The Bishop's Well springs, located within the grounds, flow at a rate of 40 gallons per second into the moat.
The resident swans have been trained to pull a bell rope at the gatehouse to demand food since the 1850s.
The palace moat is fed by the natural springs that serve as the primary source for the River Axe.
The ruins of the Great Hall were intentionally left roofless following a period of decline and Victorian-era landscaping choices.
The site contains a significant arboretum featuring rare tree species curated over several centuries.
The palace was historically protected by a high curtain wall and a full moat, distinguishing it from domestic manor houses of the period.
The Bishop's Chapel, an early 13th-century structure, still hosts active religious services today.
The palace gardens achieved RHS partner status, recognizing their high horticultural standards and historic botanical value.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is an 800-year-old medieval residence located in Wells, Somerset, serving as the historic home for the Bishops of Bath and Wells. The site features 14 acres of Royal Horticultural Society-partner gardens, including the iconic Bishop’s Well springs that give the city its name. Visitors can walk along the medieval defensive ramparts and cross the moat via a drawbridge. The Great Hall stands as a roofless 13th-century ruin, offering a stark contrast to the still-inhabited living quarters. A notable feature is the bell-ringing tradition where resident swans ring a bell at the gatehouse to request food. The architecture represents a blend of Gothic stone construction and later 19th-century alterations. It remains one of the most complete examples of a medieval palace complex in England.
From the south side of the moat looking back toward the palace and the cathedral spires.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain of the medieval ramparts and garden paths.
Check the daily events schedule upon arrival to see if there are guided tours of the private chapel or palace rooms.
Visit the moat edge during quiet periods for the best chance to see the swans interacting with the bell mechanism.
Do not feed the swans human food, as they follow a strictly monitored diet provided by palace staff.
Occasional closures for private functions or large-scale filming; check the official calendar for seasonal event impacts.
Maintain a respectful tone inside the chapel and keep to marked paths in the gardens to protect delicate plant life.
