Bishop's Palace

Wells

Spend Christmas at Bishop's Palace!

+ free entry for Under 5s

Book The Bishop's Palace tickets & discover historic rooms, gardens & 800 years of history in Wells

History, gardens and family fun all come together at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens. Set right next to Wells Cathedral, this spectacular medieval Palace has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for more than 800 years.

  • Step inside the medieval Palace and explore over 800 years of history
  • Wander through 14 acres of beautiful RHS Partner Gardens
  • Explore the atmospheric ruins of the medieval Great Hall
  • Visit The Bishop's Chapel and historic Undercroft
  • Meet the famous swans that ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they're ready for food
  • Let little explorers loose in The Dragon's Lair play area
  • Join guided and multimedia tours to uncover more of the Palace's stories

Explore 800 years of history at The Bishop's Palace

There's plenty waiting beyond the drawbridge. Explore the medieval Palace and Undercroft, see the ruined Great Hall and step inside The Bishop's Chapel as you uncover centuries of history in the heart of England's smallest city.

Admission also includes multimedia tours of the Palace building and guided tours of the wider site, with available tour times confirmed at the Ticket Office when you arrive.

Wander through 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens

Take your time exploring 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens surrounding the Palace. Follow paths through the historic grounds, discover the well springs that gave Wells its name and keep an eye out for the Palace's most famous feathered residents.

The swans on the moat have been part of Palace life since the 1870s and are famous for ringing a bell beside the Gatehouse when they want to be fed. Clever swans, indeed.

Enjoy a family day out at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

There's plenty here for younger history hunters too. Head into the Arboretum to find The Dragon's Lair, a large interactive play area where kids can climb, explore and let off some steam.

Family workshops, trails and activities run throughout the year, with pushchair-friendly paths and baby-changing facilities helping make family visits that little bit easier.

Make a day of it in Wells

When it's time for a break, stop at The Bishop's Table café for locally sourced homemade food, coffee and cake. You don't need a Palace admission ticket to visit the café or Croquet Lawn, so it's easy to pop in before or after exploring Wells.

Book The Bishop's Palace & Gardens tickets and discover medieval history, beautiful gardens and family fun, all tucked behind the walls of one of Somerset's most historic attractions.

Location

The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

The Bishop's Palace,
Wells,
Somerset,
BA5 2PD
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How to find us

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is located off Market Place in Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD.

  • By car: Wells is reached via the A371 and A39. For sat nav use BA5 2RE, then continue on foot beneath the Bishop's Eye towards the Gatehouse. Standard visitor parking is available in nearby Wells city centre car parks.
  • By train: Castle Cary is the nearest railway station, around 9 miles from Wells. Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa are both around 21 miles away and have onward bus connections to Wells.
  • By bus: First Bus services 29, 77, 126, 173/4, 375, 376, 377 and X75 stop or pass through Wells. Alight at Wells Bus Station or Wells Market Place.
  • By foot: The Bishop's Palace is in the centre of Wells, next to Wells Cathedral. From Market Place, walk through the Bishop's Eye and follow the path towards the Gatehouse and Portcullis.
Facilities
  • The Bishop's Table café, with level access, automatic doors and flexible wheelchair seating.
  • Baby-changing facilities.
  • Pushchair-friendly paths.
  • Accessible toilets in the Stable Yard and Palace building.
  • Wheelchair-accessible platform lift in the Palace.
  • Wheelchair and mobility scooter available to hire.
  • Three pre-bookable Blue Badge parking spaces on site.
  • Cycle racks across the drawbridge and in Market Place.
More Info
Is The Bishop's Palace and Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Bishop's Palace and Gardens has wide and level paths, a wheelchair-accessible platform lift in the Palace, accessible toilets and a wheelchair and mobility scooter available to hire. Some parts of the historic site may be less accessible, so visitors with specific requirements are advised to contact the Palace before visiting.

Does The Bishop's Palace and Gardens offer carer tickets? If so, how do I book a carer ticket?

Yes. Essential Helpers assisting disabled visitors receive free admission to The Bishop's Palace and Gardens. Check the ticket options when booking or contact the attraction if you require further assistance.

What age is The Bishop's Palace and Gardens suitable for?

The Bishop's Palace and Gardens is suitable for visitors of all ages. Families can explore the Palace and gardens, enjoy seasonal activities and visit The Dragon's Lair play area. Children under 5 receive free standard admission.

Is there food and drink at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens?

Yes. The Bishop's Table café serves locally sourced homemade food alongside coffee and cake. The café is accessible without buying a Palace admission ticket and caters for vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan diets.

Can I take dogs to The Bishop's Palace and Gardens?

Dogs are permitted in the Gardens at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens, while registered assistance dogs are permitted inside the Palace building. Visitors should check any additional restrictions before attending a special event.

Is parking available at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens?

There is no standard visitor car park at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens. Several public car parks are within walking distance in Wells. Three on-site accessible parking spaces are available for Blue Badge holders and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

What do The Bishop's Palace and Gardens tickets include?

Standard admission includes access to the medieval Palace and Undercroft, ruined Great Hall, 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, The Bishop's Chapel and The Dragon's Lair, plus eligible guided tours and activities running during your visit. Separately ticketed events are not included.

Are these the cheapest tickets for Bishop's Palace?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

Choose your adventure

Christmas Illuminations

See The Twelve Days of Christmas glow after dark, with sparkling installations, music and a festive trail through the Palace and gardens!

See more
From
£10.00
Book now

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