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Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years, this stunning medieval palace and RHS partner gardens in the heart of the medieval city of Wells is open for all to enjoy and only a short distance from Bristol, Bath and the Somerset coast.
Cross the flagstone drawbridge over the breath-taking moat to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the city, explore the ruined Great Hall and discover the Bishop’s private Chapel. The Bishop’s Palace is also world famous for its resident mute swans that ring a bell alongside the Gatehouse when they want to be fed.
Visitors also enjoy 14 acres of RHS stunning partner gardens, a moat and waterfall, well pools (that give the city its name) and springs, an arboretum, a Victorian romantic garden, community garden and contemporary Garden of Reflection.
We are a wheelchair-accessible venue; wheelchairs and a mobility scooter can be hired on-site.
Activities and Events:
The Palace has a year-round programme of activities including re-enactment events; outdoor theatre, family holiday crafting and trails; workshops; the annual Artisan Market in November, plus Christmas at the Palace garden illuminations and Father Christmas in December.
Tours:
Daily guided tours are included with admission (subject to availability) as well as multimedia tours of the Palace building which share the wonderful stories of the medieval Palace building and its people in an interactive and engaging way. There's a choice of an adult version or one tailored for a more family audience including quizzes, treasure hunts and talking Bishops from years gone by!
Visitor Admission:
Choose from an Annual Pass which provides 12 months of return visits from the date of your first visit or Day Tickets including the joint day ticket to The Bishop's Palace and Wells Cathedral.
Entry is free to HHA members and most Fridays to RHS members with starred cards (*). We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.
Annual Pass: 12 months admission, including to non-ticketed events and family activities
Adult £25
Student £18
Child (5-17) £10
Child (under 5) FREE
Family (1 adult/ up to 3 children) £40
Family (2 adults/up to 3 children) £65
Essential Helpers Assisting Disabled Visitors FREE
Day Ticket: Valid on the day of your visit
Adult £14
Student £12
Child (5-17) £7
Child (under 5) FREE
Bishop's Palace and Wells Cathedral Joint Day Ticket: Valid on the day of your visit
Adult £22
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens runs the Gift Aid on Entry Scheme which lets us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* – an extra 25 per cent at no cost to you – all of which goes straight back into the upkeep of this unique, Grade I listed, historic site.
Interested in becoming a Friend of The Bishop’s Palace? Find out more on our website.
The Bishop’s Palace is easily reached from Bath (21 miles), Bristol (21 miles) and Glastonbury (8 miles).
The main routes to Wells are the A371 and the A39.
There is a drop-off point for vehicles smaller than a minibus outside the main entrance . For larger vehicles, the drop off point is on Sadler Street. There are three spaces on site for accessible parking, however, it is necessary to book these at least 48 hours before arrival.
Otherwise, The Palace site is a short walk from all central car parks: for long stays use Waitrose’s Whiting Way car park, BA5 2PJ (top car park) or Morrisons car park on East Somerset Way, BA5 1SQ.
First Buses 29, 77, 126, 173/4, 375, 376, 377, X75 all stop or pass through Wells. Alight at Wells Bus Station or ask the bus driver if they stop at Wells Market.
The nearest railway stations are Castle Cary (9 miles), Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (both 21 miles), where you will find bus links to Wells.
| Season (26 Oct 2025 - 28 Mar 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 16:00 |
* Check the website for Christmas opening times.
© Open Britain 2025. All Rights Reserved
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