The Bishop’s Palace in Wells Somerset

We are delighted to be partnering up with the LGBT Travel Club on the Everyone Is Welcome campaign, and we are even more delighted that The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is supporting us and this amazing cause.

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells, Somerset has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace, along with its 14 acres of RHS partner gardens, is open for all to enjoy.

Surrounded by a breath-taking moat, visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge, walk under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells, situated next door to Wells Cathedral. As described by an American visitor 130 years ago, this is a ‘palace of enchantment’.

There are 14 acres of outstanding, RHS Partner gardens to explore, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name, family events, guided tours and a café with the best views in Wells!

The Bishop’s Palace dates from the early-thirteenth century when Bishop Jocelin 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.

Discover the medieval splendours of the Palace buildings, from the vaulted Undercroft to the elegant Long Gallery, and experience year-round family events, guided tours and a café with the best views in Wells!

For younger visitors there is a large play area “The Dragon’s Lair” hidden in the Arboretum. From family and community activity days, historical re-enactment, exhibitions, large-scale festivals, theatre, concerts, talks, and workshops – we’ve got something for everybody whatever your age or interests.