The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset

 

Entry is by ADVANCED BOOKING only. The tickets will have hourly allocated slots throughout the day. Members of the Bishop's Palace are admitted free of charge but must still prebook a ticket for admission on the day. 

Prebooking is only required for adult visitors; accompanying children under 16 are admitted free of charge and you do not need to prebook for them.

Well behaved dogs on short leads are allowed in the Gardens

At the heart of the historic city of Wells lies The Bishop’s Palace: a place full of secrets, stories and stunning scenery and home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years Surrounded by a breathtaking moat you can cross a flagstone drawbridge, under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells.

The Bishop’s Palace dates from the early-thirteenth century when Bishop Jocelin Trotman, the first Bishop to hold the title Bishop of Bath and Wells, received a crown licence to build a residence and deer park on land to the south of the Cathedral of St Andrew.

There are 14 acres of gardens to explore, including the beautiful well-pools from which the city takes its name. There is evidence that a garden existed here even before Bishop Jocelin began work on the Palace c.1206. Over the years the gardens have changed as successive bishops have added their legacy.

You are also welcome to look around the Bishop's private Chapel, explore the ruined Great Hall and meet the famous mute swans who live alongside the moat and ring a bell when they want food.

Articles

What's New at The Bishop's Palace 

The Gardens at The Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Palace Gardens in August

Winter Border at The Bishop's Palace

Admission

Admission is £7.00 per adult and includes the Fair, Palace and Gardens.

ADMISSION IS BY ADVANCED TIMED TICKET ONLY. 

The tickets will have hourly allocated slots throughout the day, in order to spread the number of visitors across the day, but once you have arrived at the Fair you are welcome to stay as long as you like up to the closing time of the event. If you are delayed and arrive late for your time slot, don't worry - we'll still let you in!

Children under 16 Free. You are not required to prebook tickets for accompanying children under 16.

Members of the Palace and Wells Heritage Pass Holders free, but you must still book your ticket in advance on the website for admission on the day.

Please note that no other concessions or tickets (including The People's Tickets) are valid on the day of the Fair.

Parking

There is no car parking at the Bishop's Palace itself. Visitors should use the public car parks in the City Centre. There will be a pick up point at the Palace Gate for visitors to drive and collect their purchases at the end of their visit. Disabled or elderly visitors may be dropped off and picked up at the Palace Gate.

Accessibility

Comprehensive information on site accessibility is available at the Bishop's Palace website at https://bishopspalace.org.uk/info/accessibility/

Refreshments

Arrangements for refreshments will be advertised nearer the time of the event, and will depend on the nature of Government restrictions in place at the time of the Fair. However, as a minimum we hope that takeaway drinks and snacks will be available from The Bishop's Table restaurant.

Picnics

Picnics are welcome throughout the grounds and gardens.

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