Group Visits in Wells, Somerset
To complete a group booking form, you can either download and email us the Word document HERE or fill out the online form via the button above.
Highlights for Groups
800 Years of History
As well as being a stunning heritage site, the Palace has also been home to the Bishop of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. The history lovers in your group will adore the medieval architecture, stories of past bishops and the ruined Great Hall when they visit.
14 Acres of RHS Partner Gardens
Garden and wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with the Palace’s 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, the majestic family of resident mute swans and the romantic well pools which give the city its name.
Award-Winning Café
Our award-winning onsite café also allows groups to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, overlooking the picturesque croquet lawn.
Accessible Site
The Palace is a fully-accessible site with level access, meaning all visitors can enjoy their time here. Or groups with accessibility requirements can enquire about booking a parking space with level access directly into the Gardens (enquire via [email protected])
Great Location
The Bishop’s Palace is located:
- 20 miles from Bath
- 20 miles from Bristol
- 39 miles from Stonehenge
- 6 miles from Glastonbury
- 8 miles from Clarks Village
What can you expect from your visit?
Tranquil Gardens and Stunning Views
Hidden within the ancient ramparts and protected by the moat, 14 acres of stunning RHS partner gardens await you in the heart of the City of Wells, Somerset. These are among the finest gardens to visit in Somerset, offering beauty, history, and tranquillity.
Nearby Coach Parking
Coach parking available at Wells Coach Park; long term car parking available at Whiting Way car park (Waitrose). The coach drop off point is on Sadler Street (BA5 2RX) and is well signposted in the city. Sadler Street is a two minute walk from the Palace. Coaches then proceed down the High Street to the Coach Park/Bus Station on Princes Road (BA5 2DT).
Benefits for Coach Drivers and Group Leaders
For groups of 20+, group leaders and coach drivers are eligible for a free ticket.
Coach drivers can also claim a free cake and drink from our café with seating available in the free area or inside the café.
Historic Palace, Chapel and Gatehouse
Discover over 800 years of history as you and your group visit Wells, Somerset. Explore the many rooms of our historic Palace, the beautiful 13th-century Bishop’s Chapel, and the medieval grandeur of the Gatehouse.
Tours
Add a Tour Package
Make your visit extra special by adding a Group Tour Package and you’ll enjoy a private 60 minute themed tour in addition to your entry to The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens for the day.
Choose between:
- A historical group tour
- Or a horticultural group tour
Or our Senior Gardener’s Tour is an opportunity to spend time with one of our onsite gardening team. They’ll share their expert knowledge on the history and care of our magnificent gardens.
Multimedia Guides
Multimedia guides of the Palace building are included with admission, sharing the wonderful stories of the medieval Palace and its people through 45 minutes of rich content.
Choose from an adult version or one tailored for families, including quizzes, treasure hunts and fun games.
Visitors are guided around the Palace buildings through five narrative themes using stories, music, imagery, quizzes and talking Bishops bringing stories of their tenure and legacy at the Palace to life in an interactive and engaging way.
Plus discounted admission for Groups
Adult – £9.50
Child (5-17 years) – £4.75
Group Guided Tours – Additional £50 per group (max 30 per group). Please contact [email protected] if you would like to discuss a guided tour for your visit.
Note: public daily tours are not included with group admission.
To complete a group booking form, you can either download and email us the Word document HERE or fill out the online form via the button.
You can give us a call on 01749 988111 ext. 200
Or send the Group Booking Form via email to [email protected]
Or by post to Group Bookings, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD
Note: if you are booking a guided tour, you must provide two weeks’ notice before your visit.
Joint Group Visits with Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace are delighted to offer a full-day experience in Wells, bringing together two of Somerset’s most iconic heritage sites with a single joint ticket.
Joint Group Visits with Wells Cathedral are valid for the same day only.
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£15 per person (no tours included)
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£16 per person (includes a guided tour of Wells Cathedral only)
Please note: Group tours at The Bishop’s Palace are arranged and paid for directly with the Palace at our standard group rate (see group tour options above for details).
To arrange a Joint Group Visit with Wells Cathedral, please contact: [email protected].
What are groups saying about their visit?
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for our wonderful visit to The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens yesterday. We had a really lovely time and our guide, Rob, was brilliant. Extremely knowledgeable, patient, pleasant and made the two hours with him absolutely fly as he made the visit so interesting. The cafe deserves a mention too as it offered nice refreshments, and the service was extremely good.
So thank you again. We will certainly be recommending you.”
“I would like to express our appreciation for facilitating our very successful visit to the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens yesterday. All 21 of our members had a great visit and enjoyed the outing. The guide who took us on the tour, Janet was excellent, informative, amusing and accommodating. Please convey our thanks to all concerned. Many of us want to come back for another visit.”
“I just want to say a belated ‘thank you’ to everyone at The Bishop’s Palace for making our group so welcome when we visited on Saturday 14 September on our trip to Wells. We were blessed with wonderful sunny weather so able to enjoy the garden to the full. A special thank you to the gentleman who led the tour of the Palace & then went on to lead a walk around the garden – I really admire his stamina & knowledge.”
“We all very much enjoyed our visit to Wells Cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace yesterday. So thank you, and please pass on our appreciation to the Guides and staff, and also to The Bishop’s Palace staff. The decorations in the grounds of the Palace were magnificent and enjoyed despite the rain.”