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. Please note that last admission is 30 minutes before closure.
Summer Late Openings take place every Friday throughout Summer 2026, with confirmed dates in July (10th and 31st) and August (7th, 14th, 21st and 28th). Friends of the Palace have exclusive access on selected dates.
Guided Tours
In-Person Guided Tours are available daily during the summer opening period (29th March 2026 – 24th October 2026), subject to availability. Tours run on the following schedule:
- 11am – Buildings Tour (approximately 30 minutes)
- 12pm – Gardens Tour (approximately 45 minutes)
- 2pm – Buildings Tour (approximately 30 minutes)
- 3pm – Gardens Tour (approximately 45 minutes)
Multimedia Palace Tours (Digital) are available between 10am and 4pm. Guides are available for collection during these hours, and volunteers are on hand to explain how to use the digital tours.
Bloomberg Connects Digital Garden Tours are available at any time, both on-site and remotely, with no specific opening hour restrictions.
Exhibitions and Events
The Palace hosts several exhibitions and programmes during the summer season:
- Botanical Sculptures Sculpture Exhibition – 22 May to 1 September 2026
- School Summer Holidays Programme – 23 July to 2 September 2026
- Fun and Games at the Palace Exhibition – 24 July to 31 August 2026
- Bring Two Friends for Free Day (exclusively for Friends) – 28 August 2026 and 22 November 2026
Facilities
The Dragon's Lair Play Area is available during general site opening hours.
Important Information
Palace Building Partial Closure: On Friday, 4th September 2026, the Palace building will be closed from 2pm onwards.
Gatehouse Scaffolding Conservation Works: Scaffolding will remain in place for approximately 17 weeks as part of conservation work. The Swan bell remains accessible, and there is no scaffolding on the front of the Gatehouse or within the moat.
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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