The Bishop's Palace Ticket Portal

Palace Lecture - Fencers and Fight Books: The History of Fencing in the 15th to 17th Centuries

Thursday 10th April 6PM-7PM, Gates open 5.45PM

Adult - £5  Student - £4   Member/Friend - Free

Throughout the medieval and early modern period, fencing and the study of arms was considered one of the hallmarks of noble and princely activity. Much of what is known about fencing at this time is captured in 'fightbooks', treatises written by fencing masters and which often contained beautiful pictures of martial techniques. In this talk, Dr Rob Runacres will discuss the development of fencing in the period as illustrated by the extensive fightbook literature.

Rob Runacres is a historian and fencing instructor, specialising in the history of Italian fencing masters and princely education. He is the founder of the Renaissance Sword Club, where he teaches rapier and associated sword forms. Several of his fightbook translations have been published and he regularly gives talks on early modern martial arts.

The Palace Lectures are a series of talks across the year. Covering an assortment of intruguing and interesting topics the talks are delivered by historians, gardeners and subject experts. 

The Silver Swan - Madrigal Concert

Mon 5th May  Gates open 6.40pm Concert 7pm

Adults £15

Join the Wells Madrigal Singers in the chapel for an hour as they sing and speak about selection of English Madrigals from the Elizabethan era, including the Silver Swan by Orlando Gibbons. Capacity is limited so book early to avoid disappointment. 

This is a fundraising event for The Palace Trust.

 The Bishop’s Palace Garden and Country Fair

Saturday 10th May

9.30am to 7pm, last entry 6pm

Set within our breathtaking 14-acre RHS partner gardens, the Garden and Country Fair is a celebration of all things garden and country. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, the Garden Fair offers something for everyone.

• petting farm
• craft and plant stalls
• craft demonstrations
• have a go activities
• baking competitions
• dog show
• circus performers
• speaker's tent
• live music

And much more, the full programme to be announced closer to the date.

This a fundraising event for The Bishop's Palace

Please note that annual passes are not valid on this event day. Friends of the Palace/Members can attend this event for free. 

Workshop: Spring Flowers Watercolours

Tickets are £55 each, £50 for Friends of the Palace.

Friday 16th May

Timings:

• 10.30am - 3.30pm (1 hour lunch break 12.30pm - 1.30pm) 

Come for a soothing watercolor course that immerses you in the beauty of spring flowers and the changing seasons. Set against the scenic backdrop of Bishops Palace, this class is ideal for beginners, offering a perfect opportunity to explore your creativity. All materials will be provided, with the exception of a sketchbook. Take a moment to unwind and connect with nature while learning the fundamentals of watercolor painting.

Workshop provided by Gemma Lane from Green Fox Workshops

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

Wednesday 2nd July 

Gates open 6.30pm Show 7pm-9.20pm 

Adults £16.00 Children £8.00 Friends of the Palace £14.00

Elinor Dashwood has a lot of good Sense. Her sister Marianne Dashwood has an excess of Sensibility. Together they make a snappy title for Jane Austen's classic novel of scandals, scoundrels and severely sprained ankles.

This funny, fast-paced and faithful new adaptation from the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company features live music, audience interaction, romance and heartbreak.

"Live entertainment at its best" ☆☆☆☆☆ (North West End)

Remember to bring something to sit on. There will be an outdoor bar selling cold drinks, ice cream and alcoholopen throughout the performance, you are welcome to bring you own picnic as well.The performance will go ahead even if it is raining so, please dress for the weather on the day.Please do not bring large beach style parasols as these will block people's view of the performance.

This is a fundraising event for the Palace Trust.

If you require a carers/essential companion ticket for any of our events please email events@bishopspalace.org.uk

Join us on Saturday July 12th 2025 for the biggest music event in Wells as the Palace plays host to Seth Lakeman, The Wurzels, Mad Dog Mcrea, 3 Daft Monkeys and Wells City Band. 

