The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

The gardens and outside of the Bishop’s Palace on a sunny day

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About

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...Read More

About

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.

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Guide Prices

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.

Visit the website for more information

Access Information

PARKING

Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities

Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance

Flat route with no steps from parking area to entrance

Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:

Flat, ie. without steps

ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

Entrance is well lit

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:

Gift shop

Information point

Public toilet

Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

Ticket issuing point

Level access, ramp or lift to dining area

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

Meals for guests with special dietary requirements can be provided

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:

Cafeteria

STAFF

Staff have

Access Information

PARKING

Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities

Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance

Flat route with no steps from parking area to entrance

Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:

Flat, ie. without steps

ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

Entrance is well lit

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:

Gift shop

Information point

Public toilet

Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

Ticket issuing point

Level access, ramp or lift to dining area

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

Meals for guests with special dietary requirements can be provided

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:

Cafeteria

STAFF

Staff have had disability awareness training

GENERAL

Accessible to Wheelchair usersWheelchairs and a mobility scooter are available to loan on-site at no additional cost. Wheelchairs are not pre-bookable but the team at the Ticket Office can help on arrival.

Audible alarm system

Autism friendlyYes- for the last hour of each day we encourage visitors to the Palace’s Quiet Garden to turn off their phones, put down their cameras and enjoy the benefits of silence as part of the Silent Space initiative

Clear signage throughout the attraction (e.g. colour contrasted, large lettering, use of pictograms etc.)

Facilities for service dogsYes- dogs are very welcome in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens – we do ask that they are kept on a short lead. The only area that dogs are not allowed in is the Dragon’s Lair area in the Arboretum, as this is a safe space for children. We have a dog-friendly cafe where dogs will be served water and dog treats can also be purchased! Dogs may not enter the Palace buildings unless they are assistance dogs.

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Some routes

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for wheelchair users

Some routes

Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility

DINING / BAR AREAS

Children's menu

High chairs for children

Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:

Gluten free (coeliacs)

Vegan

Vegetarian

PARKING

The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:

is gravel

is solid

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS

Baby changing facilities

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

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Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible Lift
Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
Facility for service dogs
Guide Dogs Permitted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Quiet Place
Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Wheelchairs available

Catering

On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering
Picnic area

Children & Infants

Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible Lift
Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
Facility for service dogs
Guide Dogs Permitted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Quiet Place
Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Wheelchairs available

Catering

On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering
Picnic area

Children & Infants

Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

Public toilets
Shop
Toilets
Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available

Key Features

No Smoking Attraction

Parking & Transport

Coach Parking - In Wells
Off site parking
On site parking

Payment Methods

Accept Bank Transfers, Internet Payment or SWIFT/IBAN
Cash Accepted
Cheques accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Groups Accepted

Travel & Trade

Group Discount

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Map & Directions

Map Link

Click here to view map

Road Directions

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.

Public Transport Directions

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.

Opening Times

Season 30 Mar 2025 - 25 Oct 2025
Day	Times
Monday - Sunday	09:30	- 17:30

Season 26 Oct 2025 - 28 Mar 2026
Day	Times
Monday - Sunday	10:00	- 16:00

* Check the website for Christmas opening times.

Further Information

Accessibility statement

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Type:Historic House / Palace

Book Tickets Online

About

About

Guide Prices

Access Information

PARKING

ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

STAFF

Access Information

PARKING

ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

STAFF

GENERAL

DINING / BAR AREAS

PARKING

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS

Facilities

Accessibility

Catering

Children & Infants

Establishment Features

Facilities

Accessibility

Catering

Children & Infants

Establishment Features

Key Features

Parking & Transport

Payment Methods

Travel & Trade

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Public Transport Directions

Opening Times

Further Information