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
Palace, Gardens and Chapel are open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm from 29th March 2026 to 24th October 2026. Last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Extended Hours
Summer Late Openings take place on selected Friday evenings throughout summer 2026, from 6pm to 8pm (last entry 7.30pm). These occur on: 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June; 10th and 31st July; and 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th August. Please note that late openings do not take place on 3rd, 17th and 24th July.
Friends of the Palace have exclusive late opening access on Thursday 11th June, Thursday 9th July, and Thursday 6th August 2026.
Guided Tours
In-Person Guided Tours are available daily, subject to availability. The schedule varies by season:
- Summer Hours (29th March – 24th October 2026): 11am Buildings Tour (approx. 30 mins); 12pm Gardens Tour (approx. 45 mins); 2pm Buildings Tour (approx. 30 mins); 3pm Gardens Tour (approx. 45 mins)
- Winter Hours: 12pm Guided Tour of the Palace and Gardens (approx. 1 hour; gardens tour is weather dependent)
Multimedia Palace Tours are available daily between 10am and 4pm during opening hours. Volunteers are on hand to explain how to use the guides.
Digital and Self-Guided Experiences
Free Digital Garden Tours are available via the Bloomberg Connects App at any time, whether on-site or remotely. An Interactive Garden Map is also available at any time.
Wellbeing and Special Activities
Monthly Mindful Walks take place on the first Friday of every month at 10am, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
Tai Chi for Wellbeing previously ran every Thursday from 11am to 12pm. Details for 2026 are to be confirmed.
Down to Earth Yoga details are to be confirmed.
The Silent Space – Quiet Garden is available during the last hour of each day.
Family Activities and Events
The Dragon's Lair Play Area is available during general opening hours.
A School Summer Holidays Programme runs from 23rd July to 2nd September 2026.
The Fun and Games at the Palace Exhibition takes place in August 2026.
What's On for Families in Wells is available throughout 2026.
Group Visits
Accessible Group Entry is available via a new entrance. For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Manager and Community Gardener.
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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