Welcome to Avalon
Rising dramatically from the Somerset Levels lies a place that holds an irresistible allure for travellers seeking an authentic and captivating experience.
Glastonbury and its surrounding area boast a rich tapestry of history, spirituality and natural beauty that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
From the iconic Glastonbury Tor and the mystical legends that shroud it, to the vibrant local culture and diverse range of attractions, this region offers a magical journey into the heart of England’s past and present.
Visiting Glastonbury
Glastonbury is perhaps better known for the World famous Glastonbury Festival that happens every year at the end of June, 6 miles away in the village of Pilton.
However, Glastonbury it’s self is a hub of creativity, with a vibrant arts scene and a calendar packed with events all year round.
- Spring and Summer: Glastonbury Abbey hosts various popular events such as The Extravaganza, Night at the Abbey and The Medieval Fayre
- Winter: Glastonbury plays host to some amazing events that bring the whole town and those from further afield together.
The Glastonbury Carnival is part of Europe’s largest Illuminated procession, and dates back to 1854.
Glastonbury Frost Fayre sees the High Street transform into a wonderful Christmas Market with festive stalls and entertainment.
There are countless other activities and festivals to experience in Glastonbury, and below we have outlined our Top 10 things to do when visiting this unique Town.
How to Get Here
Glastonbury is situated in the heart of the Somerset Levels in the South West of England.
There is no train station, so the best way to get here is either by car or by bus/coach from Bristol, Bath or London.
- By Car: Glastonbury is 21 minutes drive from the Podimore Roundabout Junction of the A303 and 25 minutes drive from Junction 23 of the M5, and these represent the best ways of getting to Glastonbury by car.
- By Bus: To get to Glastonbury from Bristol, the 376 First Bus from can be caught either from the Bus Station, or Templemeads Train Station.
To get to Glastonbury from Bath, take the 173 or 174 from Bath Bus Station to Wells Bus Station, and change there to take the 376 to Glastonbury.
- Coach: To get to Glastonbury from London, several coaches are operated by National Express, Berry’s Coaches and Megabus.
Our Top 10 Things to do in Glastonbury
1: Climb Glastonbury Tor
Embark on a pilgrimage to the iconic Glastonbury Tor, a steep hill crowned by the medieval St Michael’s tower. The climb rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a deep sense of connection to the legends and spirituality that permeate the area.
The Tor stands at 158m high, and was hit by an earthquake in 1275 which demolished the original wooden St Michael’s tower. Now The Tor is the favourite spot for people wanting to see the Sun rise on Solstice, and for watching the Sunset at all times of the Year.
2: Explore Glastonbury Abbey
Step back in time at Glastonbury Abbey, a place steeped in history and myth. At one time the most powerful, rich Abbey in the whole Country, it was torn down by Henry VIII as part of his Dissolution of the Monesteries. Wander through the atmospheric ruins, discover the stories of King Arthur, and immerse yourself in the abbey’s rich heritage. Highlights are the Lady Chapel, the fully intact Abbot’s Kitchen and the Glastonbury Thorn, from which a sprig is cut every Christmas for the Royal Family’s dinner table.
3: Drink the Sacred Waters at The White Spring
Glastonbury’s The White Spring is a sacred and tranquil underground water sanctuary. Nestled beneath the Tor, it offers a quiet space for contemplation, healing, and spiritual connection. Visitors can explore the candle-lit chambers, drink from the natural spring waters, and experience the profound sense of peace that permeates this unique site. Sometimes pilgrims play gentle, melodic music that echoes beautifully in the space, and if you are fortunate you might witness a ceremony or blessing. You may also bathe in the sacred waters if you speak to the Keeper on duty there, however no photography or filming is allowed inside the chamber, to protect the very special atmosphere. Opening days and times can vary depending on the time of Year.
4: Shop on the Magical, Quirky High Street
Stroll along Glastonbury’s High Street and discover the eclectic mix of independent shops, esoteric bookstores, crystal boutiques, and unique gift emporiums. From New Age treasures, Indian artefacts and handmade crafts, you’ll find a treasure trove of enchanting items to bring back home.
Be sure to explore the arcades and courtyards that spur off from the High Street, such as The Glastonbury Experience, The Gauntlet, Abbey Mews and several others.
6: Follow the Glastonbury Mural Trail
The Glastonbury Mural Trail is a collection of beautiful paintings and street art on the walls of buildings around the town. Each mural tells a different story, from ancient legends to local culture. As you walk along the trail, you’ll see colorful and interesting artwork that adds beauty and creativity to Glastonbury’s streets. It’s a fun and accessible way to explore the town’s history and art while enjoying a leisurely stroll.
Our very own Lotus Cabin features on the Trail, as we commissioned local artist Faye Chadburn (who grew up 3 doors down from our Cabin) to paint the Lotus mural you see here on the left, which is at the entrance to the property!
