Garden Fete at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells
A traditional summer fete in the heart of medieval Wells
Saturday 6th June 2026
Enjoy a classic English summer day out at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset, as the popular Garden Fete returns to the beautiful surroundings of our 14 acres of RHS partner gardens.
Set against the backdrop of our 800-year-old medieval Palace, this family-friendly event brings together live music, a Craft and Produce Competition (in association with the WI), artisan stalls, traditional games and hands-on activities. With so much to see and do, it is the perfect summer event in Somerset for visitors of all ages.
Here’s what to expect:
Craft & Produce Competition in partnership with Wells Tuesday WI
Celebrate your creativity, skill and talent in our Craft and produce Competition, in association with Wells Tuesday WI. We have six classes to enter including Cakes, Preserves, Art, Flower Arrangement, Handicraft and a category for Children. There will also be a prize for Best in Show.
The competition is open to all with each entrant receiving 50% off their Palace admission ticket for the event.
Animal activities and family favourites:
Petting Farm with Puxton Park: Come and see the two miniature ponies, giant rabbits, guinea pigs, and, (weather permitting!), a couple of reptiles from our friends at Puxton Park, offering a hands-on experience that younger visitors will especially enjoy.
Dog Show with Pawsability: more details to follow!
Bushcraft: more details to follow!
Big Bloomers Walkabout Show: From his mobile potting shed table, gardener Hugh Bushey Babcock shares his green fingered secrets and introduces his prize winning, walking, talking psychic plant. With a little audience participation, use your powers of clairvoyance to deduce people’s favourite vegetables, watch the giant carrot chopper (mind your fingers on the guillotine – they could end up in the soup!) and miraculously raise a drooping rose from almost certain death. Water regularly and keep out of direct sunlight.
There will be three 30 minute shows throughout the day.
Angie Mack Hula Hoop Show: Always colourfully costumed and bright and bubbly, Angie comes armed with a large stack of hoops and some funky tunes. She will wow everyone with her impromptu hula hooping displays before getting a few helpers up to show just how much fun it is. This is an interactive walkabout that encourages people who never thought it was possible to join in and get up and hooping. It finishes off with a fantastic 15 hula hoop stack finale.
There will be three 30 minute shows throughout the day.
Artisan Stalls and local makers:
Browse 50+ artisan stalls in the Palace and on the croquet lawn featuring local crafts, gifts and artisan produce, celebrating the best of Somerset’s independent businesses.
Meet the Gardeners:
You’ll have a chance to meet the Palace’s Gardening Team and find out more about how our stunning 14 acres of RHS partner gardens are created and maintained.
Live music and entertainment:
Relax and enjoy live performances from Saxkatz, a North Somerset saxophone quartet, playing a mixture of popular classics and jazz standards throughout the day.
Food and Drink:
Enjoy seasonal refreshments, including delicious options from the Bishop’s Table café and our visiting stallholders.
Explore more during your visit:
Explore everything The Bishop’s Palace has to offer during your visit to the Garden Fete.
- Discover the medieval Palace and its history
- Explore 14 acres of RHS partner gardens
- Visit the Dragon’s Lair play area
- Stroll around the moat and see the famous swans
Plan your visit:
Location: The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Somerset
Admission:
- Friends of the Palace: FREE
- Adult: £16
- Child (5-17): £8
- Family (2 x adults/2 x children): £42 family