Glastonbury

Legendary for its festival and its possible association with the burial site of King Arthur, Glastonbury is well worth a visit. Explore the Abbey, the Tor, the Chalice Well, and the Druid sites – for Glastonbury is steeped in legend, magic, and the Holy Grail. Along the high street, you will find a variety of esoteric shops, as well as many good places to eat and drink.

Full of Christian and pagan folklore, you can explore both sides of Glastonbury’s history. Visit the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and the 36 acres of grounds, including the herb and kitchen garden, the orchard, the ruins, and the Lady Chapel. A monastery has existed on the site since the 7th century, with the abbey’s downfall occurring during the dissolution of the monasteries. The largest monastic building still intact is the octagonal Abbot’s kitchen, one of the few surviving medieval kitchens.

The iconic landmark of Glastonbury Tor is the perfect spot to take in the view of the Somerset countryside. Glastonbury Tor has always been a site of religious significance and is steeped in history, myths, and legends. The best parking for the Tor is in the town centre; a 10-minute walk will take you to the base of the hill, where you can then begin the climb up the paved path to the top.

At the foot of Glastonbury Tor, within a sacred garden, is the Chalice Well, where pilgrims and visitors can explore the gardens and the well. An ancient spring flows up from the ground in the valley and is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Rich in iron, the water can sometimes appear red, which has led to the nickname ‘The Blood Well’. 

If you want to learn more about Somerset’s past, head to the Somerset Rural Life Museum, where you can find out how people have lived off the land since the 1800s. The former Abbey Farm has been converted into a series of galleries, and you can also explore the orchard and the farmyard.