The Bishop’s Palace Highlights 

Set in the heart of the smallest city in England, The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is a must-see UK heritage attraction.

Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, the site and buildings are owned by the Church Commissioners and operated by The Palace Trust, a registered charity which manages the site as a heritage visitor attraction.

The Palace Trust gets no statutory funding. The cost of maintaining the Palace is met entirely by grants from organisations like the National Lottery and Charitable Trusts, admission tickets, special events and our café. But this does not cover the entire cost of everyday maintenance, so donations to this aspect of our work are always welcome.

Flowers in the Quiet Garden - The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

The Gardens

The 14 acres of gardens at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset are a haven of tranquility and peace. In January 2016, the Gardens were awarded RHS Partner Garden status.

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An image of The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset

The Bishop’s Palace

Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy.

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An image of the interior of The Bishop's Table Café

The Bishop’s Table

Delicious locally-sourced homemade food and some of the best coffee and cake you'll find in Wells, Somerset at the award-winning Bishop's Table café.

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Family Fun at The Bishop's Palace

Family Fun

We’ve got so much for families to do at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens - whatever the weather, you can always have a great day out.

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The Historic City of Wells - The Bishop's Palace

Historic Wells

Visit England’s smallest city - Wells, Somerset - with its medieval centre and wide variety of unique shops and watering holes.

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Medieval Chapel at The Bishop's Palace

The Chapel

At the heart of the Palace is The Bishop’s Chapel. Visitors of all faiths and none are welcome to pause and be refreshed by the ancient peace of this sacred place.

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The Dragon's Lair Play Area - Attractions at the Palace

The Dragon’s Lair

Dare you enter The Dragon’s Lair? An interactive play and discovery area for children

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Opera Brava

Events & Festivals

Public Events and Festivals are at the heart of what we offer here. So whether you’re a theatre fan, garden enthusiast, family, art-lover, or exercise fanatic, you’ll find the perfect event to suit you below!

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Swans at The Bishop's Palace - Attractions at the Palace

Swans

The tradition of the Swans on the Moat at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens goes back to the 1870’s when one of Bishop Hervey’s daughters first taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse for food.

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