Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years, this stunning medieval palace and Royal Horticultural Society partner gardens in the heart of the medieval city of Wells.

Venture through the archway known as the Bishop’s Eye from the market square and you will be confronted with a moat, gatehouse with drawbridge and ramparts.

The flagstone drawbridge then carries visitors over the breath-taking moat to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the city.  From here you can explore the ruined Great Hall, the medieval Palace rooms and discover the Bishop’s private Chapel. Built by Bishop Robert Burnell at around the same time as the adjoining Great Hall in the late-thirteenth century, the windows of the Chapel are surprisingly large for the period and the tracery in them is an exceptionally one example of the Early English style.

The Bishop’s Palace is world famous for its resident mute swans that ring a bell alongside the Gatehouse when they want to be fed.

Visitors also enjoy the 14 acres of Royal Horticultural Society stunning partner gardens including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name.