The Bishop's Palace & Gardens, Wells
Explore 800 years of history, stunning medieval architecture, and 14 acres of tranquil RHS Partner gardens at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens in Wells.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens in Wells, Somerset, is a stunning medieval residence that has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Surrounded by a moat with resident swans and featuring 14 acres of RHS Partner gardens, it offers visitors a rich blend of historic architecture, tranquil gardens, and family-friendly activities including guided tours, themed events, and a popular café with scenic views.
A brief summary to The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
- The Bishop's Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD, GB
- +441749988111
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to secure entry and consider the annual pass for unlimited visits and discounts.
- Visit the Bishop’s Table café for locally sourced meals and enjoy views over the moat and gardens.
- Join one of the daily guided tours or use the multimedia audio guides included with admission for a richer experience.
- Families should explore the Dragon’s Lair play area and check the calendar for themed events and workshops.
- Book accessible parking at least 48 hours in advance if needed, and enjoy level access throughout most of the site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Regular bus services from Bath, Bristol, and coastal towns connect to Wells, with routes 26, 29, 37, 126, 161/2, 173, 375, 376, and 377 stopping near the palace. Travel times vary from 45 to 90 minutes depending on origin, with fares typically between £5 and £15.
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Walking
From Wells city center, the palace is a 10-15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved terrain suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, passing through historic streets and leading directly to the Bishop’s Eye entrance.
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Coach
Coaches can drop off at Prince’s Road Coach Park, about a 10-minute walk from the palace. Advance booking for parking is recommended. This option suits group visits and tours.
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Cycling
The palace is accessible via Sustrans cycle route 3, offering a scenic and eco-friendly approach. Secure bike parking is available on site.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
Historic Heritage Rooted in Medieval Splendour
The Bishop's Palace in Wells stands as a remarkable testament to over eight centuries of ecclesiastical history. Serving as the residence for the Bishops of Bath and Wells since medieval times, the palace's architecture showcases a blend of medieval craftsmanship and enduring charm. Visitors enter through a distinctive portcullis and cross a flagstone drawbridge spanning a moat, home to the palace's famous resident mute swans. Inside, the vaulted Undercroft and the elegant Long Gallery reveal the palace's historic grandeur and architectural finesse.Expansive Gardens and Natural Beauty
Surrounding the palace are 14 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, designated as RHS Partner gardens. These grounds include the iconic well pools, the namesake of the city of Wells, and a diverse array of flora that changes with the seasons. The gardens offer a tranquil retreat with winding paths, vibrant flowerbeds, and shaded arboretums. Among the highlights is the Dragon’s Lair, a natural play area nestled within the arboretum, designed to engage younger visitors with imaginative outdoor fun.Engaging Visitor Experience and Facilities
Admission to the Bishop’s Palace includes access to the palace, chapel, and gardens, along with daily guided tours and multimedia audio guides that enrich the visitor experience. The palace hosts a year-round calendar of events, including family workshops, storytelling sessions, themed weekends such as Civil War reenactments, and seasonal festivities. The Bishop’s Table café, renowned for its locally sourced homemade food and excellent coffee, offers a scenic spot for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea, overlooking the picturesque grounds.Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
The Bishop's Palace is committed to accessibility, featuring level access from the main entrance through the gardens and to the café. A lift provides access to all floors within the palace building, and there are fully accessible toilets and parking spaces available by prior arrangement. The grounds are dog-friendly on leads, making it welcoming for visitors with pets. The site also includes picnic areas, a gift shop, and information boards to enhance the visitor experience.Seasonal Opening and Admission Details
The palace and gardens operate seasonally with summer hours from 9:30am to 5:30pm and winter hours from 10am to 4pm, open daily throughout the year except for select holiday closures. Admission prices are modest, with adult tickets around £14, students £12, and children £7, while under-fives enter free. Annual passes offer unlimited visits and additional benefits, including discounts and priority event bookings. Special joint tickets with Wells Cathedral are also available.Location and Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Wells, Somerset, the Bishop’s Palace is adjacent to the iconic Wells Cathedral and easily accessible via local transport routes. The palace’s moat and gardens provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling city center, making it a serene urban oasis. The surrounding area offers additional historic and cultural attractions, complementing a visit to this medieval gem.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
18.4 km
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The Matthew of Bristol
26.7 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Prince Street Bridge
26.8 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Redcliffe Caves
26.9 km
Explore the enchanting Redcliffe Caves in Bristol, a breathtaking tourist attraction filled with stunning rock formations and vibrant art installations.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
26.9 km
Medieval Gothic masterpiece and eight centuries of Bristol's maritime heritage in stone
Capricorn Place
26.9 km
Explore the architectural beauty of Capricorn Place in Bristol, a hidden gem that showcases the city's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Bristol Ferry
26.9 km
Discover the scenic beauty of Bristol from the water with Bristol Ferry, a delightful ferry service showcasing the city's stunning waterfront and rich history.
Millennium Square
26.9 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and cultural richness of Millennium Square, Bristol's premier urban park and social hub.
