Visit The Bishop’s Palace

Over the course of 800 years, the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Somerset have served as the official residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells, Somerset. This beautiful mediaeval palace is now available for visitors to explore.

Visitors may cross a flagstone drawbridge and go beneath the portcullis to get a glimpse of this genuine hidden gem within the centre of the City of Wells, which is surrounded by a breathtaking moat (complete with resident swans!). This is a ‘palace of magic,’ according to a description written by an American visitor 130 years ago.

There are 14 acres of magnificent, RHS Partner gardens to discover, including the lovely well pools from which the city gets its name, as well as unique and different planting types, an Arboretum, formal gardens, and breathtaking ramparts. The gardens are managed by the RHS and are open to the public.

Originally built as a residence and deer park for Bishop Jocelin Trotman, the first Bishop to be given the title Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Bishop’s Palace can be traced back to the early thirteenth century. It is located on land immediately adjacent to the Cathedral of St Andrew and to the south of the Cathedral Square. Despite the fact that the Palace is home to the Bishop as well as other families, tourists can follow in the footsteps of previous bishops by visiting a number of rooms within the building.

Additionally, visitors may take in the Bishop’s private Chapel, tour the ruins of the Great Hall, and get up close and personal with the famed mute swans, who reside alongside the moat and ring a bell when they need food.

If you have smaller children with you, there is a brand new children’s play area called “The Dragon’s Lair” that is tucked away in the Arboretum; use the narrative map to learn the dragon’s secrets and find your way there!

From community and family garden activity days to historic re-enactments, concerts, presentations, seminars, and demonstrations, as well as the family theatre, there is something for everyone, no matter what their age or hobbies are!