ThingsToDoPalace & gardens / WELLS
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
A moat and drawbridge lead into a medieval residence with a chapel, ruined Great Hall and 14 acres of gardens. Follow the planting and water towards the well pools, then choose the Palace rooms or a longer outdoor circuit. Families can add the Dragon’s Lair play area. The gardens make this a substantial mixed indoor-and-outdoor visit rather than a quick building tour.
The gatehouse currently has conservation scaffolding at the rear, with possible noise and vehicle movements. Check site notices, keep children close through the entrance and allow time for the gardens.
The practical details
- Where to find it
- Off Market Place, Wells BA5 2PD
Directions and arrival information ↗ - Tickets and booking
- Compare a day ticket, annual pass and the joint Cathedral day ticket for your actual plans. Under-fives and essential helpers assisting disabled visitors currently enter free. Special ticketed events can be excluded from ordinary passes. The café and Croquet Lawn area are free to enter, but the Palace, main gardens and play area need admission. Check seasonal hours and partial closures.
- Access and getting around
- Much of the garden has level gravel or tarmac paths, but the rampart walk and parts of the moat route have steps. The Outer Gardens bridge is 810mm wide. The Palace has a platform lift; use the exterior ramped chapel entrance instead of the stepped internal connection. Accessible toilets are on site. Three Blue Badge spaces require booking at least 48 hours ahead; discuss market-day vehicle access.
Official access information ↗ - Visiting with children
- The Dragon’s Lair, family multimedia tour and indoor games offer different ways to explore. Ask about current splash-play operation and bring a change of clothes if using it. The play area is not enclosed, and water needs close supervision. Pushchair-friendly routes and baby changing are listed; some stepped routes remain unsuitable.
Practical information checked 14 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.
Make it part of your day
Allow 2–3 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.
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