· GB

Glastonbury

Glastonbury, Somerset, United Kingdom

Glastonbury, located in Somerset, United Kingdom, is a town steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Known for its iconic Glastonbury Tor, a mystical hill rising above the town, Glastonbury attracts visitors…

#Historic town#Spiritual center#Glastonbury Tor#Arthurian legends#Alternative lifestyle

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Glastonbury.

Top Hotels in Glastonbury

Top Flights to Glastonbury

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Glastonbury.

Tours

Glastonbury Abbey

Explore the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, a place of legend and history associated with King Arthur.

The Chalice Well

Visit the Chalice Well, noted for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Visit to St. Margaret's Chapel & Magdalene Almshouses

Explore medieval chapel and almshouses with beautiful gardens.

Glastonbury Goddess Temple

Visit the Goddess Temple in Glastonbury, a place of spirituality and femininity.

Shopping

Glastonbury Festival Shop

Shop where you can find merchandise related to the famous Glastonbury Festival.

Shopping at Glastonbury High Street

Stroll through Glastonbury High Street and enjoy various unique shops and cafes.

Experience the Glastonbury Experience

Visit a hub of alternative shops offering holistic and mystical products.

Outdoor

Glastonbury Tor

Climb Glastonbury Tor for iconic views and spiritual significance.

Glastonbury Abbey and Grounds Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque grounds of Glastonbury Abbey.

Glastonbury Natural Thermal Springs

Enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural thermal springs around Glastonbury.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Glastonbury.

Currency

£ | GBP | Pound Sterling

Population

Information not available.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Glastonbury

Jan

7°2°

Feb

8°2°

Mar

11°3°

Apr

13°5°

May

17°8°

Jun

20°11°

Jul

22°13°

Aug

22°13°

Sep

19°11°

Oct

15°8°

Nov

10°5°

Dec

8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Glastonbury.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Glastonbury in Somerset, United Kingdom:

Rich history and mythology: Glastonbury is steeped in history and mythology, with connections to King Arthur, the Holy Grail, and various legends. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Glastonbury Abbey and the Glastonbury Tor.
Spiritual significance: Glastonbury is considered a place of spiritual significance by many, with a reputation as a center for alternative lifestyles, holistic therapies, and New Age beliefs. Visitors can participate in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices.
Natural beauty: The surrounding countryside of Glastonbury is known for its stunning landscapes, including the picturesque Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills. The Glastonbury Tor offers panoramic views of the area.
Festivals and events: Glastonbury hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival, which attracts music lovers from around the globe. There are also spiritual and cultural events that celebrate the town's diverse heritage.
Local produce and markets: Glastonbury is home to a variety of local producers and markets where visitors can sample fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique crafts. The town has a vibrant community of artists and craftsmen.

Overall, traveling to Glastonbury offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that can appeal to a wide range of interests.

What to know

Traveling to Glastonbury in Somerset, United Kingdom, does come with some cons that you may want to consider:

Crowds: Glastonbury is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months and during events like the Glastonbury Festival. This can lead to crowded streets, attractions, and accommodations, which may impact your overall experience.
Weather: The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, and Somerset is no exception. Be prepared for rain, especially if you are visiting outside of the summer months.
Limited Public Transportation: While Glastonbury is well-connected by bus services, the town itself is relatively small, and public transportation options within the town may be limited. Renting a car might be necessary to explore the surrounding areas.
Tourist Prices: As a tourist destination, prices in Glastonbury may be higher compared to other towns in the region. This can include accommodations, dining, and souvenirs.
Historical Sites Maintenance: While Glastonbury is known for its historical sites such as Glastonbury Abbey and the Tor, the maintenance of these sites may vary. Some visitors have reported that certain sites may be underwhelming due to poor upkeep.
Alternative Lifestyles: Glastonbury is also known for its alternative lifestyles and spiritual practices, which may not appeal to all travelers. If you are not comfortable with New Age spirituality or alternative healing practices, you may find some aspects of Glastonbury off-putting.

Overall, while Glastonbury is a fascinating and unique destination with a rich history and cultural significance, it may not be suitable for travelers who prefer quieter, less crowded destinations or who are not interested in the town's spiritual and alternative culture.

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about traveling to Glastonbury.

Glastonbury, located in Somerset, United Kingdom, is a town rich in history, legends, and cultural significance. Here is a detailed overview:

Ancient and Early History

Prehistoric and Celtic Periods: The area around Glastonbury has evidence of prehistoric settlement, with archaeological findings suggesting human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. It is believed that the Celtic tribe of the Durotriges inhabited the region before the Roman invasion.
Roman Era: During the Roman occupation of Britain, there was likely some settlement in the area, although Glastonbury itself was not a major Roman town.

Medieval Period

Glastonbury Abbey: Founded in the 7th century, Glastonbury Abbey is one of the most significant landmarks in the town. It became one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in England. The Abbey is reputed to be the burial place of the legendary King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, a claim that has fueled much of the Arthurian legend associated with the town.
St. Dunstan: In the 10th century, St. Dunstan, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, served as the abbot of Glastonbury Abbey. He is credited with revitalizing the Abbey and was an influential figure in the monastic reform movement.
Fire of 1184: The Abbey suffered a devastating fire in 1184, which destroyed many of its buildings. The reconstruction that followed led to the creation of some of the impressive medieval structures that can still be seen today.

Legends and Myths

Joseph of Arimathea: According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea visited Glastonbury and brought with him the Holy Grail. It is said that he planted his staff in the ground at Glastonbury, which miraculously blossomed into the Glastonbury Thorn, a tree that still holds symbolic significance today.
Arthurian Legends: Glastonbury is closely linked with the legends of King Arthur. The supposed discovery of Arthur's and Guinevere's graves in the Abbey in 1191 by monks was likely an attempt to attract pilgrims and boost the Abbey’s prestige.

Modern Period

Dissolution of the Monasteries: In 1539, during the English Reformation under Henry VIII, Glastonbury Abbey was dissolved. The last abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed, and the Abbey's lands were confiscated by the crown.
19th Century: Interest in Glastonbury's legends and history revived in the Victorian era, leading to increased archaeological investigations and tourism.

Contemporary Glastonbury

Glastonbury Festival: In the modern era, Glastonbury has become famous for the Glastonbury Festival, one of the largest and most renowned music and performing arts festivals in the world. Although it is held at Worthy Farm in nearby Pilton, it is closely associated with the town.
Landmarks: Aside from the Abbey, other notable landmarks include the Glastonbury Tor, a hill topped by the remains of St. Michael's Church Tower, and the Chalice Well, a holy well associated with Arthurian and Christian legends.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Glastonbury continues to be a center for New Age and spiritual movements, drawing visitors interested in its mystical and mythological connections.

These elements combine to make Glastonbury a place of profound historical depth and cultural richness, attracting historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike.