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
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Facilities for children
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
No parking
-
Pet friendly
-
Picnic area
-
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.
Guided Tours
In-Person Guided Tours – Summer
Two types of guided tours are available during summer hours, subject to volunteer availability. Visitors are recommended to ask at the Ticket Office on the day.
- Buildings Tour: 11am and 2pm daily, lasting approximately 30 minutes
- Gardens Tour: 12pm and 3pm daily, lasting approximately 45 minutes
In-Person Guided Tours – Winter
A guided tour is available at 12pm daily, lasting approximately 1 hour. The gardens tour is weather dependent.
Multimedia Palace Tours
Self-guided multimedia tours are available between 10am and 4pm. Volunteers are on hand during this time to explain how to use the guides.
Digital Garden Tours
Free digital garden tours are available through the Bloomberg Connects App at any time — at home, on the bus, in the café, or on-site via free Wi-Fi and QR codes. An interactive garden map is also available online at any time.
Special Events & Extended Hours
Summer Late Openings – Friday Evenings
Throughout summer 2026, the site opens until 8pm on Friday evenings (last entry 7.30pm), except for 3rd, 17th and 24th July. Specific dates are: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June; 10th, 31st July; and 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August.
Summer Late Openings – Friends Exclusive
Friends of the Palace have exclusive late opening access on Thursday 11th June, Thursday 9th July, and Thursday 6th August 2026.
Christmas Illuminations
1st December 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Tom Winter Exhibition
19th September – 21st November 2026
October Half Term Pumpkin Hunt
17th October – 1st November 2026
Wellness & Wellbeing Activities
Monthly Mindful Walks
First Friday of every month at 10am, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
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 during the final hour before closing time, every day.
Family Activities
Dragon's Lair Play Area
Available during general opening hours.
Membership & Free Entry
RHS Member Free Entry
RHS members receive free entry every Friday year-round, and every Monday during winter hours in 2026. Special event and ticketed days are excluded.
Historic Houses Membership
Valid during normal opening hours. Not valid on special event or ticketed days.
Friends of the Palace Membership
Year-round access during opening hours.
Exclusive Friends Events
Members enjoy exclusive benefits including Bring Two Friends for Free Days (28th August and 22nd November 2026) and the Medieval Bishops' Banquets Talk (20th October 2026).
Site Closures
Partial Closures
The Palace building will be partially closed on Friday 6th October from 12pm (wedding) and Friday 13th November (Christmas Artisan Market set-up).
Full Site Closure
The Palace and Gardens will be fully closed on Saturday 28th November from 12pm (wedding).
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:
///obstruct.isolating.next
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage for just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
