Glastonbury, England is probably most famous for its music festival, but it’s much more than that. It is a town steeped in myths, legends and history. This travel guide will provide you with an epic itinerary during your visit.
Glastonbury is Known as the Isle of Avalon - a mythical place symbolizing purity, abundance and magic.
Here are some must do's and see's!
1. Glastonbury Millennium trail:
-This circular walking Trail begins at the Town Hall. It will guide you through Glastonbury’s city center in about an hour.
-I recommend taking the extra time to see the trails “optional detours” so you don’t miss any of Glastonbury’s major sites.
glastonburyantiquarians.org/s...
2. Glastonbury Way:
If you really feel like walking, stroll down the 7-mile long Glastonbury Way. You can download a free app for this self- guided tour which includes places of pilgrimage, all the notable parts of Glastonbury’s countryside and key parts of the town center.
glastonburyinformationcentre....
3. The Glastonbury Abbey
-Legend claims that Joseph of Arimathea was the Abbeys first founder - and here you can see the sacred Glastonbury Thorn, just like the one created by Joseph himself on nearby Wyrral Hill.
-It is also believed that King Arthur, along with his wife Guinevere, are buried in the Abbey. Their tombs were discovered by the monks in 1191. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the caskets were lost, but you can visit the spot of Arthur’s final resting place.
-What remains now are remnants of the Lady Chapel, built in 1186 and ruins of the Abbey church.
www.glastonburyabbey.com
4. The Glastonbury Tor:
-An icon of the Isle of Avalon - and one you can’t miss.
The hill stands over 520 feet above sea level and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.
-Adding to the mysticism of the site is the remaining 14th century tower of the former St. Michael's church that once rested at the top.
-At the top on a clear day, you have extensive views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales.
glastonburyinformationcentre....
Near the base of the Tor, there are two different springs believed to have healing properties. Many find it supernatural that they are but a few feet of each other.
5. The Chalice Well:
- Known as the red spring because the water flowing from the well has a high iron content, giving it a reddish hue.
-The Chalice wells and Gardens is a peaceful place for a walk among the greenery and although there is an entrance fee to enter, you can enjoy the waters of the red spring for free.
www.chalicewell.org.uk
6. White Spring:
-On the outside, there is a water feature and spigot where you can bottle up the healing waters, but the best way to experience the atmosphere is to take the steps down into the sanctuary which is lit only by candles.
-Many people worship naked in the pools of the well house.
-No video or photos are allowed inside to respect the worshiper’s sacred space.
-It’s free to get in, but opening hours at the White spring are sporadic, so be sure to check before you visit.
www.whitespring.org.uk
7. Unique shops:
-A great way to delve into Glastonbury’s ambience. There’s nothing you won’t find - books, crystals, incense, apothecaries selling ingredients to make potions for witchcraft and more!
8. St. Margaret’s Chapel and Royal Magdalene Almshouses:
-Dating back to the year 1250, it was first constructed as a pilgrims hospital and eventually became a place for aging parishioners until the 1950s.
-As an added bonus there is no entrance fee
www.stmargaretschapel.org.uk
9. The George and Pilgrims Hotel:
-Built in the 1400s, it’s a grade I listed building
-Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can enjoy the facade and go inside to have a drink or food at the pub.
www.redcatpubcompany.com/inns...
10. Knights Fish and chips:
- It's been run by the same family since 1909 - well over 100 years! (Not an ad, the food was just great!)
www.knightsfishrestaurant.com
11. The Glastonbury Mural trail:
This initiative was created with the goal of keeping the town colorful.
Now there are over 50 murals for residents and visitors to enjoy.
glastonburymuraltrail.co.uk
A map to the mural trail, along with other guides can be found at the Glastonbury Information Center on Magdalene street. They are open 7 days a week from 10am to 3pm.
glastonburyinformationcentre....
I hope this travel guide inspires you to visit Glastonbury and discover its enchanting mystical atmosphere. Of course there is the music festival, but as you can see, so much more!