glastonbury

Glastonbury is a unique and fascinating place. It’s a melting pot of widely diverging cultures, interests and beliefs, which is inspired by history, legend, music, spirituality and a search for personal growth. Glastonbury represents different things to different people, attracting 1000’s of visitors year on year for many diverse reasons. There’s so much to see and do in this lovingly, whimsical town. Here’s our guide to some of the town’s year-round highlights:

Glastonbury Tor

Known as The ‘Isle of Avalon’, Glastonbury Tor is located in the heart of Celtic mythology, and positions itself naturally and exquisitely on the eastern periphery of Glastonbury town. Following an earthquake in 1275, the original wooden church was destroyed, and the shell tower is all that remains of St. Michaels Church, which replaced the wooden church in 15th Century.

One of the nicest ways to spend a summer's evening is to climb Glastonbury Tor and watch the sunset over the Somerset Levels, with the glint of the sea in the distance, and the haunting sound of a didgeridoo echoing from the ruins of St Michael’s tower.

music scene

Glastonbury Festival is Europe's largest outdoor music festival and is held every year on the last weekend in June.

The Glastonbury Extravaganza attracts a variety of world-class musicians and is held every August in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey.

There is also a very active live music scene in the town with bands playing in local pubs and venues most weekends.

For more information on the impressive Glastonbury music scene, visit Glastonbury Festivals.

CHALICE WELL

Chalice Well is one of the jewels of Glastonbury, nestling at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. Set amidst the most beautiful grounds and gardens, Chalice Well offers a delightful sanctuary for peaceful meditation, and is a place of spirituality, myth and healing. Legend has it that the Holy Grail is hidden in the well, with the blood of Christ giving rise to the red tinge of the well water. Visit Chalice Well for more information.

The abbey

A hidden jewel in the heart of Somerset, Glastonbury Abbey is traditionally associated with the earliest days of Christianity in Britain and figures such as Joseph of Arimathea, St Patrick and St David. It is also the resting place for three Saxon kings and the legendary King Arthur. Set in 36 acres of parkland in the middle of the town, the histories, mysteries and myths of Glastonbury Abbey define it as a place of extraordinary spiritual significance. It is open 364 days a year and welcomes dogs on short leads, with a summer cafe, costumed guides, accredited museum and a gift shop - it is the perfect day out.