026
Gatehouse Scaffolding & Conservation Works
Scaffolding will remain in place for approximately 17 weeks as conservation works continue.
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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