For full information about the artists please visit bishopspalace.org.uk/party/

Tickets:

 Adults £35   Children £25  (child 5-17, under 5 - free)

Capacity is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Before purchasing tickets please be aware of all Terms and Conditions which you can find here.

Event tickets are non-refundable.

Please check our event FAQs here. for any questions you may have about Party at the Palace.

This is a fundraising event for The Palace Trust.

MOTOWN AND ABBA BY MOONLIGHT

Sunday 13th July

Gates open 6.30pm    Show  7.30pm             End 10.30pm

Adult £25   Under 16/Friends of the Palace £16

Get ready for a magical evening as you get to experience two amazing acts on stage at the Palace. We start with Motown by Moonlight, sundown soul, and disco at dusk! Our dynamic band are the perfect combination of sensational energy, talented vocalists, and polished musicians. Put on your dancing shoes as the sun goes down to the sound of young America and party to the timeless tunes of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and many more!

Up next is ABBA by Moonlight’s faithful recreation of ABBA’s signature harmonies and iconic looks makes for one electrifying live performance. Expect to hear all of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and many more! Decked out in full disco costume, stunning vocals combined with talented live musicians you’re in for one unforgettable concert!

This is a fundraising event for The Palace Trust.

Workshop: Sketching Tour

Friday 4th July

Time: 10.30am - 3.30pm (1 hour lunch break 12.30-1.30pm)

Price: £50 Friends of the Palace / £55 non members

Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on tonal shading and mark making. This session will guide you through various techniques to capture detail effectively while encouraging a more relaxed approach to your sketching style. You will have the opportunity to study the scenic grounds of Bishops Palace, allowing you to practice your skills in a beautiful setting.

The workshop is suitable for beginners, and all materials will be provided, apart from a sketchbook. Bring your enthusiasm and willingness to explore new artistic methods. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lunch not included. Participants are welcome to bring their own packed lunch or purchase lunch from the Bishop’s Table on site.

Workshop provided by Gemma Lane from Green Fox Workshops

Twelfth Night- Outdoor Theatre

Sunday 20th July

Gates open 5.30pm Show 6.30pm-8.45pm 

Adults £18.00 Children £12.00 Family 2+2 £50

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 21st
year, for Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy, Twelfth
Night. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s
original company, they present this joyous play as he first saw
it – in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan
costumes, music and dance.

“If music be the food of love play on!”

Orsino, Duke of Illyria, is desperately in love with Countess
Olivia. But she, in mourning for her brother, has sworn off all
men. Suddenly Viola, separated from her twin brother in a
shipwreck and now disguised as a man, enters Orsino’s court as
his servant and turns everyone’s world upside down. Sent to
woo Olivia on Orsino’s behalf, Viola is stunned to find herself
the object of Olivia’s affections and, as Olivia falls in love with
Viola, so Viola falls in love with Orsino.

“O time, thou must untangle this, not I.
It is too hard a knot for me to untie.”

Romantic confusion, mistaken identity, practical jokes and
riotous disorder abounds in Shakespeare’s hilarious and lyrical
romantic comedy about love, its many and glorious facets, and
the mess it can make of us all.

“Nothing that is so, is so.”

Bring a chair and a picnic and prepare to be entertained and
transported. Book early to avoid missing out!
“The best authentic Shakespearean experience” Yorkshire Post

Remember to bring something to sit on. There will be an outdoor bar selling cold drinks, ice cream and alcoholopen throughout the performance, you are welcome to bring you own picnic as well.The performance will go ahead even if it is raining so, please dress for the weather on the day.Please do not bring large beach style parasols as these will block people's view of the performance.

This is a fundraising event for the Palace Trust.

If you require a carers/essential companion ticket for any of our events please email events@bishopspalace.org.uk

Palace Lecture: Recreating Roman and Saxon buildings at Avalon Archaeology

Thursday 3rd July 6PM-7PM, Gates open 5.45PM

Adult - £5  Student - £4   Member/Friend - Free

At the Avalon Archaeology site near Glastonbury recreations have been made of buildings from different periods. These include a Saxon longhall based on one from Cheddar, that was probably owned by King Alfred, and a winter dining room of a typical Roman villa from Somerset with mosaic floor, frescoes and working hypocaust.  Join Dr Richard Brunning for a talk showing how the reconstructions required the use a wide range of information from archaeology, literature, history and art together with some informed guesswork to complete the challenge.

