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
Summer Opening (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 (October 2025 – 28th March 2026)
The Palace, Gardens and Chapel are open daily from 10am to 4pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Guided Tours
Summer In-Person Guided Tours
- 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. We recommend asking at the Ticket Office on the day to confirm availability.
Winter In-Person Guided Tours
A combined tour is available at 12pm daily (approximately 1 hour). The gardens tour is weather dependent. Tours are subject to volunteer availability.
Multimedia Palace Tours
Self-guided multimedia tours are available between 10am and 4pm. Volunteers are on hand during these hours to explain how to use the guides.
Digital Experiences
Free Digital Garden Tours
Explore the gardens at your own pace using the Bloomberg Connects App, available anytime — at home, on the bus, or on-site. When visiting, connect to our free Wi-Fi and scan QR codes to access the tours.
Interactive Garden Map
An interactive garden map is available online at any time.
Facilities and Activities
Dragon's Lair Play Area
Open during general site opening hours.
Monthly Wellbeing Walks
Join us for monthly wellbeing walks throughout the year. Please check our website for specific dates and times.
School Holiday Activities
Special activities are available during school holidays. Visit our website for details of upcoming events.
Current Exhibitions
- 'Finding Home' Art Exhibition: 3 April – 21 June 2026
- 'Botanical Sculptures' Sculpture Exhibition: 22 May – 12 September 2026
Special Events and Closures
Summer Late Openings
Every Friday throughout Summer 2026, the site remains open later than usual. Please check our website for specific closing times and any exceptions.
Partial Site Closures
- Saturday, 9th May 2026: Palace and Gardens closed from 12pm. Café remains open.
- Saturday, 30th May 2026: Palace building closed from 12pm.
Friends of the Bishop's Palace Events
- Bring Two Guests for Free: 24 May 2026
- Medieval Bishops' Banquets Talk: Monday, 22 June 2026
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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