Bishop's Palace, Wells

The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is one of Somerset’s most evocative historic residences, a fortified medieval complex that has served the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Its most striking feature is the 13th‑century moat and curtain wall, complete with gatehouse and swans famously trained to ring a bell for food — a tradition still maintained today. Inside the palace grounds, visitors can explore the medieval undercroft, a vast vaulted space that once supported the great hall above. The hall itself, rebuilt in the 19th century, offers a sense of Victorian grandeur layered onto medieval foundations. The chapel is a highlight: an elegant, light‑filled space with intricate stone vaulting that reflects centuries of ecclesiastical life. The palace’s interiors include period rooms, portraits, and displays that trace the bishops’ role in regional politics and church history. Outside, the 14 acres of gardens are equally compelling. The springs that give Wells its name rise within the grounds, feeding reflective pools framed by ancient walls and lush planting. Walks through the arboretum, formal gardens and quiet lawns reveal how the site evolved from a defensive residence into a serene spiritual retreat.