From what I have read it doesn't sound like touring the inside of the palace is that interesting. I really would like to tour the grounds and the gardens though, do you need to pay admission to tour the grounds and gardens or is that is something anyone can do?
Thanks for any information you can provide.
Posted by
London
1883 posts
Not much help to the OP, but it reminds me of the scene from Blackadder featuring the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
“Never have I encountered such corrupt and foul-minded perversity. Have you ever considered a career in the church?”
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1802 posts
Yes you do need to pay to see the gardens. I haven’t been so can’t say whether it’s worth it.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10125 posts
Yes it is one price to see the palace and gardens, or buy a combo ticket to include the Cathedral. There is a little garden in the unpaid area when you have come from the Cathedral and over the moat where the shop, cafe and toilets are.
You can't access the gardens for free.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2726 posts
You can go through the main gatehouse and visit the cafe and shop without paying, but to explore the grounds you do need to buy a ticket. They are quite extensive as you can see from this map
If you are planning on visiting the cathedral (definitely worthwhile) then you can buy a joint ticket for both. Current cost this is £22. ( Bought separately, costs would be £15 for the Cathedral and £12.75 for the Bishop's palce - so a substantial saving.)
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2204 posts
I was just reminiscing about Wells yesterday! We enjoyed our visit there a lot. Beautiful gardens ….Check out Vicar’s Close as well. A lovely place to wander.
Posted by
OP
64 posts
Thank you to everyone who replied. I was pretty sure you had to pay to tour the gardens, but better to know for sure before hand.
We've been to Wells before and toured the cathedral and the Vicar's Close, but didn't have time for the Bishop's Palace. We will be visiting again so now will be hoping for nice weather as we walk through the gardens.
Posted by
Washington
1001 posts
As covered in the September issue of Britain magazine and an old episode of Antiques Roadshow (UK), the palace is where the swans on the moat tug on a rope to ring a bell for food. May you see them in action!