The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset, BA5
The Bishop's Palace in Wells is a medieval moated palace begun around 1210, with formal gardens and the springs that give the city its name, right beside Wells Cathedral.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit The Bishop's Palace & Gardens?
The Bishop's Palace sits at the heart of Wells, beside the cathedral, surrounded by a broad moat and entered through a gatehouse known as the Bishop's Eye. Its history goes back to the early 13th century, and its gardens mix medieval walls and ruins with formal planting and open lawns. It is one of the few medieval bishops' palaces in England that still welcomes visitors into its grounds in the middle of a city.
Inside the walls, the gardens are laid out around the palace buildings and the ruins of the medieval great hall. The springs, or wells, that give the city its name rise in the palace grounds and feed the moat, and the pools they form are a peaceful spot to sit. The swans on the moat are famous for ringing a bell by the gatehouse to ask for food, a tradition that goes back to the 19th century. A walk along the ramparts gives views over the gardens and towards the cathedral.
Gardeners will find ideas in the way old walls are used as a backdrop for planting, and in the contrast between formal beds and the open, watery areas near the springs. It is an easy visit to combine with Wells Cathedral and the city centre, so allow a few hours for both. The palace website lists what is open and any areas that may be closed for events.
What to see
- The moat around the palace, with its well-known bell-ringing swans.
- The Bishop's Eye gatehouse.
- The springs, or wells, that give the city of Wells its name.
- The ruins of the medieval great hall within the gardens.
- The ramparts walk, with views over the gardens to the cathedral.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens through the year
- spring
- Fresh growth around the springs and along the moat, and a good time to see the swans with their young.
- summer
- The formal gardens are at their fullest and the lawns suit a long, relaxed visit.
- autumn
- Trees in the grounds colour against the old stone walls, and the gardens are quieter.
- winter
- The walls, moat and ruins keep the garden interesting; check the palace website for winter opening.
The story behind the garden
The palace at Wells was begun by Bishop Jocelin around 1210. Bishop Robert Burnell, who held the see from 1275 to 1292, added the great hall, and in the 15th century Bishop Thomas Beckington made further additions, including the gatehouse known as the Bishop's Eye. The moat and walls that enclose the site were built in the 14th century, giving the palace its fortified look.
Like many bishops' palaces, it was set within an enclosure that included gardens, and over the centuries these have changed from medieval grounds to the formal and informal gardens seen today. The springs in the grounds, from which Wells takes its name, have always been part of the site. Wells is one of the medieval bishops' palaces that now offers public access, with the palace and gardens open to visitors.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Visitors to Wells who want history, peaceful gardens and water in one place, and families who will enjoy the swans.
- Getting there
- The Bishop's Palace is in the centre of Wells in Somerset, right beside Wells Cathedral and a short walk from the market place.
- Before you go
- Combine the palace with Wells Cathedral and allow a few hours for both. Check the official website for current opening times, tickets and any event closures.
Questions about visiting The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
How old is the Bishop's Palace in Wells?
The palace was begun by Bishop Jocelin around 1210, with major additions by Bishop Burnell in the late 13th century and Bishop Beckington in the 15th century. The moat and gatehouse came later in the Middle Ages.
Why do the swans ring a bell at the Bishop's Palace?
The swans on the moat have been trained to pull a bell rope by the gatehouse to ask for food, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. It is one of the best-known sights in Wells.
Are the wells of Wells in the Bishop's Palace gardens?
Yes. The springs that give the city its name rise in the palace grounds, forming pools that feed the moat. They are one of the most peaceful parts of the gardens.
How long do you need at the Bishop's Palace?
Allow two to three hours to walk the gardens, the ramparts and the palace rooms at a relaxed pace. Many visitors combine it with Wells Cathedral next door.
Garden features
Location
The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset, BA5
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