AttractionEnglish Heritage

Bishop's Waltham Palace

Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire

The ruins of a grand medieval bishops' palace, free to enter, with flat open lawns that suit an older dog and a town centre two minutes away.

Free, open daily and a great deal grander than most people expect. Bishop's Waltham was a serious residence even by the standards of the medieval Bishops of Winchester, who were among the wealthiest men in England. Much of the 12th and 14th century building survives, begun by Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen, including an impressive three storey tower.

While you take in the tower and the fine window range, your dog gets the grounds, which are the appeal here: flat, open, well kept lawn around substantial standing ruins, right on the edge of a pleasant Hampshire town. It is an easy, low effort visit that suits an older dog, and a good place to break a journey.

The grounds are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Nothing official is published about dogs at this site, so keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the grass. There are no English Heritage facilities here, though the town centre is a couple of minutes away with pubs and cafés. The lodging range now holds the Bishop's Waltham Museum, which keeps its own hours.

At a Glance

Site Type: Medieval & Tudor
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bishop's Waltham Palace dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at Bishop's Waltham Palace, and the flat, open lawns around the ruins make it a pleasant place to bring them. There's no official dog policy published for the site, so it's sensible to keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the grass. Entry is free, which is always a bonus.
Are dogs allowed at Bishop's Waltham Palace year round?
Yes, the grounds are open daily throughout the year, from 10am to 5pm. It's a straightforward, low-effort visit with no seasonal restrictions mentioned, making it a handy stop any time you're passing through Hampshire.
What should I know before visiting Bishop's Waltham Palace with my dog?
There are no English Heritage facilities on site, so come prepared — though the town centre is only a couple of minutes away if you need a pub, café or other amenities. The terrain is flat and well kept, which makes it particularly well suited to older or less mobile dogs. Keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the open lawns, as no formal dog guidance has been published for the site.