Lamphey Bishop's Palace
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a medieval palace, once a grand residence for bishops, now a peaceful historical site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Visitor centre open
Lamphey Bishop's Palace
Best Time
Visitor centre open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a medieval palace, once a grand residence for bishops, now a peaceful historical site.
"Wandering these ancient ruins feels like walking through history."
🚶♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! Lamphey Bishop's Palace is a great spot for a dog walk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
The lawns are perfect for a picnic. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Ruins
Throughout the site
Explore the impressive remains of a once-grand palace, offering a glimpse into medieval life and architecture.
+1
Ornamental Landscape
Gardens and grounds
Discover the remnants of a medieval ornamental landscape, adding a touch of historical beauty to your visit.
Gatehouses
Entrances to the palace complex
Imagine the past as you stand before the imposing gatehouses that once guarded this significant residence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Parking
+1Best for Picnics & Peaceful Strolls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! Lamphey Bishop's Palace is a great spot for a dog walk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
The lawns are perfect for a picnic. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by history.
📜 History Boards
Information boards help visualize the palace's past glory.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground, so wear comfy shoes!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! Lamphey Bishop's Palace is a great spot for a dog walk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
The lawns are perfect for a picnic. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by history.
📜 History Boards
Information boards help visualize the palace's past glory.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground, so wear comfy shoes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lamphey Bishop's Palace for its peaceful atmosphere, free entry, and extensive ruins that offer a wonderful sense of history. Many enjoy the opportunity for picnics and dog walks in the scenic grounds. Some note that the visitor centre may have limited hours, but the core experience of exploring the ancient site remains highly rewarding.
"We arrived late, expecting it to be closed but happy to find gate was open. We wandered around the ruins that gave us a wonderful sense of what it would have been like to live there.We were completely alone and it was so peaceful."
Martin Pike
"The Bishop's Palace at Lamphey was a residence of the bishops of St. David's established before the Norman invasion, and used until the Reformation. It is likely that the earliest buildings on site were constructed of timber, although the date of this phase remains unknown. The earliest surviving masonry elements, including the limestone rubble western Old Hall and undercroft, date to the early thirteenth century. The remainder of the buildings are largely the work of the late thirteenth - earlier fourteenth century, with later alterations. There are the remains of great halls and chapels raised over basements, two gatehouses and a large barn or granary. The distinctive arcading is similar to that found at St Davids Bishop's Palace and Swansea Castle, and wall paintings are recorded within the palace. There are also extensive remains of a medieval ornamental landscape.
The Palace changed hands at the reformation and continued as a noble house into the seventeenth century, declining thereafter. In the nineteenth century, the site was laid out as a garden associated with the gleaming classical mansion constructed to the north-west."
Jon Beard
"Really nice went on a Sunday so the visitors centre wasn't open but still enjoyed free to go in and you can explore the ground s very relaxing place if you want a picnic or something like that"
lee bridges
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lamphey Bishop's Palace is easily accessible by car, with free parking available on site. It's also a short walk from Lamphey train station and a quick drive or bus ride from nearby towns like Pembroke.
Yes, there is free parking available at Lamphey Bishop's Palace, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Lamphey Bishop's Palace is accessible by public transport. Lamphey train station is a short walk away, and local bus services connect it to surrounding towns.
Lamphey Bishop's Palace is very close to Pembroke, just a 9-minute drive or a short bus journey away, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
The site is ideal for walking, with extensive grounds to explore. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Lamphey Bishop's Palace is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly historical attraction.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance as entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
While the visitor centre may have specific hours, the ruins and grounds are generally accessible for exploration, especially during daylight hours.
Yes, Lamphey Bishop's Palace is open on Sundays, though the visitor centre might be closed. You can still explore the grounds.
Yes, Lamphey Bishop's Palace is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the extensive ruins of the medieval palace, including great halls, chapels, gatehouses, and the remains of an ornamental landscape.
Absolutely! The ruins and grounds offer many picturesque spots for photography, especially with a drone for unique aerial shots.
Yes, families can enjoy exploring the ruins and imagining life in medieval times. It's a great place for kids to learn about history in an engaging way.
While the visitor centre may have limited hours, basic facilities like parking are available. It's advisable to check Cadw's website for the most up-to-date information.
The palace was a residence for the bishops of St. David's, with origins predating the Norman invasion. The current masonry elements date from the 13th-14th centuries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the palace, but it's an ideal spot for a picnic. Nearby towns like Pembroke offer various dining options.
Yes, the grounds are perfect for picnics. Many visitors enjoy bringing their own food and enjoying it on the lawns.
The nearby town of Pembroke offers a selection of pubs and restaurants for a meal after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The ruins themselves, the gatehouses, and the surrounding gardens offer numerous opportunities for stunning photographs. Consider drone photography for unique perspectives.
Drone footage has been captured at the site, suggesting it's possible, but always check local regulations and Cadw guidelines before flying.
Visitors often capture the atmospheric ruins, historical architecture, and the natural beauty of the grounds. It's a popular spot for history enthusiasts and landscape photographers.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact Cadw or the relevant authorities to inquire about permits and regulations.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photographing the ruins. Midday can be harsh but still offers good visibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, turning the visit into a fun-filled outing. The information boards scattered around the site can help older children understand the history and context of the palace, making it an educational as well as entertaining experience.
🚶 Budget Travelers
+1This makes it an ideal stop for those exploring Pembrokeshire on a shoestring. Pack your own snacks or a picnic to save on food expenses, and enjoy a substantial dose of history and scenic beauty without spending a penny.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historical ruins and open spaces, making it a perfect outing for the whole family, including your four-legged friends. Remember to keep them on a lead where appropriate and clean up after them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
The architecture features distinctive arcading, similar to that found at St Davids Bishop's Palace and Swansea Castle. Wall paintings were also recorded within the palace, hinting at its former decorative splendor. Beyond the main structures, the site boasts extensive remains of a medieval ornamental landscape, offering a sense of the grandeur and leisure enjoyed by its inhabitants.
After the Reformation, the palace changed hands and continued as a noble house into the seventeenth century before declining. In the nineteenth century, the site was re-imagined as a garden associated with a new classical mansion built nearby. Today, these atmospheric ruins offer a tangible connection to Wales' rich medieval past, attracting history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Exploring the Grounds and Gardens
These areas were once part of a medieval ornamental landscape, and while time has altered their form, they still offer a pleasant environment for exploration. The combination of historical structures and natural beauty makes it a picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to wander freely, enjoying the open space and the sense of tranquility. The dog-friendly nature of the site further enhances its appeal for those looking to enjoy the outdoors with their pets.
+1Photography Opportunities
+1Key photographic highlights include the imposing gatehouses, the remnants of grand halls and chapels, and the unique arcading. The surrounding landscape, with its open lawns and greenery, adds a contrasting element to the historical structures. Drone footage has captured impressive aerial views, showcasing the scale and layout of the complex.
+1For the best results, consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset when the light can cast a warm glow on the ruins, enhancing their texture and atmosphere. Even on a bright day, the sheer historical presence of the palace ensures compelling shots for any photography enthusiast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit