The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset is a remarkable living tapestry of English ecclesiastical and architectural history. Within its grand walls, centuries of power, devotion, artistry, and natural beauty converge. This article offers you a comprehensive examination of this extraordinary site, from its mediaeval origins to its vibrant contemporary incarnations. We will highlight all the essential sights and activities that will ensure an unforgettable experience.
Opening Times & Tickets
Summer (30 Mar – 26 Oct): 9.30 am–5.30 pm
Winter (27 Oct – 29 Mar): 10 am–4 pm (closed at Christmas)
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
Admission Options:
Day Ticket: Adult £14 / Child (5–17) £7 / Student £12 / Under‑5s free
Annual Pass: Adult £25; Family (1 adult/children) £40; Family (2 adults) £65; Child £10; Student £18
Annual Pass holders enjoy free access to themed events (non-ticketed), guided tours, and exhibitions. Some events like outdoor theatre require separate tickets
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is more than just a peaceful place of stone and plants; it’s also a way to get into the heart of mediaeval England. The moat and ramparts of the castle remind us of how powerful it used to be. The vaulted halls are filled with the sounds of bishops and rebels walking, and the gardens tell stories of nature’s renewal. Whether you’re interested in history, gardens, travelling with your family, or spirituality, this palace will give you a real, immersive experience.
Your visit here will stay with you long after the drawbridge is gone. You can learn about nearly a thousand years of dedication and skill, wander through lush, peaceful gardens, and take part in living history and family fun. With Wells Cathedral and Vicars’ Close right next door, your trip turns into a full-circle meeting with the soul of mediaeval England.
History of The Bishop’s Palace
Bishop Jocelin’s Vision (early 1300s)
Around 1210, Bishop Jocelin of Wells got permission from the king to build a home and deer park on land next to Wells Cathedral. This was the start of construction on the Bishop’s Palace.
Jocelin played a big role in the growth of Wells. He built the palace, a school for choristers, a grammar school, a hospital for travellers, and more on top of the cathedral. In the Early English Gothic style, his palace had a vaulted Undercroft and the start of what would become a huge complex.
Burnell’s Chapel and the Great Hall (1275–1292)
In the late 1300s, Bishop Robert Burnell, who was Lord Chancellor to Edward I, made the site bigger. The Chapel and the Great Hall were added by him. They are beautifully decorated with stone tracery, ribbed vaults, and carved bosses with oak leaves and the Green Man on them.
These additions showed not only Burnell’s religious devotion but also his political power.
Bishop Ralph’s Moat and Gatehouse (built in the 1400s)
During the troubled 1400s, Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury strengthened the palace by adding high walls with turrets, a drawbridge that worked, a portcullis, and a moat. Threats like plague, famine, and political unrest made him act, and he also wanted to show that the bishops had power. The moat, which was fed by natural springs, did two things: it drained the swamp and protected the building.
Its drawbridge could still be used in 1831, which shows how important the palace was historically to keeping the area safe.
Bishop Beckington and Restorations in the 1800s
In the 1400s, Bishop Thomas Beckington built the north wing, which is now the Bishop’s House. During the Reformation, the Palace was sold. During the Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion, it was used as a military garrison. After the Battle of Sedgemoor, it was even used as a prison for rebels.
In the 1800s, Bishop Law turned the ruined hall into beautiful gardens, and architect Benjamin Ferrey fixed up and improved the buildings by adding an extra story, bringing the chapel’s stained-glass windows back to life, and making the palace look even grander.
The palace was given Grade I listing in 1953, which shows how important it is to the country.