Bishops Palace

The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset, is a 13th-century medieval residence that has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. It is located in the heart of Wells, directly adjacent to Wells Cathedral.

What to Do & How Long to Stay
Visitors typically spend between 2 hours and a full day exploring the site. Key activities include:
Exploring the Palace: Walk through the vaulted Undercroft, the Long Gallery (filled with bishop portraits), and the ruins of the Great Hall.
Touring the Gardens: Roam 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, which include waterfalls, springs, and the “well pools” that give the city its name.
The Dragon’s Lair: A large, interactive discovery play area for children hidden in the Arboretum.
Dining: Visit the award-winning Bishop’s Table café for locally sourced food and views of the grounds.

Best Suited For & Best Times to Go
Best Suited For: Families (due to the play area and open space), history enthusiasts, and garden lovers.
Best Times to Go:
Spring/Summer: For the gardens in full bloom and outdoor events like theatre or re-enactments.
Christmas: For the “Christmas at the Palace” illuminations and artisan markets.
Weekdays: Usually less busy than weekends.

What Makes it Unique
The palace is famous for its bell-ringing swans. Since the 1800s, mute swans on the moat have been trained to ring a bell attached to the gatehouse when they want to be fed. Its setting—a fortified palace with a moat and gatehouse—creates a fairy-tale atmosphere often described as “Disney-like”.

Membership, Offers & Booking Tips
Option Estimated Price Key Benefits
Day Ticket £15 Single entry to buildings and gardens.
Annual Pass £25 12 months of repeat entry; includes school holiday activities and standard tours.
Friends of the Palace From £65 Free entry to ticketed events (e.g., Illuminations), 10% café/shop discount, and “Bring a Friend for Free” days.
Joint Ticket £22 Combined admission for both the Palace and Wells Cathedral.
Member Discounts: Members of the RHS get free entry on Fridays and select Mondays. HHA (Historic Houses Association) members typically receive free entry any day.
Partner Discounts: 50% off for members of local partner gardens like Hestercombe or Glastonbury Abbey.
Local Tip: Some local B&Bs and hotels provide 20% off vouchers to their guests.