The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace is now open for all to enjoy. It’s a great family day out in Somerset with a full programme of year-round events, free guided walks, open-air music and theatre, garden workshops and more and a slice of cake with afternoon tea at the ever-popular Bishop’s Table café is always welcome!

There are 14 acres of outstanding RHS Partner gardens to explore (including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name), Dragon’s Lair play area, guided tours, children’s trails and workshops and a café with the best views in Wells!

Multimedia tours of the Palace building are also included with admission with the choice of an adult version or one tailored for a more family audience including quizzes, treasure hunts and talking Bishops from years gone by! 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. 

A year-round programme of themed family events is also included with admission including a Civil War Weekend; Archery, Vikings and more! Other events are ticketed separately including summer outdoor theatre; the Palace’s Garden Fair and History Live. More information can be found here.

The Bishop’s Palace dates from the early thirteenth century when Bishop Jocelin Trotman received a crown licence to build a residence and deer park on land to the south of the Cathedral of St Andrew. Although home to the Bishop and other families, visitors can walk in the footsteps of past bishops through a number of rooms within the Palace.

Visitors are also welcome to look around the Bishop’s private Chapel and explore the ruined Great Hall. The moat has been home to mute swans since the 1800s. The tradition of swans on the moat at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is thought to go back to the 1850’s when it is likely that a Bishop’s daughter first taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse for food. We now have two swan bells – one just beneath the window on the left of the Gatehouse, the other to the right – both with a rope hanging down for the swans to pull.

The Palace Gardens are open daily from 10am until 4pm in winter and 9.30am - 5.30pm in summer although there may be restricted access due to events and activities taking place (check the website for details). There are toilets on site.  Guided tours are also included with Admission – check available times at the Ticket Office on arrival. 

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Families: There’s so much for families to do at The Bishop’s Palace, whatever the weather.  Little ones love to explore the gardens, trying to spot the swans and their cygnets; there are waterfalls and springs to see, trees to climb and places to hide.Children also love to explore the magical discovery area that is the Dragon’s Lair in a far corner of the Gardens!  And throughout the school holidays, there are always plenty of events to keep families busy including crafting, outdoor gardening, family trails, storytelling and more.

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Refreshments: The Bishop’s Table café is open daily serving delicious, locally-sourced homemade food and some of the best coffee and cake you'll find in Wells. It’s the perfect place to meet friends for breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas or Sunday Lunches are now being served!

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Accessibility: From the main entrance of the Palace to the Palace building, around the gardens and to the café's dining area, there is level access. We have one lift to all floors of the Palace building. The outer gardens are accessible via a bridge, which is 810mm wide. There are fully accessible toilets with level access within the Stableyard area and the Palace building.

There are three spaces available on site for accessible parking, however, it is necessary to book these at least 48 hours before arrival via info@bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111.