Glastonbury Travel Guide

Discover the best of Glastonbury with our comprehensive tour guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, we cover it all.


Introduction to Glastonbury

Glastonbury, located in Somerset, West Country, England, is best known for its rich history and famous music festival. But beyond the festival, Glastonbury is a charming town filled with rich cultural attractions, natural wonders, and scenic views. With its mystical and spiritual heritage, Glastonbury is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Glastonbury

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Glastonbury Abbey

The Glastonbury Abbey, dating back to the 7th century, is a significant landmark located in the heart of the town. This legendary abbey site is believed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, making it one of England’s most visited and mysterious historical sites.

Chalice Well

The Chalice Well, located at the foot of Glastonbury Tor, is a beautiful garden filled with natural spring waters imbued with legends of miraculous healing properties. Visitors to this site can explore the garden and learn more about the well’s history, legends, and significance.

Natural Attractions of Glastonbury: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Glastonbury Tor

The Glastonbury Tor is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town, with picturesque views across the Somerset Levels. This unusual hill rising from the landscape commands an ethereal presence as a site of spiritual significance to Pagans, Christians, and many other faiths.

The Levels

The Somerset Levels, located near Glastonbury, are a network of wetlands and nature reserves that provide a beautiful and serene location for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, birdwatch, or cycle on the many trails throughout the area while observing the diverse wildlife and scenic countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Glastonbury

Glastonbury offers plenty of beautiful routes, such as:

  • Cheddar Gorge Walk
  • Brent Knoll Walk
  • Glastonbury Tor Walk
  • Polden Way Walk
  • Avalon Marshes Walk

Best Things to Do in Glastonbury: Activities and Tours

Specialty Tours

Specialty tours in Glastonbury cater to a wide variety of interests, from archeological sites of Anglo-Saxon occupation to local pub tours with traditional English ales.

Shopping

Visitors can explore the many specialty shops in Glastonbury for new age, mystical, and spiritual products, crystals, and unique art pieces.

Glastonbury Festival

The Glastonbury Festival is an annual music festival, held in late June, near Pilton village. This world-famous festival boasts an incredible lineup of artists, performers, and cultural experiences that draw in visitors from around the globe.

Week-Long Itinerary for Glastonbury

Day 1: Glastonbury Abbey, Chalice Well Day 2: Glastonbury Tor Hike Day 3: Avalon Marshes Walk, Museum of Rural Life Day 4: Wells Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace Day 5: Cheddar Gorge Walk, Wookey Hole Caves Day 6: Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, Glastonbury Festival site Day 7: Departure day

Food and Drink Scene of Glastonbury

Must-Try Dishes

Glastonbury is known for its eclectic food scene, including vegetarian and vegan options. Popular dishes include:

  • Glastonbury Brie and Apple Sandwich
  • Organic Local Cider
  • Cream Tea (tea and scones with clotted cream and jam)
  • Somerset lamb and beef dishes

Local Beverages

Cheddar and Somerset Valley ciders are some of the most popular local drinks in Glastonbury.

Where to Stay in Glastonbury: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxury hotels to quaint guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels, there is accommodation in Glastonbury to suit every budget and preference.

Luxury

  • The George and Pilgrim
  • The Glastonbury Town House
  • The Who’d A Thought It Inn

Mid-Range

  • The Market House Inn
  • The Apple Tree Inn
  • St Anne’s B&B

Budget

  • Pilgrims B&B
  • The Covenstead
  • The Red Lion Inn

What to Buy in Glastonbury: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home a piece of Glastonbury’s mystical history by purchasing the town’s unique products like:

  • Handmade Incense
  • Crystals and Souvenirs
  • Spiritual Books and CDs
  • Art and Paintings
  • New Age Clothing and Accessories

Local Culture and Customs of Glastonbury

Glastonbury is steeped in Pagan and Christian religious traditions, and it has become home to many spiritual practices, events, and communities. Visitors can participate in spiritual practices, join group meditation or attend events in Glastonbury.

Best Time to Visit Glastonbury

The best times to visit Glastonbury are spring and summer when the weather is mild, and the landscape is vibrant and colorful from late April to early September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Glastonbury

Do:

  • Respect local culture.
  • Be open to spiritual practices.
  • Take in the stunning landscape views

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the town’s spiritual significance.
  • Litter or damage any of the historical landmarks.
  • Ignore town regulations and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a safe town to visit, but visitors should take necessary precautions like:

  • Locking their doors and windows at night.
  • Being aware of crowded areas, especially during Glastonbury Festival.

Health in Glastonbury

Visitors should follow standard health practices like:

  • Staying hydrated
  • Keeping hand sanitizer
  • Dressing appropriately for the weather

Getting to Glastonbury: Transportation Options and Logistics

Glastonbury is easily accessible through various modes of transportation:

Airports Near Glastonbury

  • Bristol Airport 20 miles
  • Cardiff Airport 50 miles

Bus Stations Near Glastonbury

  • Bristol Bus Station
  • Taunton Bus Station

Other Options

  • Rail Service
  • Private Car Hire

How to Get Around in Glastonbury

Visitors can explore Glastonbury and its surroundings by:

  • Bus Services
  • Taxi Services
  • Rental Car Services
  • Biking and Hiking

Where to Go Next from Glastonbury: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • Stonehenge
  • The New Forest National Park
  • Exmoor National Park

Conclusion

Glastonbury is a unique town filled with spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders. It offers visitors a diverse range of experiences, from unique shopping to breathtaking outdoor adventures. With a vibrant food scene, accommodations for every budget, and a warm community, a visit to Glastonbury will surely be a memorable experience.

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