The Bishop’s Palace Wells – Somerset 

The Bishop’s Palace

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.

Read more about the Palace swans here

Click here for a downloadable map of the site.

It’s free to visit the Bishop’s Table Café and the Croquet Lawn area.  Admission tickets also give access to the medieval Palace and Undercroft, ruined Great Hall, 14 acres of gardens, the Bishop’s Chapel and all events (unless specifically ticketed). Included in your admission ticket is a choice of daily guided tours of the Palace & Gardens.  A group of 10+ can enjoy benefits of pre-booking as a group visit, including discounted admission.