Name: The Bishop's Palace
Rating: 5.0

The Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens, The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Bishop's Palace, a place of enjoyment and reflection for the benefit of all in the heart of Wells, Somerset. The Bishop’s Palace and 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 now open for all to enjoy.

The site 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. The moat has also been home to mute swans since the 1800s.

Price starts from £14 for Adults, £7 for Children and £12 for Students. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Palace: The Bishop’s Palace and 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 now open for all to enjoy. The site 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. The moat has also been home to mute swans since the 1800s.
The Palace Gardens: Hidden within the ancient ramparts and protected by the moat, 14 acres of stunning landscaped gardens await you in the heart of the City of Wells, Somerset. These are among the finest gardens to visit in Somerset, offering beauty, history, and tranquillity.
The Bishop's Chapel: At the heart of The Palace is The Bishop’s Chapel, a historical site in Somerset, dating back to the 13th century. The Chapel is a place where prayer and worship have been offered over the centuries. Visitors of all faiths and none are welcome to pause and be refreshed by the ancient peace of this sacred place.
Swans at the Bishop's Palace: The tradition of Swans on the Moat at The Bishop’s Palace is thought to go back to the 1850s when it is likely that a Bishop’s daughter first taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse for food.
The Dragon's Lair Play Area: Let your imagination run wild at The Bishop’s Palace, one of the best things to do near me with kids in Somerset! Cross the Drawbridge and ask on entry for a special map, which you can use to explore the gardens and look for the Dragon’s Lair Play Area.
Historic Wells: Our neighbour, Wells Cathedral, is the earliest English Cathedral to be built in the Gothic style and offers guided tours of the stunning building throughout the day. With centuries of stories to share it’s worth a visit.

Facilities

Parking: Unfortunately, we do not have a car park. We can reserve Blue Badge parking spaces, although these are strictly limited due to the small size of our residents’ car park – please call the office on 01749 988111 ext 200 to enquire. For all other visitors, see HERE for parking maps of Wells.
Food & Drinks: The Bishop’s Table serves a range of hot and cold meals.

What to see

Events:

Family Volunteering Day: Saturday, 4th October 2025 | 10am – 3pm. Are you looking for a worthwhile family challenge for a day that’s fun and free? Become a member of our team for the day and come along to help us here at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens. Tasks may include: Welcoming visitors, Plaque polishing, Gardening.
Walk and Talk: Gardening in an Environmentally Conscious Way: Tuesday, 14th October 2025, 2pm – 3.30pm. Join James for this fascinating Walk and Talk where he’ll share the gardening techniques being used here at The Bishop’s Palace. Learn what our team is doing to work in a more sustainable way and how they are having to adapt to our ever-changing climate.
Chalk Pastels of Autumn Produce: Friday, 24th October 2025, 10.30am – 3.30pm (1 hour lunch break 12.30pm – 1.30pm). Join us for a creative session focused on seasonal chalk pastel drawings featuring autumnal produce. This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to chalk pastels, guiding you through the process of developing tone, depth, and detail in your artwork. Participants will learn essential techniques tailored for beginners, making it a perfect opportunity to explore your artistic side. All materials will be provided. Enjoy the vibrant colours of autumn while enhancing your artistic skills.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/whats-on/

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Day Tickets:

Adult: £14
Child: £7
Student: £12
Child Day Ticket(Under 5 years): FREE
Joint Day Ticket with Wells Cathedral: £22

Annual Pass:

Adult: £25
Family(1 adult): £40
Family(2 adults): £65
Child(5-17 years): £10
Child(Under 5 years): FREE
Essential Helpers Assisting Disabled Visitors: FREE
Student(With valid in date card): £18

Pricing URL: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/visit/tickets-and-opening/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Summer(March 2025 – October 2025): 9.30am – 5.30pm.
Winter(October 2025 – March 2026): 10am – 4pm.

Address: The Bishop's Palace & Gardens, The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD, UK

Post Code: BA5 2PD

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset

Bus: First Buses 29, 77, 126, 173/4, 375, 376, 377, X75 all stop or pass through Wells. Alight at Wells Bus Station or ask the bus driver if they stop at Wells Market Place which is very close to The Bishop’s Palace.
Train: The nearest railway stations are Castle Cary (9 miles from Wells) and also Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (both 21 miles), where you will find bus links to Wells.
Car: The main routes to Wells are the A371 and the A39. The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is a short walk from all central car parks: for long stays use Waitrose’s Whiting Way car park, BA5 2PJ (top car park) which is located just off the A39 or Morrisons car park on East Somerset Way, BA5 1SQ.
Cycling: The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is situated on The National Cycle Network Route 3. Cycle racks are available across the drawbridge and also in Market Place (just outside the Palace grounds).
Parking: Unfortunately, we do not have a car park. We can reserve Blue Badge parking spaces, although these are strictly limited due to the small size of our residents’ car park – please call the office on 01749 988111 ext 200 to enquire. For all other visitors, see HERE for parking maps of Wells.