Well worth a visit but the lift is out of order and contact is poor
4
4
Date of visit: February 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Good
We're on a motorhoming holiday in Somerset and had a day out in Wells. We visited the Bishop's Palace and Gardens, and had planned well ahead and done our research. Their website has accessibility information and it all looked positive. We booked Sunday lunch and paid a deposit. Then several days before our visit, I noticed a sign on their website that the lift is out of order and waiting for repair. I tried to contact them by phone several times, left messages, tried messaging via FaceBook... but they never replied. Eventually, we just turned up on the day and they did at least give us half price entry and a free carer ticket.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Getting into the Palace grounds is up a very slight hill and is a mixture of different types of cobbles. Some are quite lumpy! I managed fine with my Freewheel. Once inside, the paths are much better. Most are tarmac. The gardens are beautiful! The paths round are mainly compressed gravel, and I found it easy to get around. We went inside the Palace but the lift was still broken, so I couldn't go upstairs. There was an interesting film in the entrance area with seating. There are two ways into the chapel. From outside, there is a ramp down and a large wooden door. That gives level entry. The route from inside the castle has steps. The undercroft is on the ground floor and is easily accessible. On Sunday's, they do an amazing lunch in there. It's not overly warm, so dress accordingly. There are huge tables with benches but they quickly removed a bench to accommodate my wheelchair and assistance dog.
Parking & Transport
Good
We arrived by motorhome and parked on High Street. There are some disabled and timed parking bays and we used one of the 20 min bays with my blue badge. At the end of the day, others had a ticket but we were fine, so that was clearly okay. I think there is some parking closer but not for big vehicles.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
There are accessble toilets in the stableyard, near the cafe and shop. The accessible toilet was clean and a reasonable size but getting to it was over more cobbles. There is another accessible toilet inside the Palace, which is easier to get to but quite small. There was only really room for a small manual chair inside.
Staff
Excellent
The staff couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. They were very apologetic about the poor contact before our visit. The waitresses that served lunch were absolutely delightful! They were so polite and attentive. They also (including the chef) managed my allergy needs to perfection. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