Dr Brunning is the Senior Historic Environment Office and Archaeologist at South West Heritage Trust, and took the lead on the brilliant Avalon Archaeology Project. 

The Palace Lectures are a series of talks across the year. Covering an assortment of intruguing and interesting topics the talks are delivered by historians, gardeners and subject experts. 

HMS Pinafore - Performed by Illyria 

Saturday 2nd August 2025 

Gates open 6.45pm Show 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Adults - £18     Children - £10       Friends of the Palace £15

Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such Great British institutions as Class, Patriotism and the Royal Navy.

Josephine, the captain’s daughter, is in love with Ralph a common sailor; but her father wants her to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. The couple are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ship’s dungeon.

Only when certain revelations are made by Buttercup, a dockside vendor, can everyone end up freely marrying their true hearts’ loves.  This comic opera gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set.
 
Running time (approx): 2hrs (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.

This is a fundraising event for the Palace Trust.

The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I

Wednesday 13th August       Gates open 6.15pm  Show 7pm-9pm

Adults £20   - Friends of the Palace £15  -  Children £ 12   -  Family (2A+2C) £58

The Three Inch Fools present a largely historical, always hysterical, brand new Tudor comedie.

Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes to the stage herself, be the making of this heroine or spell the beginning of her downfall?

The stage is set for regicidal rivalries, devious dramatics, and plotting playwrights. Beset by misunderstandings and a script that…let’s just say…needs some work, this production promises to be largely historical, always hysterical.

As the old saying goes…thy show must go-eth on!

Remember to bring something to sit on. There will be an outdoor bar selling cold drinks, ice cream and alcoholopen throughout the performance, you are welcome to bring you own picnic as well.The performance will go ahead even if it is raining so, please dress for the weather on the day.Please do not bring large beach style parasols as these will block people's view of the performance.

This is a fundraising event for the Palace Trust.

If you require a carers/essential companion ticket for any of our events please email events@bishopspalace.org.uk

Hamlet - The Pantaloons

Wednesday 3rd September

Gates open 6pm Show 6.30pm-9.20pm 

Adults £16.00 Children £8.00 Friends of the Palace £14.00

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t!”

Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company as they put on a frantic disposition to tackle Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy in their own anarchic style.

When he discovers that his uncle has murdered his father, married his mother and traitorously taken the crown of Denmark there’s only one course of action for Hamlet: feign madness, frequently monologue and take swift revenge. But outrageous fortune has other plans for the poor Prince of Denmark...

With live music, audience interaction, brevity-boosting abridgements, comic turns and tragic twists there’s only one question: To be there, or to be square?

Remember to bring something to sit on. There will be an outdoor bar selling cold drinks, ice cream and alcoholopen throughout the performance, you are welcome to bring you own picnic as well.The performance will go ahead even if it is raining so, please dress for the weather on the day.Please do not bring large beach style parasols as these will block people's view of the performance.

This is a fundraising event for the Palace Trust.

If you require a carers/essential companion ticket for any of our events please email events@bishopspalace.org.uk

Workshop: Chalk Pastels of Autumn Produce

Tickets are £55 each, £50 for Friends of the Palace.

Friday 24th October

Timings:

• 10.30am - 3.30pm (1 hour lunch break 12.30pm - 1.30pm) 

Join us for a creative session focused on seasonal chalk pastel drawings featuring autumnal produce. This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the use of chalk pastels, guiding you through the process of developing tone, depth, and detail in your artwork. Participants will learn essential techniques tailored for beginners, making it a perfect opportunity to explore your artistic side. All materials will be provided. Come and enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn while enhancing your artistic skills.

Lunch is not included, participants are welcome to bring their own packed lunch or purchase lunch from The Bishop’s Table on site.

Workshop provided by Gemma Lane from Green Fox Workshops