The Bishop's Palace Admission Tickets

Admission: 
The “People’s Ticket” costs £16 for Adults and £8 for Children (5-17), which allows the holder to purchase a ticket for one day and return for the following 12 months on any normal sightseeing day, We also offers Students and Blue Light Members discounted admission priced at £12.50 (only valid with in date student card or blue lights membership).


There are 14 acres of outstanding, RHS Partner gardens to explore, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name, the medieval Palace building, and a full programme of family events, garden workshops, open air theatre, guided tours (included with admission) and a café with the best views in Wells!

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.

You 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 6pm in summer although there may be restricted access due to events and activities taking place (check the website for details). There is a toilet open on site. 

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 or afternoon tea.

Points to note: HHA & RHS cardholder do not book online - bring your card for scanning on site on arrival. Dogs are very welcome in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace - we do ask that they are kept on a short lead. The only area that dogs are not allowed in is the Dragon’s Lair area in the Arboretum, as this is a safe space for children. Dogs may not enter the Palace buildings unless they are assistance dogs.


Admission:
The “People’s Ticket” costs £16 for Adults and £8 for Children (5-17), which allows the holder to enter for one day and return for the following 12 months on any normal sightseeing day, 
We also offers Students and Blue Light Members discounted admission priced at £12.50 (only valid with in date student card or blue lights membership).