The Bishop's Palace in Wells has achieved its highest-ever score in the Visit England Visitor Attractions Quality Scheme, receiving an outstanding 94% rating.

The result also sees the historic site nominated for a national Gold Accolade, a recognition awarded only to the country's top-scoring attractions.

As part of the assessment, Visit England inspectors independently reviewed the visitor experience, evaluating everything from booking efficiency to customer service. The report praised the welcoming atmosphere and overall visitor experience, with the assessor stating they were "most impressed" and looked forward to future improvements.

The Bishop's Table café also received special recognition, achieving a 100% rating in its category and earning a nomination for a Quality Food & Drink Accolade. The assessor highlighted the recent refurbishment, noting that the new décor and furniture had created a more modern and spacious feel. The food quality was particularly commended, with the assessor describing the All Day Breakfast as "one of the very best" they had ever had.

Merryn Kidd, Chief Executive of The Palace Trust, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way. Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard all year round to ensure that The Bishop's Palace and The Bishop's Table café always offer a warm welcome to our visitors. It's fantastic to see that our efforts have paid off, with our scores actually increasing from the already positive feedback we received from our assessment last year."