The Tywi Gateway Project
The Tywi Gateway Project is an exciting and innovative community driven landscape restoration project led by the Tywi Gateway Trust based at the Bishop’s Park, Abergwili.
Once set on the banks of the River Tywi, in the beautiful Tywi Valley, for nearly 500 years the Bishop’s Park was the private garden of the Bishops of St. Davids. Today, what remains of the park is now open to the public all year round and is a much-loved place to take a stroll and follow in the footsteps of the Bishops of St Davids.
Over its long history the park's landscape has gone through many changes reflecting the fashions of the time, changes in its use and more dramatically the forces of nature. The most recent changes were made in the 1970s when part of the grounds were chosen as the site on which to build a new Bishop’s Palace. The old Bishop’s Palace eventually becoming the home of the fascinating Carmarthenshire County Museum and no visit to the Bishop’s Park is complete without exploring this jewel of a museum.
Despite the many changes that have taken place, as we look around the Bishop’s Park today we can still see the remains of these earlier parks. The wonderful but overgrown Walled Kitchen Garden with its quaint cottage ornee, the old pathways through the trees, the ha ha overlooking The Great Meadow and the Bishop’s Pond with its secret island, all offer us a hint at the one time splendour of these important and peaceful grounds.
This undiscovered jewel set within a landscape famously known as the Garden of Wales is a truly unique site and though its glory is somewhat faded the Tywi Gateway Project is working to restore the Bishop’s Park to it former grandeur.
Historic Parkland and Walks
Visit Us
The Bishop's Palace Garden is a tranquil oasis on the banks of the River Tywi just outside Carmarthen.
Our History
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens have a fascinating history. You can read more by clicking here.
How You Can Help
We are always looking for volunteers to help with our project. Click here for more information.
Diocese of St Davids: Press Release
The Secret Garden comes back to life
There’s a secret lying hidden at the bottom of the Bishop’s garden – and it’s about to be revealed. In its heyday, the Bishop’s Palace in Abergwili, near Carmarthen, overlooked what commentators of
Volunteers wanted for the archaeological excavation of the walled garden
Excavations at The Walled Garden at Bishop’s Park Abergwili 6th – 17th March 2017 For more information download the expression of interest form.
Looking for Trustees
Do you love Carmarthenshire? Do you care about our heritage, landscape and the environment? Would you like to be involved at the start of a something new and exciting?
At Ymddiriedolaeth Drws i’r Dyffryn – Tywi Gateway Trust – we’re seeking individuals to support the community-driven redevelopment of the
Community Drop-in Weekend on 11 and 12 March
Saturday 4 pm. Official Opening of the Walled Garden Door, by the Right Reverend Joanna Penberthy, Bishop of St Davids. Programme for Saturday 11 March and Sunday 12 March 11am – 3.00 pm View Our Plans for the Park –
