Events
Watch this space for 2012 events - we’ll be adding them all very shortly, but for now you can start planning some February half-term fun!
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May
Members Evening
22nd May 2013
6pm
An opportunity for our Members to explore the Palace and gardens out of hours with tours led by the Palace team.
Gory Stories Trail
25th May 2013
Half Term Fun!
Saturday 25 May - Sunday 2 June
Explore the Palace and gardens with our new Gory Stories Trail then join us for some terrific tales and horrible histories from the Palace’s past.
Secret Garden and Palace Explorers
25th May 2013
Half Term Fun!
From Saturday 25 May - Sunday 2 June
Take a deeper look into the mysterious world of the Palace gardens- what will you find? Hear? See? Smell? There’s a pack of fun activities to enjoy, but be quick, packs are limited!
Heroes and Villains of Olde England
26th May 2013
Join the Yarnsmith of Somerset to hear tales of days gone by; when Wells was a magical place and the springs within The Bishop’s Palace were a place of pilgrimage and wonder; where heroes like Robin Hood, King Arthur and fearless Saints inspired the town folk. Yet every hero must have an enemy, be it bad King John or even the Devil himself, and all will make an appearance in the Yarnsmith’s storytelling tent.
Sow and Grow
29th May 2013
Come along to our Community Garden and create your perfect salad, then sow the seeds into a pot to take home. Your salad should be ready to eat by the summer holidays, so why not make it into a picnic to enjoy in our arboretum?
June
Palace building & Treasures closed
1st June 2013
To help you plan your visit we'd like to inform you that Palace building and the Treasures exhibition will be closed for a private function today.
The gardens and Chapel remain open and entry is half price. Cafe and shop accessible all day for free as usual.
Build A Boat
16th June 2013
Set sail with us and use natural and found materials to build a boat to float in our moat! Have a race, see how much cargo your boat can carry, give it a name and make your very own boat flag – what will you make yours out of?
Father's Day Lunch
16th June 2013
Treat dad or a loved one to a delicious roast dinner, served with all the trimmings and a wonderful choice of decadent puddings to follow. The man of the day will get a special gift to take home too.
Flower Festival - A Celebration of 60 years of floral art
25th June 2013
Tuesday 25 - Saturday 29 June
A week long flower festival celebrating over six decades of the changing styles and traditions of flower displays and arranging.
Expect spectacular displays in surprising locations throughout the Palace and gardens from some of the best floral artists in the UK, such as Pam Lewis, Lucy Ellis, Cathy Humphries, Coral Gardener and Nick Heal will transform rooms within The Bishop’s Palace to reflect flower arranging over the last six decades. Outside, the arrangements will represent the future of flower arranging.
Sponsored by Waitrose. Organised by The Wells and District Floral Arts Society.
Group visits highly recommended during this week.
Book tickets for Flower Festival - A Celebration of 60 years of floral artJuly
Members Evening Tour
2nd July 2013
6pm
An exclusive event for our Members. Enjoy after-hours access to the Palace and gardens. Booking essential ring us on 01749 988111 ext 200.
Palace building & Treasures closed
6th July 2013
To help you plan your visit we'd like to inform you that Palace building and the Treasures exhibition will be closed for a private function today.
The gardens and Chapel remain open and entry is half price. Cafe and shop accessible all day for free as usual.
Secret Garden and Palace Explorers
20th July 2013
Summer Holidays!
From Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September
Take a deeper look into the mysterious world of the Palace gardens- what will you find? Hear? See? Smell? There’s a pack of fun activities to enjoy, but be quick, packs are limited!
Bishop Jocelin's Dragon Hunt
20th July 2013
Summer Holidays
From Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September
Bishop Jocelin has lost his dragon! Can you find her? Use the children’s trail full of stickers and ribbons and go on an adventure through the gardens.
The Taunton Garrison
20th July 2013
11am - 4pm
This event will be a colourful and entertaining day for all the family with drill displays, musket firing and weapons displays with a living history camp. Come and meet the soldiers and rebels from 1685 when the Monmouth Rebellion took place in and around the West Country, including Wells itself. There is a tale to tell so Come and find out about the fascinating Rebellion story.
The Taunton Garrison
21st July 2013
11am - 4pm
This event will be a colourful and entertaining day for all the family with drill displays, musket firing and weapons displays with a living history camp. Come and meet the soldiers and rebels from 1685 when the Monmouth Rebellion took place in and around the West Country, including Wells itself. There is a tale to tell so Come and find out about the fascinating Rebellion story.
Meet the Palace Jester
28th July 2013
Join our Jester and explore the medieval Great Hall, hear tales of the trials and feasts that took place here and find out about the Bishops who lived and entertained at the Palace.
August
Secret Garden and Palace Explorers
1st August 2013
Summer Holidays!
From Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September
Take a deeper look into the mysterious world of the Palace gardens- what will you find? Hear? See? Smell? There’s a pack of fun activities to enjoy, but be quick, packs are limited!
Bishop Jocelin's Dragon Hunt
1st August 2013
Summer Holidays
From Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September
Bishop Jocelin has lost his dragon! Can you find her? Use the children’s trail full of stickers and ribbons and go on an adventure through the gardens.
Meet the Palace Jester
4th August 2013
Join our Jester and explore the medieval Great Hall, hear tales of the trials and feasts that took place here and find out about the Bishops who lived and entertained at the Palace.
As You Like It
4th August 2013
Outdoor Theatre 7.30pm (doors from 6.30pm)
Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men when they return this summer with their all male production of Shakespeare’s most beautiful summer comedy. With warring brothers, clowns, comic peasants, romance, death threats, escape and even a wrestling match there is something for everyone. A BBQ and bar will be available with special offers for pre-booking at £6.50 or £8.50 you decide which deal you prefer! Theatre tickets are Adults £15, Child £10 Family £45 and don’t forget we offer 10% discount for groups of 10+.
To book tickets and BBQ vouchers please contact 01749 988111 ext 200 or bishopspalace.org.uk/book-tickets
Community Garden Open Day
5th August 2013
11am - 4pm
Come and join us during National Allotment Week to explore vegetable growing on site. There will be activities throughout the day including, tours, talks and demonstrations. Did you come and Sow A Sunflower in April? If so then come back on Monday 5 for the judging, either your sunflower or a photo will do. Join us on Mon 5 to make a scarecrow which will be used in our trail for the rest of the week and then auctioned off on Sun 11. On Sunday join us for Ask a Vegetable Expert, have you got problem potatoes or crafty carrots? Then this is your chance to find out how to tame your garden to get the produce you want.
Community Garden Open Day
11th August 2013
11am - 4pm
Come and join us during National Allotment Week to explore vegetable growing on site. There will be activities throughout the day including, tours, talks and demonstrations. Did you come and Sow A Sunflower in April? If so then come back on Monday 5 for the judging, either your sunflower or a photo will do. Join us on Mon 5 to make a scarecrow which will be used in our trail for the rest of the week and then auctioned off on Sun 11. On Sunday join us for Ask a Vegetable Expert, have you got problem potatoes or crafty carrots? Then this is your chance to find out how to tame your garden to get the produce you want.
Special Treasures
11th August 2013
11am - 3pm
Come and make your own collection of treasures in a handmade chest. Be inspired by the fascinating objects in the +Treasures exhibition.
Special Treasures
14th August 2013
11am - 3pm
Come and make your own collection of treasures in a handmade chest. Be inspired by the fascinating objects in the +Treasures exhibition.
Palace building & Treasures closed
16th August 2013
To help you plan your visit we'd like to inform you that Palace building and the Treasures exhibition will be closed for a private function today.
The gardens and Chapel remain open and entry is half price. Cafe and shop accessible all day for free as usual.
Meet the Palace Jester
18th August 2013
Join our Jester and explore the medieval Great Hall, hear tales of the trials and feasts that took place here and find out about the Bishops who lived and entertained at the Palace.
Meet the Palace Jester
21st August 2013
Join our Jester and explore the medieval Great Hall, hear tales of the trials and feasts that took place here and find out about the Bishops who lived and entertained at the Palace.
Sherlock Holmes
24th August 2013
Outdoor Theatre 7.30pm (doors at 6.30pm)
How can one open-air show with just four actors possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear! Dynamic detective duo Holmes and Watson tackle their most fiendish case yet in this delightfully inventive and hilarious show for all ages. The game is afoot! A BBQ and bar will be available with special offers for pre-booking at £6.50 or £8.50 you decide which deal you prefer! Theatre tickets are Adults £14, Child £9.50 Family £42.50 and don’t forget we offer 10% discount for groups of 10+.
To book tickets and BBQ vouchers please contact 01749 988111 ext 200 or bishopspalace.org.uk/book-tickets
Members Bank Holiday Monday
26th August 2013
Do you love making the most of your membership with us? Then why not share the experience with friends and family? Each member can bring in one guest completely free of charge on this day to show them what you love about the Palace and gardens. You can watch the moat race too!
Meet the Palace Jester
28th August 2013
Join our Jester and explore the medieval Great Hall, hear tales of the trials and feasts that took place here and find out about the Bishops who lived and entertained at the Palace.
September
Bishop Jocelin's Dragon Hunt
1st September 2013
Summer Holidays
From Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September
Bishop Jocelin has lost his dragon! Can you find her? Use the children’s trail full of stickers and ribbons and go on an adventure through the gardens.
Secret Garden and Palace Explorers
1st September 2013
Summer Holidays!
From Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September
Take a deeper look into the mysterious world of the Palace gardens- what will you find? Hear? See? Smell? There’s a pack of fun activities to enjoy, but be quick, packs are limited!
Willow Weaving Workshop
4th September 2013
10.30am - 2.30pm
This workshop for adults will be an enjoyable and productive day. Learn how to sculpt using willow with artist Angela Morley. Make your own small willow bird to take home and impress your friends and family with.
Tickets for this workshop are £30 and places are limited to so make sure you book in advance! 01749 988111 ext 200
The Medieval Combat Society
15th September 2013
11am - 4pm
Authentic, entertaining and educational, medieval tournaments, archery and dancing. Knights in plate and chain armour face each other in foot combat with a variety of weaponry. Learn about the archers skills of the hundred year’s war and enjoy the medieval dancing display, set to a backdrop of Medieval tents.
Medieval Falconry Day
22nd September 2013
11am - 4pm
Join us for a day of medieval living history with a difference. Marvel as the hawks, owls and falcons show off their talents in the flying displays and talk to the experts who look after these magnificent birds.
Introduction to Vegetable Growing Workshop
29th September 2013
10am - 4pm
Led by our Community Gardener, this introductory workshop will teach you all you need to know to start growing your own vegetables at home. From choosing what to grow and preparing the ground to sowing seeds and looking after your plot, this session will give you the confidence to give it a go yourself. The day will include a mix of easy to understand theory and practical activities.
The workshop will include coffee on arrival and lunch all for just £25. There are a limited number of reduced price tickets for unemployed people, please contact us for more details On 01749 988111 ext 200.
October
Meet The Minstrels
6th October 2013
11am - 4pm
Blast From The Past return to the Palace demonstrating Tudor instruments and talk about the social context in which the music would have been played. At half past the hour from 11.30am – 3.30pm they will perform a short set for your enjoyment. In between is your chance to ask questions about the instruments, such as How do you play a hurdy gurdy? What is a hurdy gurdy?!
Old School Vintage Fair
20th October 2013
10am - 4pm
Old School Vintage Fairs offer you the chance to buy a unique item from the past, which has been updated, restored, re-worked or just saved to be used in future. Many of the traders are passionate artisans in addition to being talented restorers. Not to be missed! Entry included in normal admission charges.
Gory Stories Trail
26th October 2013
Half Term Fun!
From Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November
Beware: This family children trail comes with a warning! Enjoy spotting ‘murder holes’, beastly bats and stripy slugs!
Gory Stories Storytelling
27th October 2013
Half Term Fun!
