The Bishops Palace and Gardens

Welcome to The Bishop's Palace

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!

Visit Highlights

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 with multimedia audio visual guides, Dragon’s Lair play area, guided tours, children’s trails and workshops 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Admission: 

12-Month Annual Pass

Our 12-month Annual Pass includes year-round access to the Palace and Gardens on standard sightseeing days. The Annual Pass gives access to the medieval Palace and Undercroft, ruined Great Hall, 14 acres of RHS partner gardens, The Bishop’s Chapel and to a year-round events programme (unless exclusive Friends of the Palace events or ticketed separately) including family workshops, storytelling, monthly Wellbeing Walks and daily guided tours.
•   Adult Annual Pass - £25
•   Family Annual Pass (1 adult) - £40
•   Family Annual Pass (2 adults) - £65
•   Children Annual Pass (Under 5 years) - FREE
•   Children Annual Pass (5-17 years) - £10
•   Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors - FREE
•   Student (with valid in date card) - £18
•   Group Admission (groups of 10 or more)- £9.50
•   Child Group Admission - £4.75
Day Ticket
Perfect for day visits! Your Day Ticket will include access to the Palace buildings, gardens and any non-ticketed events taking place on the day of your visit.
•   Adult: £14
•   Student: £12
•   Child (5–17): £7
•   Under 5s: Free

You can find out more about Admission here: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/visit/tickets-and-opening/

Bishop's Palace Membership

Membership allows you to visit The Bishop’s Palace and gardens as many times as you like during normal opening times for 12 months. Plus, you’ll receive the following benefits:

Admission to event days such as the Artisan Market and Rare Plant Fairs
Members’ only events, talks and tours
50% off entry to partner gardens
10% discount on plants and produce
10% discount on workshops
10% café and shop discount
Regular e-news bulletin plus Members updates/news throughout the year
Regular programme of external speakers and entertainment.
Half-price entry for guests (day ticket only)
Bring-A-Friend Fridays (selected dates)
Members’ Only lates (selected dates during the Summer season)
Preview Evenings for special events (such as Christmas Illuminations)
New partner gardens Dartington College and Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

Membership Prices

Individual Membership - standard £45 / Direct Debit £33.75
Joint Membership (two named adults) - Standard £72 / Direct Debit £54
Family Membership (two adults and children) - Standard £79 / Direct Debit £59.25
Family Membership (one adult and children) - Standard £53 / Direct Debit £39.75
Guest Membership (purchased with any of the annual Memberships) - Standard £33 / Direct Debit £24.75
Day Guest Membership (for additional guests) - £14
Individual Life Membership - £450
Joint Life Membership - £720
Family Life Membership (two adults and children up to 17 years) - £790
Guest Life Membership (purchased with one of the above Life Memberships - £330

You can find out more about Membership and signing up via Direct Debit here: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/about/membership/

Day Ticket

Perfect for day visits! Your Day Ticket will include access to the Palace buildings, gardens and any non-ticketed events taking place on the day of your visit.
•   Adult: £14
•   Student: £12
•   Child (5–17): £7
•   Under 5s: Free
You can find out more about Admission here: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/visit/tickets-and-opening/

Friends of the Palace

The Friends of the Palace scheme replaces the previous Membership programme and is designed to better reflect our visitors’ interests, reward your ongoing support, and help us preserve the Palace’s heritage and gardens for future generations.
• Adult - £65
• Joint - £100
Support us by becoming a Friend of the Palace and not only will you be able to access the Palace and Gardens whenever you like during opening hours, but you’ll also receive an additional number of benefits and discounts including exclusive Friends events and tours; 50% off entry to ten partner gardens; 10% discount on plants and produce, 10% discount in the café and shop, half price day tickets for your guests, priority booking for all theatre, film, and concert events and Father Christmas, free cake from our café on your birthday, plus lots of additional benefits not available with the standard 12-month admission ticket.