The Bishop’s Palace
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells 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. Visitors entering through the central porch step back almost 800 years into Bishop Jocelin’s vaulted Entrance Hall.
The Gardens:
The gardens at the Bishop’s Palace are a haven of tranquillity and peace. Visitors are free to wander over the lawns past flower-beds, specimen trees and shrubs.
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.
Much of the existing landscaping on the South Lawn was carried out by Bishop George Henry Law in the mid-nineteenth century. This was an era when there was a great nostalgia for the medieval past. The Great Hall was in a state of decay by this time and Law wished to emphasise the impression of a romantic ruin by removing the south wall. The remaining wall and other masonry stand as a decorative curtain, pierced with the tracery of medieval windows and architectural fragments.
VISITORS INFOMRATION:
SEASON TICKETS
Season Tickets are excellent value and allow unlimited entry to the Palace and Garden during normal opening hours.
| SEASON TICKETS |
| Single |
£17.00 |
| Joint for two named persons |
£30.00 |
| Family (1 adult) |
£20.00 |
| Family (2 adults) |
£33.00 |
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens have teamed up with Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton, to offer its Season Ticket Holders 50% off the price of admission at the gardens when they produce a valid Bishop's Palace season ticket.
| GIFT AID ADMISSION CHARGES |
| Adult |
£5.50 |
| Concession(Over 60, disabled, student, unemployed) |
£4.40 |
| Children (5-18 years) |
£2.20 |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) |
£13.20 |
| Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors |
Free |
| |
Amount paid by visitor |
Tax refund from the Government* |
Total received by the Palace Trust |
| Adult Gift Aid Admission Charge |
£5.50 |
£1.37 |
£6.87 |
| Standard Adult Admission Charge |
£5.00 |
- |
£5.00 |
* Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and
OPENING TIMES
13 February to 31 October
Open daily.
10:30 to 18:00 during British Summer Time
10:30 to 16:30 during Winter Time
Last admission is one hour before closing time.
We are occasionally closed for private events, please see the list below:
Saturday 12th June (closed from 2pm)
Saturday 7th August (closed from 2pm)
Saturday 21st August (closed from 2pm)
Saturday 28th August (closed from 2pm)
Saturday 4th September (closed from 2pm)
Saturday 2nd October (closed from 2pm)
| STANDARD ADMISSION PRICES - 2010 |
| Adult |
£5.00 |
| Concession |
£4.00 |
| (Over 60, disabled, student, unemployed) Children (5-18 years) |
£2.00 |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) |
£12.00 |
| Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors |
Free |
Groups of 10+ £4.00
Coach Drivers and Group Leaders admitted free with groups of 20 or more (prebooked groups only).
Address :
The Bishops Palace
Wells,
Somerset,
BA5 2PD