Llys yr Esgob, Tyddewi / St Davids Bishop's Palace — Attraction in St. David's and the Cathedral Close

The Bishop's Palace at St David's is an impressive ruin of a 13th and 14th century Decorated Gothic palace. St David established a monastic community in the area during the 6th century. The site was ransacked by Viking raiders no less than ten times in the following four centuries. The arrival of the Normans in the 11th century steadied the area. A motte and bailey castle was built, a Norman bishop appointed and William the Conqueror visited as a pilgrim himself in 1181. The majority of work on the Palace can be attributed to two key builder bishops, Thomas Bek and Henry de Gower. At its height, the palace was adorned with checkerboard block work on the distinctive arcaded parapets. The wheel window remains as one of the best examples of tracery still at the site. The Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 lead to the decline of the Bishop's Palace. Bishop William Barlow is reported to have stripped the lead from the roofs and use it as the dowry for his five daughters, though there is little evidence of this. By the 16th century, the episcopal residence was in Abergwili and the palace was beyond repair. The site is in the care of Cadw, and the entrance price...

Just across a footbridge from the cathedral, this spectacular ruin is fascinating to explore. Entry is £4, I bought an informative guide book for £3.50 but you can get a free leaflet with a plan of the palace. Many decorative features survive, including the arched parapets and the stone heads in the bishop's rooms. The upper rooms, including the Great Hall, kitchen and chapel, have information panels with buttons to press to hear commentary describing both the palace as it was in the 14th century and life within its walls. A few spiral staircases - but you don't have to climb them to get to the main rooms - and vaulted storerooms at ground level. Great for kids, and dogs are allowed - I saw people taking their dogs up the uneven steps to the upper floors! There's a café nearby, and toilets close to...

Situated in a small valley and adjacent to St David's Cathedral, this splendid Bishop's Palace is one of the best of its kind left within the UK.

It is a CADW site, and they do a great job of preserving the nation's heritage. English Heritage members also can access the site free of charge.

The staff are friendly, it hosts a nice little but well stocked gift shop and it is very well signed with information points throughout.

The great hall with its circular window was interesting, and near to the latrine, there is a staircase of which hosts a great view at the top. It is a narrow staircase however, but it is still worth the climb.

Aside from the very important and interesting history this site holds, it is also a great place of calm and on a good day, a good...