The Bishop's Palace & Gardens Reviews Summary

Guides and Staff

Pros:

• "The guides are so helpful (they suggested spots for pictures and took them of my husband and I), and were incredibly knowledgeable."
• "We had a guided tour of the grounds by a very knowledgeable guide, I think her name was Sarah."
• "Nice volunteers/staff who could advise about accessibility."
• "Friendly and informative staff, lovely cafe, beautiful surroundings."
• "Staff everywhere were helpful and extremely pleasant."
• "We were very well looked after by the friendly and accommodating staff during our visit."
• "I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to Laura who immediately came to my aid with a chair and glasses of water."

Cons:

• "The tea room was rather understaffed when I was there."
• "Cafe clean and tidy though service a tad slow."
• "The attitude of the gentleman I spoke to was not good."
• "Despite lots of emails and chasing and promises this company HAS NOT PAID HER FOR 36 hours work."

Gardens and Grounds

Pros:

• "Beautiful gardens, amazing buildings including the Bishop's Chapel and Hall and of course the source spring of all the water that fills the moat and runs down the streets of Wells itself."
• "Loved it, full of so much history a beautiful building and fantastic gardens to explore worth a visit."
• "Beautiful gardens and if only the trees could tell their stories... immaculate gardens clearly tended with deep appreciation."
• "Gorgeous gorgeous! Not just the gardens which are stunning in the spring and summer but also the bishops palace that should be seen at the same time!!"
• "A beautiful series of gardens in the heart of Wells. Well maintained with a wide variety of plants."
• "The gardens are stunning and there is loads of information on the history of the place."
• "The gardens have been lovingly cherished. They really are a joy to walk round."

Cons:

• "Very disappointed with Bishop's Palace Gardens."
• "The gardens are average. Only small part of bishops palace is accessible."
• "The actual Bishop's Palace was a little underwhelming and somewhat disappointing."
• "The plants within the gardens were not particularly interesting. I was expecting a super show of herbaceous colour in July but was disappointed with the plants on display."
• "Complete rip off. £16 to look at a corridor and 3 white painted rooms."
• "It's not cheap for a relatively small garden and there is no seniors discount."
• "Unfortunately, there is no option just to visit the garden."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Toilets on site and cafe. Disabled access."
• "All paths are flat, except to get up to the ramparts there are a flight of steps."
• "Great cafe near the entrance with social distancing in place and hand sanitizer to use."
• "My daughter uses a wheelchair and the Palace and grounds were totally accessible."
• "The gardens and palace both have excellent disabled access including a lift."
• "Facilities include food & beverages and of course very good Loos."
• "Good accessibility and free tours are interesting."