News, Social & Events
Latest News
27 March 2026
Dear Volunteer,
I hope you are well and enjoying the pockets of spring all around the gardens 🌷 Quite a lot of news for you all today…!
Easter Message 🐣
Please see our Chief Executive, Merryn’s Easter letter attached.
Clocks Changing & Opening Hours ⏰
We will be springing forward this Sunday 29 March as the clocks go forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Our opening hours will change as follows:
- Opening Time: 9.30am
- Closing Time: 5.30pm
- Last Entry: 5.00pm
Morning briefings will now take place at 9.15am in the Ticket Office each day, as usual.
Swan Update 🦢
You may have noticed that the five remaining juvenile swans have been rehomed. This helps reduce stress for the mature swans while they focus on protecting their precious eggs! Swan feeding can now resume as normal.
Open Day – Sunday 26 April 🎉 (Free entry for all visitors)
We would really love more Volunteer Welcomers for our Open Day – the more the merrier! 🎉 This is a fantastic opportunity to help showcase the Palace and Gardens at their very best and give our visitors a really warm, memorable welcome 🌿🏰
We are particularly looking for volunteers to welcome visitors at the Drawbridge, helping to reassure everyone that it is a free entry day and encouraging them in to enjoy everything on offer 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Please do sign up on Supersaas if you’re available (we’ve added extra slots).
Nature Ninjas & Art Adventurers – Open Day 🎨🌿
During the Open Day, we also need support with our Nature Ninjas and Art Adventurers activities happening in the Community Garden and inside the Palace.
You don’t need to have volunteered in these roles before – just enthusiasm for meeting families is perfect! 👨👩👧👦If you’d like to get involved in either of these activities, please email Chris Hefferman: [email protected]
NEW Craft & Chat Sessions 🧶
Starting Wednesday 29 April at 4pm in the Laundry. Please see this flier for all dates. For more information or to book a place, please email: [email protected]
Moat Boat Race – Monday 31 August 2026 🔱💦
We’re looking for volunteers to take part in this fun, annual activity on the moat for charity. When else will you get the chance to row a boat on the moat? We need a team of 8 (staff and volunteers). Please contact Siobhan if you would like to take part: [email protected]
New Staff 👋
Please join us in welcoming:
- Steph Holly, Marketing & Communications Manager (starting 20 April)
- Robin James, Property and Collections Manager (starting 13 April)
Cabinet of Curiosities 🏛️
If not seen it, there is a wonderful new interactive ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ in Bishop Wilson’s study – do take a look!
Volunteer Perks 🎟️
Historic Houses and RHS cards are available for volunteers to borrow. Please speak to Jo or Joy in the Brew House office (building on the left after car park) if you would like to use them.
Security Reminder ⚠️
There were two suspicious individuals on site Tuesday 17th near the East Gallery and Bishop’s accommodation. Photos are in the Bevy Room. Please remain vigilant and report any concerns to the duty manager.
Gatehouse Lighting 💡
Finally, the Gatehouse will be lighting up in pink and yellow this weekend in support of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, alongside landmarks across the country. You can read more here: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/the-bishops-palace-to-light-up/
That’s all for now. Have a wonderful Easter if I don’t see you around the site 🥚🐣
Best wishes,
Gemma
Pancake day offered up great entertainment! Here is a picture of Merryn, Bishop Fiona and Tim, a cathedral verger, enjoying the fun. And Kai, on student placement here, and Megs, assistant gardener giving it their all!
