Welcome
Set in the heart of the smallest City in England, The Bishop’s Palace has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the stunning medieval architecture, moat and 14 acres of RHS partner gardens within the rampart walls.
Highlights of the historic grounds are the well springs that give the City its name, and the famous Wells swans that ring a bell by the drawbridge over the moat to be fed.
We are situated in the centre of the city of Wells which is 21 miles from Bristol and Bath. We are a wheelchair accessible venue.
Please get in touch should you have any particular access requirements.

Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Ground Floor of Palace BuildingUpper Floor of Palace BuildingTicket OfficeStable Yard AreaThe Palace building toilet The Bishop's Table cafeThe Chapel The Palace GardensInner Gardens Outer GardensHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
The nearest bus stop on leaving the Palace would be on Tor Street (0.5m) or the Liberty (0.4miles)
The nearest train station is is Castle Cary (9 miles) from where there are taxi services to Wells.
Travel by taxi
Parking
There are three spaces available on site for accessible parking, however, it is necessary to book these at least 48 hours before arrival.
See First Bus South West for details of bus times and tickets. Once you arrive in Wells the streets are a mixture of paved and cobbled surfaces. A tarmac path leads you to the Drawbridge once you are through the Bishop’s Eye. See The Parkopedia website has helpful information about car parks in Wells. The surface from the Blue Badge parking area to the Visitor Reception is level and tarmacked with staff on hand to assist. The Palace is open during daylight hours and additional lighting is provided for evening events.




Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
The main entrance is across the drawbridge which is level with no doors to open. The maximum height for the drawbridge is 2.75 metres and the maximum weight is 2.5 tonnes. The maximum width is 3 metres.
Access from Sadler Street is via the Market Square. This area is cobbled and on a slight incline. To access the Palace visitors need to pass through The Bishop's Eye (archway)

Getting around inside
Lift
Palace building lift


Ticket/ information desk
Ticket Office
There is no seating inside but there is seating available outside the cafe building.
Things to See and Do
Ground Floor of Palace Building
The ground floor of the Palace building comprises the Entrance Hall and Undercroft, as well as an accessible toilet and lift access. The door to the Palace is inward opening, heavy and made of wood. This area has stone flooring. There is a door at the far end of the Entrance Hall which leads out to the Gardens. This door is 870 mm wide.

Upper Floor of Palace Building
Some of the interpretation in this area includes pictures and diagrams. Floor surfaces are wooden. The rooms on the upper floor comprise the Long Gallery, Panelled Room, Exhibition Room and Drawing Room. There is through access in both directions.


Public toilet
Stable Yard Area
There are multiple horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides. There is an emergency cord, should it be needed. There is fluorescent tube lighting.

Public toilet
The Palace building toilet
There are multiple horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides. There is an emergency cord, should it be needed. There is fluorescent tube lighting.

Place to eat and drink
The Bishop's Table cafe
The tables are dining style tables and free standing chairs and are 730 mm and 450mm respectively in height. There are no arms on the chairs. There are at least two tables at which there is ample space for a wheelchair. The lighting is fluorescent tubes and spotlights and the menu is available on A4 paper and on blackboards. The staff can read the menu to visitors. Orders are made at the counter and are then brought out by staff to the relevant table. There are always vegetarian and gluten free options available and other dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. Staff are happy to assist as required. The nearest WC is in the adjacent Stableyard area.


The Chapel
The Bishop's Chapel is accessible via a wooden outer door. The back door to the Chapel, which leads into the Palace, is not accessible for wheelchair users due to steps and a narrow passageway.

Getting around outside
The Palace Gardens are comprised of two main areas - the Inner and Outer Gardens. Entry to the Gardens and paid area of the site is via a pedestrian gate.

Inner Gardens
The Inner Gardens are a mixture of lawns and formal beds. The pathways are flat and 1800mm width, mostly made of gravel or tarmac. The high Rampart Walk is not accessible to wheelchair users due to steps but the majority of the Inner Gardens are accessible.

Outer Gardens
The outer gardens are accessible via a bridge which is 810mm wide. The pathways are mostly gravel, and mostly 1800mm wide. The outer gardens include the Community Garden, Wells Gardens, including the well pools (large area of water) and Quiet Garden, as well as the Arboretum and children's play area, the Dragon's Lair. The play area is not enclosed. The arboretum has grass paths. The Outer Gardens cannot be accessed via the Bastion Gate by wheelchair users due to steps. Some of the moat walk in the Outer Gardens is inaccessible due to steps.


Customer care support
The Palace has two assistant-propelled wheelchairs available for use at no extra charge. During summer months it is advisable to book these in advance of the day of visit. We provide water bowls for assistance dogs outside the café.
Customer care support
Staff will assist in the event of an evacuation and there are clearly signed waiting areas for assistance. The signage is mainly white print on teal background with a variety of font sizes. There are pictograms on some signs.