Accessibility at The Bishop’s Palace
Set in the heart of England’s smallest city, The Bishop’s Palace has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. We offer an accessible experience for all, with wide and level paths throughout, a wheelchair-accessible lift, accessible toilets, and a mobility scooter and wheelchair available to hire.
Highlights of the historic grounds include the well springs that give Wells its name and the famous swans that ring a bell by the drawbridge to be fed.
We are centrally located in Wells, with a limited number of Blue Badge parking spaces on-site.
If you have specific access requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help.
Click the button below to view our accessibility guide, please click the button below.
Parking
There are three spaces available on site for accessible parking, however, it is necessary to book these at least 48 hours before arrival.
Palace Building Lift
The lift is a platform lift, with a 889mm wide door. The lift itself is 1473mm wide and 965mm deep.
Please ask at visitor reception if you would like assistance using the lift.
Accessible Toilets
There are two toilets on-site for disabled visitors: one in the Stable Yard area and one inside the Palace building.
The Bishop’s Table Café
Our on-site café is accessible to all visitors. There is level access throughout, automatic doors and flexible seating for wheelchair space. We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free (celiacs) and vegan specific diets.
If you require any assistance, please ask a member of our friendly team.
The Bishop’s Chapel
From the main exterior entrance to the chapel, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1250mm wide, or more.
Please note that there is no wheelchair access from the Palace building into the chapel via the interior door as it is a narrow passage way involving steps.
Throughout the Gardens
The Palace Gardens are comprised of two main areas – the Inner and Outer Gardens. Entry to the Gardens and paid area of the site is via a pedestrian gate.
Inner Gardens
The Inner Gardens are a mixture of lawns and formal beds. The pathways are flat and 1800mm width, mostly made of gravel or tarmac. The high Rampart Walk is not accessible to wheelchair users due to steps but the majority of the Inner Gardens are accessible.
Outer Gardens
From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 838mm wide, or more. The entrance is 838mm wide. The Outer Gardens are accessible via a bridge which is 810mm wide. The pathways are mostly gravel, and mostly 1800mm wide. The outer gardens include the Community Garden, Wells Gardens, including the well pools (large area of water) and Quiet Garden, as well as the Arboretum and children’s play area, the Dragon’s Lair. The play area is not enclosed. The arboretum has grass paths. The Outer Gardens cannot be accessed via the Bastion Gate by wheelchair users due to steps. Some of the moat walk in the Outer Gardens is inaccessible due to steps.
Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Hire
We provide free hire of wheelchairs, which ideally needs to be booked in advance of your visit. We have a mobility scooter on-site which can be booked via [email protected]
