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courtesy of Glide Media Productions

Plan Your Visit To This Medieval Palace and RHS Partner Gardens in Wells, Somerset

The Palace, Gardens and Chapel  are OPEN:

  • 9.30am-5.30pm daily in the summer months
  • 10am-4pm daily in the winter months

Last admission is 30 minutes before closure, check for any changes to opening times and access hereCafé opening times may vary.

Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years, this stunning medieval palace and gardens in the heart of Wells, Somerset, is adjacent to Wells Cathedral and open for all to enjoy.

Our Legacy:

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 with the primary purpose to:  “conserve The Bishop’s Palace for future generations; welcoming all who seek a place of beauty, reflection, and enjoyment”.

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, by 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 also always welcome.

Peace, beauty and space in the heart of Wells, England’s smallest city

Surrounded by a breath-taking moat, cross the flagstone drawbridge to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the medieval city of Wells, Somerset.

There are 14 acres of RHS partner gardens to explore including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name.

You are also welcome to visit the Bishop’s private Chapel, explore the ruined Great Hall, enjoy a walk around the Palace moat or watch the kids let off steam in the newly refurbished Dragon’s Lair play area.

For more about entry, accessibility, Groups and general information about The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, please use the links on the left hand side of this page.

Events, activities and refreshments

We offer a full programme of year-round family events, free guided walks, open-air theatre, garden workshops and more or enjoy breakfast, lunch or a slice of cake with a great cup of coffee at the ever-popular Bishop’s Table café!

Guided tours are also included with your Admission – check available times at the Ticket Office on your arrival.

Admission

The Bishop’s Palace Admission Ticket includes 12 months of return visits from the date of your first visit and you’re welcome to use it again on any normal sightseeing day.

This value-packed ticket gives access to the medieval Palace and Undercroft, ruined Great Hall, 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, The Bishop’s Chapel and to many year-round events (unless Member Only or ticketed) including family workshops, storytelling, themed events, Christmas Illuminations and daily guided tours.

It’s free to visit The Bishop’s Table café and the Croquet Lawn area.

Buy Admission Tickets onsite or via this website.

Membership

Once you have discovered The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens you’ll want to keep coming back!  Support us by becoming a Member and not only will you be able to access the Palace and Gardens whenever you like during opening hours, but you will also receive a additional number of  benefits and discounts, including Member’s Only events. 

Map of the grounds

(click on image to download a PDF version to keep)

The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is easy to find; you can get directions here

Off Market Place (through The Bishop’s Eye entrance)
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2PD

(for Sat Nav use BA5 2RE – This will take you to Harris & Harris. Continue walking under the Bishop’s Eye and bare right along the path to reach the Gatehouse and Portcullis. Please note that the weight limit on the drawbridge is 2.7 tonnes.)

There is no parking on site. Please click here for travel and parking information.

We’re also close to other tourist attractions in Somerset, such as Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Abbey, The Newt in Somerset, Stonehenge, Bristol and Bath attractions and many more – perfect for visitors wishing to plan a full day out.