The centuries-old market town in Somerset draws spiritual seekers to its mystical Tor hill and medieval abbey ruins. Home to one of the world's largest music festivals.
Glastonbury sits in Somerset, where you'll find the medieval tower atop Glastonbury Tor, the crumbling walls of a 7th-century abbey, and streets lined with crystal shops and vegetarian cafes. Walk through the Chalice Well Gardens, climb the Tor for views across three counties, or join a guided tour of the abbey ruins where monks once claimed to have found King Arthur's grave.
Getting to Glastonbury
The closest train station is Castle Cary, located 30 minutes away by car. Regular buses run from Bristol, which is also home to the nearest airport. If you're driving, park at St. John's Square car park in the town center, which costs £5.60 for a full day. The parking lot puts you within walking distance of the main attractions and shopping areas.
Climbing Glastonbury Tor
The Tor rises 518 feet above the Somerset Levels, with a medieval church tower at its summit. The walk up takes about 20-30 minutes on a well-maintained path that can be steep at times. At the top, look across the Somerset Levels, the Mendip Hills, and on clear days, toward Wales. The tower remains from a 14th-century church dedicated to St. Michael.
Exploring the Abbey Ruins
The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey include walls up to 40 feet high and foundation stones from the 7th century. In the Lady Chapel, a plaque marks what local monks claimed was Britain's first Christian church. Between two pillars south of the Lady Chapel, you'll find a marker showing where monks said they discovered the graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere before the abbey's destruction in 1539.
The Chalice Well Gardens
The Chalice Well, at the foot of the Tor, produces 25,000 gallons of water daily and hasn't stopped flowing for over two thousand years. You can walk through several garden levels with stone paths, sitting areas, and a healing pool. The well's water runs red from high iron content, which has sparked local stories about connections to the Holy Grail.
Shopping and New Age Culture
Along the High Street, you'll find independent shops selling crystals, tarot cards, incense, and books about alternative healing and spirituality. Many cafes serve vegetarian and vegan food, reflecting the town's role as a center for alternative beliefs and practices.
The Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival happens in Pilton, six miles from town, in late June. The festival combines music performances with theater shows, dance events, and circus acts. During festival days, expect more visitors in town and busier streets as festival-goers pass through.