11am, 12pm & 2pm
Shudder in disgust and sigh in disbelief as the resident Jester thrills you with stories of the Palace’s horrible history.
Gory Stories Storytelling
30th October 2013
Half Term Fun!
11am, 12pm & 2pm
Shudder in disgust and sigh in disbelief as the resident Jester thrills you with stories of the Palace’s horrible history.
November
Gory Stories Trail
1st November 2013
Half Term Fun!
From Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November
Beware: This family children trail comes with a warning! Enjoy spotting ‘murder holes’, beastly bats and stripy slugs!
Members After Hours Tour
12th November 2013
5pm
This exclusive tour is open to all members and is a chance to explore hidden corners by torchlight and see what the Palace is like when everyone has gone home. To book please ring 01749 988111 ext 200.
Midwinter Dreams
17th November 2013
12.30pm
Enjoy a recital in the serene surroundings of the Bishop’s Chapel. Catherine Greenwell, accompanied by Matthew Redman will create a mood of contemplation and reflection with works including Handel and Schubert. Lasting approximately 45 minutes, why not take some time out and enjoy this calming and relaxing recital.
Tree Friends
23rd November 2013
National Tree Week
From Saturday 23 November - Sunday 1 December
A special trail to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees in our garden. Pick up a pack from visitor reception and explore!
Tree Faces
23rd November 2013
11am - 3pm
Where better to celebrate National Tree Week? Explore the gardens and create a colourful character as you go. Add your face to the special tree in the arboretum and send us your pictures by e-mail, tweet them or post on our Facebook page.
Tree Faces
24th November 2013
11am - 3pm
Where better to celebrate National Tree Week? Explore the gardens and create a colourful character as you go. Add your face to the special tree in the arboretum and send us your pictures by e-mail, tweet them or post on our Facebook page.
Willow Weaving Workshop
29th November 2013
10am & 12.30pm
Join artist Angela Morley and create your own willow star to decorate your home over the coming festive season.
The workshop is £20 and places are limited so please book in advance to make sure you don’t miss out. 01749 988111 ext 200
December
Christmas Lunches
1st December 2013
Available from Sunday 1 - Friday 20 December
Book your group, works or family Christmas meal now and enjoy delicious food in The Bishop’s Table (parties of 20 or less) and for groups of 30 -120 you have the option of hiring the medieval Undercroft for your Christmas celebration. More details and menus will be available later in the year.
Tree Walk & Talk
1st December 2013
11.30am
Join Head Gardener, James Cross as he takes you through the gardens exploring the trees and some of the stories around them. Places are limited to book please ring 01749 988111 ext 200
Wreath Making Workshop
1st December 2013
2pm - 4pm
Come along and make your very own Christmas wreath out of natural materials from our garden. For just £10 including refreshments you can take part in this workshop or for the special price of £12 you can visit the Palace and Gardens as well!
Tree Friends
1st December 2013
National Tree Week
From Saturday 23 November - Sunday 1 December
A special trail to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees in our garden. Pick up a pack from visitor reception and explore!
Willow Weaving Workshop
8th December 2013
10am, 12pm & 2pm
Join willow artist Angela Morley and make your own willow sculpture to take away. This half day workshop in a small group means lots of one to one support from the artist. Learn new skills that you can then apply to make more things to decorate your home and garden. The workshop price is £20 to book please ring 01749 988111 ext 200.
Members Christmas Service
9th December 2013
12pm
Celebrate Christmas with a short service in the atmospheric and candlelit Bishop’s Chapel.
Members Christmas Service
10th December 2013
6pm
Celebrate Christmas with a short service in the atmospheric and candlelit Bishop’s Chapel.
Old School Vintage Fair
15th December 2013
10am - 4pm
Old School Vintage Fairs offer you the chance to buy a unique item from the past, which has been updated, restored, re-worked or just saved to be used in future. Many of the traders are passionate artisans in addition to being talented restorers. Pick up something as a Christmas gift for a loved one and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Palace. Entry included in normal admission charges.