The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

This 14-acre RHS Partner Garden, nestled in the heart of Wells, is hidden within ancient ramparts and protected by a moat. There is evidence that the gardens existed even before work began on the Palace in around 1220. Over the years, the gardens have evolved as successive bishops added their legacy, including a significant alteration in 1824, in the picturesque style. Today the gardens hold Grade II listed status due to their historical significance.

The gardens feature styles ranging from the gardenesque and English Garden Style to the more contemporary, whilst the planting offers a diverse and exciting mix of leaf shape, texture and colour. Highlights include the East Garden with its parterre, vibrant ‘hot border’ and dahlia beds, showcasing the stunning Bishop Dahlias.

The gardens are also home to the springs, or flowing wells, from which the City of Wells takes its name. These tranquil pools are surrounded by lawns, trees, flowers and shrubs. Next to the Water Wheel, the planting has been influenced by the damp garden at the renowned Beth Chatto Gardens. Plants like Iris, Rheum and Rodgersia’s thrive here, with their luxurious foliage adding drama and structure to the space.

Within the community garden, there is a large glasshouse, cold frames and a nursery area. Many volunteers and groups work here with the Community Gardener, growing vegetables and cut flowers for sale and for the palace and café.

Between 2004 and 2024 The Bishop’s Palace has also undergone significant planting projects. In 2019, a new knot garden was created, offering a modern interpretation of the intricate patterns of 17th-century planting styles. Under the careful guidance of the Head Gardener and inspired by old Victorian prints, the beds and borders around the Great Hall have been beautifully redeveloped to reflect the planting schemes of the era shown in sketches belonging The Bishop’s Palace.

The trainee at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens will gain experience in lawn care, propagation, border maintenance, new border plantings, cut flower/vegetable production. There will also be the opportunity to conduct garden tours and help with workshops for the public on growing cut flowers, composting etc. Training will be provided on the use and maintenance of a range of electric and petrol machinery, including mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers, and a John Deere tractor.

Placements available: One

Staff numbers: 1 full-time; 5 part-time horticulturalists and over 20 volunteers.

Ease of access: Located in the centre of Wells the gardens are 21 miles from Bath and Bristol, and 8 miles from Glastonbury. Nearby rail stations are Castle Cary (9 miles), Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (both 21 miles), where you will find bus links to Wells.

Accommodation: No dedicated accommodation available.