St Davids Bishop's Palace
Magnificent medieval palace that rivalled its cathedral for glory
There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire.
A 12th-century pope had decreed that two trips to St Davids were equal to one to Rome – turning it into a centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world. Thousands flocked to see the shrine of St David in the newly built cathedral.
But the bishop’s home was no match for this magnificence. Enter Henry de Gower. Between 1328 and 1347 he turned a building only fit for ‘servants and animals’ into an immense palace.
The east range was his private domain. The south range was for show and ceremony. It was here in the great hall that Bishop Henry dispensed justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims.
The Reformation marked the beginning of the end. In fact William Barlow, first Protestant Bishop of St Davids, may well have stripped the lead from the roofs himself to spark a slow decline. But even as a ruin this palace beside its glorious cathedral remains an awe-inspiring space.
A reconstruction drawing of the palace and cathedral around the mid-fourteenth century.
How to visit
• purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
• view our opening times and prices below
• check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st March - 30th June | 09.30am-5pm |
|---|---|
| 1st July - 31st August | 09.30am-6pm |
| 1st September - 31st October | 09.30am-5pm |
| 1st November - 28th February | 10am-4pm |
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Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit. Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales |
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Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£5.90
|
| Family* |
£18.90
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£4.10
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.70
|
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*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
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Visitor information
Access guide
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Baby changing
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Bike storage
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Pay and Display car park
Principal car park (Merivale) is a short walk along surfaced road, with some slopes. (approx. 300 metres)
Approx. space for 100 cars and several disabled car spaces.
Parking outside monument is not restricted but becomes very busy, particularly during school holidays and on Sundays.
However, it can be used as a drop off point.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Toilets
Toilets are located on site and are at ground floor level — including an accessible cubicle with a ramp.
Water refill station
Water refill station available at this site.
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Picnic tables
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Directions
Address
The Close
St Davids
Pembrokeshire SA62 6PE
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01437 720517
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Telephone 03000 252239
Postcode SA62 6PE.
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
