St Davids Bishop's Palace
Book now from £5.90
Book St Davids Bishop's Palace tickets for one of the best days out in Pembrokeshire for history-lovers
A magnificent, medieval palace that rivalled the neighboring cathedral for it's beauty and glory, St Davids Bishop's Palace was home to pilgrimages, feasts, shows, ceremonies and more.
One of the most beautiful castles in Wales, St Davids Bishop's Palace was originally a building 'only fit for servants and animals' before Henry de Gower transformed it into the immense palace it is today.
- Get standard entry to the castle with General Admission Tickets
- Visit 20 historic monuments in Wales, including St Davids Bishop's Palace with the Cadw Explorer Pass
Studying at Merton College, Oxford, where some of the finest Decorated Gothic buildings were built, Henry de Gower was elected bishop of St Davids at the age of 50, and finally had the opportunity to express himself through architecture. Sticking to a budget, he used local stone, painted plaster and saved expensive carved decorations for the Bishop's hall, the Great Hall and the Great Chapel.
The east region of the castle was Gower's private domain, whereas the South was reserved for shows and ceremonies. The Great Hall is where Bishop Henry demonstrated justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims that had flocked to visit the centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world.
After re-creating the Palace, the Bishop remodelled the nave, choir and tower of the cathedral next door before building his own resting place. During the Reformation, William Barlow, the first Protestant Bishop of St Davids stripped the lead and turned the palace into ruins, sparking the start of a slow decline.
However, even as a ruin, St Davids Bishop's Palace remains to be one of the most majestic residences in Pembrokeshire.
Interested in visiting other Welsh castles? Get your Cadw Explorer Pass to visit 20 historic monuments in Wales
Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!
The Cadw Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales.
- Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions
- Visit as many castles as you want
- Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
- Save lots of money!
General Admission Ticket - St Davids Bishop's Palace
Book General Admission tickets to St Davids Bishop's Palace & be inspired by the beautiful castle and its surroundings. Visit anytime during the day.
How to find us
By road: A487 to St Davids, minor road past Cathedral.
By rail: 25km/16mls, Haverfordwest Rail Station, on the Milford Haven route.
By bus: 250m/270yards, route No 411 Haverfordwest - St Davids/Fishguard. Route no 413 Fishguard - St Davids.
By bike: NCN Route No.4 On route.
- Baby-changing facilities
- Bike access
- Gift shop
- Paid parking
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Most of the site can be enjoyed at ground level. The ground is mostly flat and level with some gentle slopes. Access throughout ground floor level is good.
- The site entrance is accessed from the street, and the visitor centre entrance is close to the entry point. The visitor centre leads directly into the palace. This journey is flat and even.
- There are paths around the courtyard, which are surfaced with bedded gravel and are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
- There are steps down to some of the under crofts/vaults. First floor is accessed via a flight of steps with handrails (the whole of the first floor can be seen by ascending one flight of stairs).
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome to access ground floor levels of the site. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
There is limited parking outside the palace. There is also a pay and display car park approximately 300 metres away along a surfaced road with a slight gradient in places.
Toilets are located on site and are at ground floor level - including an accessible cubicle with a ramp.
Smoking is not permitted at St Davids Bishop's Palace.
You might also like
Castles of Wales - Cadw Explorer Pass
Get your Cadw Explorer Pass to visit 20 historic monuments in Wales
Laugharne Castle
A grand 16th century residency, Laugharne Castle enchants visitors today with its rich history, literary inspiration and beautiful scenery
Kidwelly Castle
Once a mighty Norman fortress, Kidwelly Castle has become famous for its fascinating history, picturesque surroundings and famous film features
Clerkenhill Adventure Farm & Frizbee Golf Course
The farm provides an engaging experience with friendly farm animals to meet & feed, a nature trail to explore, and get FREE frisbee golf with tickets!
Hangar 5 Trampoline Park & Soft Play Centre, Haverfordwest
Book Hangar 5 tickets! One of the best trampoline parks in Haverfordwest and a fantastic soft play centre in Pembrokeshire!
Manor Wildlife Park
Tigers roam the Pembrokeshire countryside - discover them and many more, all at Manor Wildlife Park. Use 'DAYSOUT' for up to 10% discount!
The Dinosaur Park Tenby
This jaw-some park full of fun rides and fearsome creatures will make for a great family day out!
Great Wedlock Farm and Deer Park
Experience an unforgettable family day out set in over 175 acres of beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside!
Tenby Ghost Walks
Ghosts, fairies, witches & strange Pembrokeshire customs, omens, mysteries and murder! Light-hearted stories and haunting tales on a leisurely stroll!
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
Off the waters of West Wales, you'll find dolphins cruising through the water. Spot these magnificent creatures with Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips