Glastonbury
A Somerset town of Christian pilgrimage, Arthurian legend and modern Pagan and New Age life, below a conical hill topped by a medieval tower.
Practised and told of here
Best time: Spring and autumn. Midsummer is busy.
Glastonbury Tor and the ruined abbey hold stories of Joseph of Arimathea, King Arthur and the Holy Grail, all medieval or later. In the twentieth century the town became a centre for Pagan, Goddess and spiritual groups. The Glastonbury Goddess Temple, the Chalice Well and many shops draw visitors.
The legends
Monks of the abbey claimed in 1191 to have found the grave of Arthur and Guinevere. Historians generally treat the discovery as a fundraising effort after a fire. The Joseph of Arimathea story is first attested hundreds of years after the supposed events.
Modern Glastonbury
The town is host to a mix of Christians, Pagans, Druids, New Age sellers and the Glastonbury Festival crowd, which many residents see as an important part of the town's identity. A shop-lined High Street sells crystals and incense.
Visiting
The Tor is a steep climb and exposed. Visitors are asked to leave the spring and abbey grounds as found, and to stay clear of ceremonies.
A respectful visit to Glastonbury
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Glastonbury Abbey Visit the ruins and the reputed site of the grave.
- Chalice Well Walk the gardens at the base of the Tor.
- Glastonbury Tor Climb to the tower for the view.
- The High Street Notice what is for sale and who is selling.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Glastonbury" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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