Sunday 26th April 2026
The Bishop’s Palace Open Day in Wells, Somerset – A Free Family-Friendly Event
Gates Open: 9.30am
Activities: throughout the day: see programme below
Gates Close: 5.30pm
Discover the work we do every day, supporting our local communities, with a brilliant day out for all ages!
With FREE entry the Bishop’s Palace Open Day will be your chance to discover this remarkable place, explore the site and enjoy a full programme of family friendly activities in a beautiful historic setting.
What To Expect at the Open Day:
On the day, be amongst the first to enjoy the fabulous new “Splash Play Zone” in the Dragon’s Lair play area.
Water has always been at the heart of the Palace and gardens and the Dragon’s Lair play area will now be enhanced by a magical raining water tree, generating a light spray of water; a living canopy of plants; babbling boulders which will spray small jets of water and a shallow paddling pool. A bat house and bird box will be also be added to the area to ensure biodiversity.
All day activities:
- Palace & Garden Tours every hour (11am, 12pn, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm)
- Garden Talks from our Head Gardener and Gardening Team
- Dragon’s Lair Play Area including new ‘Splash Play Zone’ !
- Art Adventurers in the Undercroft – create Bishop’s Mitres, Dragon Puppets and Swan Plates
- Follow the Family Trail exploring the Palace and Gardens – themed around the Bishops and their antics!
- Outdoor Games on the South Lawn
- Dressing up in the Palace
Plus:
- 10:30am – 2:30pm – Face Painting
- 11:30am – 3:00om – Balloon Modelling
- 11:00am – 3:00pm – Nature Ninjas in the Community Garden: Seed Bombs
FAQs and Practical Information
Q: Do I need to book?
A: No, you don’t need to book. The Open Day is free entry to all so no admission ticket is needed.
Q: What activities are suitable for children?
A: We’ve loads of activities suitable for children, including the launch of our new Splash Pad in the Dragon’s Lair play area. See the full programme of activities above for more information.
Q: I run a local Community Group; can we come along?
A: Yes! No booking required!
Q: Do you have more information about the new Dragon’s Lair Splash Pad?
A: There’s more information about this exciting new addition to our play area HERE.