Statue of Cary Grant
26.9 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Pero's Bridge
27.0 km
A striking pedestrian bridge honoring an enslaved man's memory and Bristol's complex past with the slave trade.
The Bristol Wheel
27.0 km
Discover breathtaking panoramic views of Bristol from The Bristol Wheel, an iconic attraction that offers a unique perspective of the city's vibrant skyline.
Bristol Aquarium
27.1 km
Discover the enchanting underwater world at Bristol Aquarium, where marine life thrives in captivating exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Queen Square
27.1 km
Experience the serene beauty and historical charm of Queen Square, a stunning green oasis in the heart of Bristol, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Bath Quays Waterside
27.1 km
A vibrant, sustainable waterside regeneration reconnecting Bath’s city centre with its historic river heritage and green public spaces.
The Paragon
27.1 km
Elegant Georgian townhouse in Clifton with exclusive gardens and stunning views of Bristol’s iconic landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Wells Market
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant charm of Wells Market, a historic twice-weekly hub of local produce, crafts, and community events in the heart of Somerset.
Wells Cathedral
0.2 km
Discover Wells Cathedral, England’s pioneering Gothic masterpiece with its iconic West Front, stunning scissor arches, and rich medieval heritage.
Vicar's Cl
0.3 km
Step into Vicars' Close, Wells—the oldest intact medieval residential street in Europe, where history lives in every limestone house and cobbled stone.
Shepton Mallet Prison
7.2 km
Step inside England’s oldest prison for immersive tours, escape rooms, and ghost hunts steeped in over 400 years of history and haunting tales.
Glastonbury Tor
8.2 km
An iconic hill of myth, legend, and breathtaking views, Glastonbury Tor invites you to step into England’s mystical past and spiritual heart.
White Spring
8.5 km
A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Chalice Well
8.5 km
Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
Glastonbury Abbey
8.6 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
Glastonbury
8.6 km
Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
St Margaret's Chapel
8.8 km
A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
11.8 km
Explore the dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset’s iconic natural landmark.
Cheddar Gorge
11.9 km
Explore England’s largest limestone gorge with stunning cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage in the heart of Somerset.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
12.0 km
Discover authentic, award-winning Cheddar cheese crafted in the heart of Cheddar Gorge by a family-owned artisan dairy.
Pensford Viaduct
19.1 km
Explore the majestic 19th-century Pensford Viaduct, a stunning historic railway bridge soaring above the scenic Chew Valley in Somerset.
Maes Knoll Tump (Iron age Hill Fort)
21.0 km
Explore Maes Knoll Tump, an ancient Iron Age hill fort near Bristol, blending prehistoric earthworks with panoramic views and wartime history.
Essential places to dine
COR Restaurant
25.9 km
Vibrant Mediterranean small plates served in a stylish, intimate setting at Bedminster’s acclaimed COR Restaurant.
Souk Kitchen
26.0 km
Experience vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean mezze dishes in a lively Southville setting, perfect for sharing and savoring bold flavours.
Bouvardia Restaurant
26.3 km
Experience Bath’s finest fine dining with exquisite British and European cuisine in an elegant, luxurious setting at Bouvardia Restaurant.
The Chef's Table
26.6 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
BOX-E
26.6 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
The Olive Shed
26.6 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Root
26.6 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
Gambas
26.7 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
26.7 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
The Pump House
26.7 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
Casa Bristol
26.7 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Tare Restaurant
26.7 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
New MoOn On The Quay
26.8 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Don Giovanni's
26.9 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Bristol’s historic Redcliffe district at Don Giovanni's.
Steak of the Art
26.9 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bristol General Store
25.8 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
Independent Design Collective
25.9 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Rhubarb Jumble
26.0 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
26.2 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Fig1
26.6 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Something Elsie
26.7 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Orendo
26.9 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
26.9 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
The Bath Independent Market
27.1 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent makers beneath the iconic glass roof of Green Park Station every Sunday.
Will's doss pit
27.1 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
27.1 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Urban Outfitters
27.3 km
A vibrant lifestyle store in Bath offering on‑trend fashion, accessories, and quirky homewares in a creative, youth‑oriented space.
My Small World Toy Store
27.3 km
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Movement Boutique
27.4 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
Luca & Fig
27.4 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish home furnishings in Bath’s charming Luca & Fig boutique, where creativity meets quality.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old Crown Inn
26.1 km
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Royal Oak
26.2 km
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The Cottage Inn, Bristol
26.5 km
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Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
26.9 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Shakespeare Tavern
26.9 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
27.0 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
The Architect
27.0 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Steinbeck and Shaw
27.0 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Bag of Nails
27.0 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
27.1 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Kongs of King Street
27.2 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Small Bar
27.2 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
27.3 km
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The Dark Horse
27.3 km
Discover Bath’s moody, intimate cocktail bar with inventive drinks, warm service, and a hidden underground charm.
Be At One - Bath
27.3 km
Vibrant cocktail bar in Bath’s Vaults with 100+ drinks, lively happy hours, and a buzzing atmosphere for every celebration.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly