The Bishop's Palace
Castles & Heritage Sites
The Bishop's Palace in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, with a moat, swans and 14 acres of RHS partner gardens.
A palace behind a moat
The Bishop’s Palace stands next to Wells Cathedral in Wells, and has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. A drawbridge crosses the moat, and the palace keeps mute swans on the moat, with a swan bell by the gatehouse and a Swan Cam on its website.
Inside you can visit the palace buildings and the chapel. The cathedral is a separate place next door, covered on its own page.
Gardens and the Dragon’s Lair
The grounds cover 14 acres and hold RHS Partner Garden status. The Dragon’s Lair play area sits in the Arboretum, and dogs are not allowed there. The palace also runs exhibitions and seasonal events, including a Christmas market and an illuminations trail in winter, and some of these events need a separate ticket from ordinary entry.
The Bishop’s Table cafe and the Croquet Lawn area are free to visit, so you can see part of the site without buying admission.
Planning your visit
The palace is open daily, with longer hours in summer than in winter. Check the tickets and opening page for current times and closure dates, because the palace building or the whole site sometimes closes for weddings and private events, and it may close at short notice because of weather.
There is no general parking at the palace (Blue Badge spaces must be booked ahead), so work out where you will park in Wells before you set off. The inner gardens have wide, flat paths, and there is a platform lift to the palace building and two accessible toilets. The Rampart Walk and part of the moat walk have steps. Wheelchairs can be hired free, ideally booked in advance, and a mobility scooter is booked by email. Its accessibility page has the full details. Scooters and bikes should not be ridden once you have crossed the drawbridge, and there are racks behind the Gatehouse.
Where to stay near The Bishop's Palace
Sample dates: 16 October 2026 - 18 October 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Somerset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my dog to the Bishop's Palace?
- Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a short lead, except in the Dragon's Lair area. They may not enter the Palace buildings unless they are assistance dogs.
- Is there parking at the Bishop's Palace?
- There is no general parking on site. Three Blue Badge spaces can be booked at least 48 hours ahead by phone or email, and the palace's map and directions page has travel and parking information for everyone else.
- Can I pre-book with an RHS or Historic Houses membership?
- No. RHS membership visits, Historic Houses visits and Gardeners' World 2-for-1 vouchers cannot be pre-booked. Show your membership or voucher at the ticket office, and check the palace's page because these offers do not apply on special event days.
- Can the palace close on the day I visit?
- Yes. The palace building or the whole site closes on some dates for weddings and private events, and may close at short notice because of weather or events. Check the tickets and opening page before you travel.