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EVENT ARRANGEMENTS

During 2021, we are planning for all our events to be operated in a COVID-safe way. Under these arrangements, entry is by ADVANCED BOOKING ONLY. The tickets will have timed, allocated slots throughout the day, with a limit on the number of tickets issued in each hourly slot, and we will be spacing out our exhibitor stalls as much as is possible at each venue to allow for social distancing. As the year progresses we may be able to relax the arrangements and allow, for example, for some ticket sales on the day of the event. PLEASE CHECK BACK TO OUR WEBSITE REGULARLY for the latest event information.

The ticket price includes entry to both the Fair, Palace and Garden. Tickets may be booked via the links at our website.

Members of the Bishop's Palace are admitted free of charge but must still prebook a ticket for admission on the day.

Prebooking is only required for adult visitors; accompanying children under 16 are admitted free of charge and you do not need to prebook for them. Well-controlled dogs on short leads are allowed in the Gardens and Fair.

THE VENUE

The Bishop’s Palace lies at the heart of the historic City of Wells and is a place full of secrets, stories and stunning scenery, and home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. Surrounded by a breathtaking moat you can cross a flagstone drawbridge, under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells.

There are 14 acres of gardens to explore. Since development of the gardens started in 2005, the borders have been planted with season long interest in mind. Many of the roses are repeat flowering and the cross section of planting means that most of the borders are full of interest from May until the first frosts. In September the large Bishops Dahlia collection will be at its best and a riot of colour. The Hot Border will also be at its peak and full of yellows, reds and blues.

The South Lawn planting is inspired by a sketch from 1830 and features bold and luxuriant planting around the tower. The huge, newly planted Wells border has retained its late Victorian feel but has been updated for a more contemporary style with roses, Philadelphus and many choice late-flowering perennials. In September the Garden of Reflection will also be at its best with bright annuals filling the stained glass window themed garden.

You are also welcome to look around the Bishop's private Chapel, explore the ruined Great Hall and meet the famous mute swans who live alongside the moat and ring a bell when they want food.

OUR FAIRS

All our events are held in beautiful and prestigious gardens, each with its own unique character, from those with histories stretching back centuries to more modern gardens created in recent years. A day out at one of our fairs a really enjoyable and inspiring experience for everyone, whether a novice or experienced gardener.

The nurseries that attend our Fairs are carefully selected to ensure that they are genuine growers who produce most or all of the plants that they sell themselves. We try offer the widest possible range of plants to our visitors, including perennials, shrubs and trees, alpines, bulbs and exotic plants, and all of our nursery owners are experts in the plants that they grow. They are all always happy to offer all the advice that you need to select and grow the right plants for your garden.

Full details, including a list of the nurseries attending the event and the arrangements for event catering, can be found at the website link.

• Location

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  Address

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  The Bishops Palace
  Wells
  Somerset
  BA5 2PD