Our walking tour of Glastonbury started on its' outskirts in a free parking bay (BA6 8DB). This is an ancient town, once called Avalon, full of myths and legends and the residents are proudly spiritual, artistic and strongly individual. The street art and personalisation of the houses is not like anywhere else we have been, it makes the urban space so beautiful and interesting. And obviously, it is home to the famous Glastonbury music festival.
From the car we headed straight up, past the revered White Springs Well and Temple, which was sadly shut but is open occasionally for people to bathe in the spring water, and headed to Glastonbury Tor. We were so lucky to have a hazy sunrise and a cloud inversion, it honestly looked magical. A drummer played music which echoed through the valley as we walked up the Tor towards the roofless tower of St. Michael's Church on the summit. The cloud inversion looked like water flowing over the surrounding Avalon Marshes. We spent time taking in the sunrise and listening to a young man play a hand made flute, before heading down into the rather special Avalon Orchard. We decided to eat here, and take in the unusual atmosphere, before walking into the heart of the town and exploring the high street.
The shops are nearly all artisan. Healing crystals, tarot, art and spirituality are the focus of this historical high street. It is also the entrance to the very famous, Glastonbury Abbey, the mythical burial place of legendary King Arthur and Guinevere. The Abbey grounds are adorned with trees, a couple of which are the ancient Glastonbury Holy Thorns, a variant of Hawthorn. As the story goes, Joseph of Arimathea, believed to be related to Jesus and responsible for his burial, landed at Glastonbury via boat and planted his staff in the ground, from it the Holt Thorn grew, blossoming at Christmas and Easter. He is also attributed with bringing Christianity to Britain, and transporting the Holy Grail to Glastonbury from which legendary King Arthur got his divine powers.
The Abbey itself is magnificent, it has a small museum, free tours and grounds and gardens to experience. You have to pay for entry, check the website for prices. The Abbey was founded in the 8th century, and rebuilt in the 14th after a major fire in the 1184. After the rebuild the Abbey became the most famous, wealthy and powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. The 'discovery' of the burial site of King Arthur and Guinevere by the monks helped to pay for the rebuild of the Abbey via funding from tourism and benefactors interested in the legend. We spent hours walking around the ruins and grounds.
We really loved exploring the town, it felt strange, in a good way, different and a bit magical. Worth experiencing for yourself if you get the chance!
Thank you for being here, all the best, Ceri & Kat!
/ teainvalhalla
/ teainvalhalla