5: Find Peace at the Chalice Well Gardens
Experience tranquility at the Chalice Well, an ancient holy site and garden once owned by the enigmatic Alice Buckton, and revered for its mythical connections to the Holy Grail. This special place situated at the foot of The Tor, is a World Peace Garden and has many nooks and crannies to discover. Take a moment to sip from the iron-rich spring water at the Lion Head Fountain, dip your feet in the Healing Pool, and explore the serene surroundings. The Chalice Well itself features the iconic Vesica Picses symbol at the well head, which represents the duality of existence and the quest for unity.
7: Attend a Spiritual Workshop or Festival
Glastonbury is the go to destination in the UK for people seeking spiritual experiences, and you can embrace the magical energy of this sacred land by participating in a workshop, retreat or festival. From meditation, kirtan and yoga, to all manner of healing modalities, the town offers a wide range of transformative experiences to nurture your mind, body, and soul. Highlights of the annual event calendar are Beltane, the Hare Krishna Rathayatra, the Goddess Conference and the Catholic Pilgrimage. The Oracle magazine is a great resource for what is happening in Glastonbury, and can be found at various shops on the High Street.
8: Visit one of our many Places of Worship
Glastonbury is the most religiously diverse town in the Country and you can embrace the spiritual energy of this sacred land by participating in a workshop, retreat or festival. From meditation, kirtan and yoga, to all manner of healing modalities, the town offers a wide range of transformative experiences to nurture your mind, body, and soul. Highlights of the annual event calendar are Beltane, the Hare Krishna Rathayatra, the Goddess Conference and the Catholic Pilgrimage. The Oracle magazine is a great resource for what is happening in Glastonbury, and can be found at various shops on the High Street.
9: Take a Walk along the Glastonbury Way
Experience the enchantment of Glastonbury’s surroundings with the 7.5 mile circular walking route known as The Glastonbury Way. This captivating trail takes you on a fascinating walk through the Glastonbury landscape, with illustrated information boards dotted along the way. The two Oak trees Gog and Magog (as featured in the photo to the left) are local favourites, and nearby is the wonderful Middlewick which has a Farm Shop and Cafe/Restaurant which is great for refreshments along the walk.
10: See an Exhibition at The Red Brick Building, and The Zig-Zag
Glastonbury’s art scene is vibrant, with the Red Brick Building serving as a focal point. This creative hub showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, including galleries, studios, and workshops. From contemporary exhibitions to immersive performances, the Red Brick Building cultivates a thriving artistic community, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in Glastonbury. The Old Tannery is a bar and restaurant on site, perfect for working lunches or meeting friends, and with weekly music nights or all kinds.
The Zig Zag building next door is also definitely worth a visit, with all manner of exhibitions, events and creativity happening there regularly. The over zealous District Council are trying to close it down, so any support to keep this wonderful space open would be greatly appreciated by the fantastic, hardworking team there.
Useful Information
GFM is a fantastic community radio station, run by local people. They do a great job giving a platform to local musicians, artists, writers and creatives as well as keeping everyone informed about what’s happening in the area.
They broadcast from the Red Brick Building and have some great shows- so be sure to tune in at 107.1 FM while you are here.
Avalon & Beyond is an Instagram page dedicated to the fun and quirky things you see in every day life in Glastonbury.
From pictures of Glastonbury and further afield throughout the Seasons, to events and featured artwork, click follow to receive updates in your Instagram feed.
The Glaston Centre is a Not For Profit organisation that supports the talented people and groups of Glastonbury.
The Glaston Centre are behind some great projects in the area, most notably The Glastonbury Pilgrim Reception Information and Support Centre, The Glastonbury Way, and the Glastonbury Unity Candle.
The Oracle is a locally produced magazine packed full of all the holistic events and happenings in Glastonbury.
It shows what’s going on each day, as well as promoting the different practitioners in the Spiritual scene in Glastonbury, and can be found in various shops on the High Street.
Unveiling Glastonbury’s Mystical Charms
Glastonbury, known as the “Isle of Avalon,” has a mystical reputation steeped in ancient legends and spiritual significance. Rising dramatically from the landscape, Glastonbury Tor stands as a timeless icon. Climbing its slopes rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of connection to the ancient past. Legend has it that Glastonbury is the final resting place of King Arthur, and nearby Glastonbury Abbey adds to the intrigue with its storied history and picturesque ruins.
Immerse in Spiritual Traditions
For spiritual seekers, Glastonbury offers a cornucopia of experiences. The town is a magnet for those interested in paganism, Wicca, and alternative healing practices. The Chalice Well and Gardens, with its iron-rich red spring water, is believed to hold healing properties and is a place for quiet reflection. Glastonbury also hosts a variety of spiritual and holistic festivals throughout the year, attracting like-minded individuals from around the world.
Cultural Vibrancy and Artistic Expressions
Glastonbury is a hub of creativity, with a vibrant arts scene that draws inspiration from the town’s magical people and atmosphere. Explore the independent boutiques, galleries, and craft shops that line its charming streets, showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. The Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza, an annual open-air concert, brings world-class musicians to perform against the backdrop of the abbey ruins, creating a truly unique experience.