The Palace Trust

Who we are

The site and buildings of The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens are owned by the Church Commissioners and managed by The Palace Trust. As a charitable organisation our mission is to protect The Bishop’s Palace by ensuring financial stability by engaging with a wide range of people for their enjoyment and learning. The Palace is the home and office of the Bishops of Bath and Wells and office to the Bishops of Taunton.

The main Palace building and Chapel are open daily to the public; they sit among fourteen acres of stunning RHS partner gardens that draw in 140,000 visitors annually.

The Palace is over 800 years’ old and is Listed Grade I for its historic, cultural and architectural significance and there is huge potential to build on the success of the Gardens’ visitor experience by bringing the built heritage much more into the consciousness of our visitors

The gardens are made up of picturesque, gardenesque, English garden style and contemporary gardens. Our Community Garden draws in a range of different user groups such as people with mental health issues.

As a charitable organisation our aim is to protect The Bishop’s Palace by ensuring financial stability through engaging a wide range of people for their enjoyment and learning.

Our Vision - To inspire and touch the lives of many by offering joy, healing, hope and wellbeing.

Our Purpose - To conserve and share the Palace and its story as a place of enjoyment and reflection for the benefit of all.

What we value - Authenticity • Inclusivity  • Hospitality  • Spirituality • Generosity  • Sustainability