Headline: Wells family open day at Bishop's Palace on Sunday

Strapline: Free entry to The Bishop's Palace and Gardens on 26 April with tours, play zone, talks and fun for all ages.

Wells families are invited to a free open day at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens on Sunday, 26 April 2026, with a full programme of activities for all ages.

The event will run throughout the day at the historic Palace site in Wells, Somerset, giving visitors a chance to explore the gardens, learn about the work done in support of local communities and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities.

The programme includes Palace and garden tours every hour from 11 am to 3 pm, garden talks from the head gardener and team, outdoor games on the South Lawn, and a themed family trail exploring the Bishops and their antics. Children and families can take part in art activities in the Undercroft, such as crafting dragon puppets, Bishop's mitres and swan plates, with face painting, balloon modelling and a nature activity in the community garden also running during the afternoon.

A highlight of the open day will be the new "Splash Play Zone" in the Dragon's Lair play area. Inspired by the Palace's historic association with water, the play zone features a magical raining water tree with a light spray, babbling boulders with small jets, a shallow paddling pool and a living plant canopy. A bat house and bird box will also be added to support biodiversity in the gardens.

Organisers say the open day is a chance for local people and visitors to learn more about this remarkable historic place while having a brilliant day out in beautiful surroundings.

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