Description
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens 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. As described by an American visitor 130 years ago, this is a ‘palace of enchantment’.
There are 14 acres of outstanding, RHS Partner gardens to explore, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name, along with diverse and varied planting styles, an Arboretum, formal gardens and stunning ramparts.
The Bishop’s Palace dates from the early-thirteenth century when Bishop Jocelin Trotman, the first Bishop to hold the title Bishop of Bath and Wells, received a crown licence to build a residence and deer park on land to the south of the Cathedral of St Andrew. Although home to the Bishop and other families, visitors can walk in the footsteps of past bishops through a number of rooms within the Palace.
Visitors can also enjoy the Bishop’s private Chapel, explore the ruined Great Hall and meet the famous mute swans who live alongside the moat and ring a bell when they want food.
For younger visitors, there is "The Dragon's Lair" play area, hidden away in the Arboretum; use the story map to discover the dragon's secret's and find your way there!
From family and community garden activity days, historic re-enactment, concerts, talks, workshops and demonstrations to family theatre - there's something for everybody whatever your age or interests.
Supportive accessibility facilities include:
Accessible toilet’, The Bishops Palace also have a fully access guide which can be found here: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/bishops-palace-and-gardens
There is also a Changing Places toilet, details here:
http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/find?toiletLocation=Wells
Blue Badge parking available, please contact to book
Image Gallery
Opening Hours
10am to 6pm during British Summer Time and 10am to 4pm during GMT
Facilities
ACCESSIBILITY
CATERING
CHILDREN & INFANTS
ESTABLISHMENT FEATURES
KEY FEATURES
PARKING & TRANSPORT
PET INFORMATION
SPECIALIST FEATURES
TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS
TRAVEL & TRADE
WEDDING
Demonstrations Given
Disabled toilets
Dogs on Lead Only
Educational Visits Accepted
Family Fun
Groups accepted
Guide dogs permitted
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Guided Tours Available for Individuals
In town/city centre
Indoor Attraction
Marketed towards children
Marketed towards families
Marketed towards senior citizens
Min group size
No Smoking Attraction
On-Site café/restaurant
Outdoor Attraction
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Picnic Site
Shop
Special group rates
Toilets for disabled visitors
Wedding Venue
Wi-fi available
Road Directions
The main routes to Wells are the A371 and the A39. The Bishop’s Palace is a short walk from all central car parks, use Whiting Way car park (long stay) which is located just off the A39 or Market Place (short stay, 1 hour maximum) is just outside the palace (not available Wednesday or Saturday as these are market days).
Public Transport Directions
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is situated in the heart of Wells, Somerset and can be easily reached from Bath, 21 miles, Bristol, 21 miles and Glastonbury, 8 miles.
Bus: 29, 126, 161/162, 173, 375, 376, 377 all stop or pass through Wells. Alight at Wells Market Place.
Bike: The Bishop’s Palace is situated on Sustrans cycle route 3. Visit www.sustrans.org.uk for further information and maps. Cycle racks are available across the drawbridge and also in Market Place (just outside the Palace grounds).
Train: The nearest railway stations are Castle Cary (9 miles from Wells) and also Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (both 21 miles), where you will find bus links to Wells.