Location: Glastonbury
Top Things to do in Glastonbury
The 10 Best Things to Do in Glastonbury, United Kingdom (UK)
Generally a quiet place graced with lovely terrain for strolling, Glastonbury is very busy in the summer because of its music festival. Best known for contemporary music, the festival has attracted almost 200,000 people in recent years (whereas Glastonbury's full-time population is only 9,000 or so). There are a number of historical monuments to see in the area, including Glastonbury Lake Village, Glastonbury Abbey and the Somerset Rural Life Museum. We can't say that the weather is always good, but on a sunny day you can't go wrong!
Restaurants in Glastonbury
1. Glastonbury Tor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By goldenapplejane - Glastonbury, United Kingdom
There isn't any parking close to the Tor, but a shuttle bus leaves from the Abbey car park (fees for parking apply) on the High Street at regular intervals. Alternatively, you can walk along Chilkwell Street and call at Well House Lane, where the Red and White Springs flank the lane. One route to the top starts here; the other at the top of this lane. The path is quite steep but paved, with steps.
At the top, it's often much windier than below, and can be quite chilly. There's a plaque which identifies the visible landmarks. It's worth bringing binoculars. Dogs are allowed, on leads as there are often sheep or cattle grazing the slopes.
2. St. Margaret's Chapel & Magdalene Almshouses
Overall Ratings
5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Michelle B - Braintree, United Kingdom
After the busy hustle and bustle of the town centre, just a short way off is this tiny, ancient chapel with simple white washed walls. They also have alms houses that depict how they would have been used and a peaceful little garden, smelling beautifully of lavender.
It is like an oasis of calm.
They also have a lovely little gift shop selling the lavender that they grow and other handmade things.
3. Ham Wall Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Bobtdiver
A lovely bird sanctuary, plenty of walks, lots to see - but take your binoculars and a good camera! Not ideal for young kids (unless they're really into nature!)
We went to see the Starlings Murmurating at Sunset. Loads of cars, loads of people, but worth it as the starlings swirled!
4. Chalice Well
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
5. Glastonbury Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A hidden jewel in the heart of Somerset, Glastonbury Abbey is traditionally associated with the earliest days of Christianity in Britain and figures such as Joseph of Arimathea, St Patrick and St David. It is also the resting place for three Saxon kings and the legendary King Arthur. Set in 36 acres of parkland in the middle of the town, the histories, mysteries and myths of Glastonbury Abbey define it as a place of extraordinary spiritual significance. Open 364 days a year, welcoming dogs on short leads, with summer cafe, costumed guides, accredited museum and gift shop.
Reviewed By samroz3 - London, United Kingdom
I went to the Abbey with friends and we were guided around by Mollie. Some of the stories about the Abbey were interesting and Mollie was engaging, from the few ruins of the original Abbey that remain standing, the stone masonry is good to look at and shows quality craftsmanship that unfortunately we no longer seem to have in this country.
However, that said there was nothing really there to look at and my personal opinion is that it should have been free to look around and I felt that £8.25 to see some ruins is too much. I also feel that if they were going to charge they should have done more to bring the place alive, e.g volunteers in monks outfits and a bit of theatrical re-enactment.
However, it was good fun to hear how King Arthur might have buried there, but my sneaking suspicion is that Monmoth was a con artist who made the claim to bring more money into the town.
6. White Spring Well & Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Cavernous and set apart, in blackness or candle lit, mysterious it remains. A wonderful contrast to the sunlit Gardens of Chalice Well of the Red Spring. The interior consists of three domed vaults 16ft high, with beautiful bowed floors - like the hull of a boat moored at the portal to the Otherworld. With it's constant temperature, and the sound of the perpetually flowing water, it is a unique and sacred space. Please be aware that people often bathe naked here, and we have a no photography policy. Many groups, pilgrims, and local people - from a wide diversity of backgrounds and traditions - have come to appreciate the blessings of this sacred space. So do come and enjoy the White Spring during our normal opening hours or at our regular ceremonies and meditations. We gather together to celebrate the turning of the seasons and at the full moon. Private visits and ceremonies, including baptisms and ceremonial bathing may be possible by arrangement. In keeping with the sense of sacred at the White Spring there is no charge or expectation of donation, neither is anyone paid. People often make a contribution to the White Spring for the upkeep costs and to keep access free for all. Please consider making a financial contribution if you are able to, all contributions are welcomed, but never expected.
Reviewed By FrankieBI - Exeter, United Kingdom
This was such an unexpected find that it was possibly even more special. Just walking by when we heard the sound of chanting and saw an open doorway and steps that led to a lit temple and sound of water . Just visit and see for yourself a really special place for all ages .
7. Glastonbury Festival
Overall Ratings
5 based on 81 reviews
As the most famous music festival in the UK, it’s a race to get your hands on one of the 170,000+ Glastonbury tickets when they go on sale. It started in 1970 as a tiny festival, where you mingled with the cows and got free milk while watching T Rex up on stage after paying £1. Since then it’s morphed into the music event of the year. The whole thing is streamed on TV, covered on numerous radio stations and talked about for weeks. If you're lucky enough to grab a ticket make sure you take your wellies too – the Glastonbury mud is as legendary as the festival itself.
Reviewed By Sarona - Hertfordshire
61 years of age and we did our first Glastonbury Festival, absolutely fantastic. Amazingly well organised from start to finish. Where else could you see so many great and diverse bands, circus acts and so so so much more. We walked miles every day (from Wednesday to Monda) and still didn't see it all.
You'll never go hungry and although fairly pricey, the food was excellent and big portions. We took breakfast and snacks and bought lunch and dinner but still took money home.
With all the drink being consumed there was no trouble, we've never been anywhere so friendly and it doesn't matter what age you are, babies through to 80 year olds and everyone in between it just the best and most friendliest place ever.
The camping was ok, we survived it but then of course we only had a little bit of rain on the Sunday morning, won't put us off returning again (subject to being able to get hold of tickets of course). The ticket price is so worth it as where else could you see so many bands and acts 24/7.
The toilets were of course a bit of a trial, they do really well considering the amount of people using them. My husband wants me to say .. Men - use the urinals, faster and better for the ladies!
It's great just to people watch and you can dress however you please and no-one cares, everyone mixes in together dancing, singing, its just great!
The whole ethos of the festival is perfect, fun, protecting the environment and health.
I could go on and on about all the great things we say, did and experienced - Give it a go, you'll love it.
8. Glastonbury Goddess Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By davidalan14 - Seaford, United Kingdom
My 3rd visit to Glastonbury and 1st time here. A lovely woman greeted me as I entered simply by nodding-words aren’t necessary and spoil the quietness of this place of contemplation. It seemed apparent that shoes weren’t necessary in the Temple so I removed mine and laid them alongside others as I took a seat on the floor made comfortable by scattered cushions and soon relaxed into this place of solace more so with the soft chant music and candles and incense present. Until the person opposite’s mobile phone rang not once but on two occasions and I wished earnestly that they’d leave to answer their all so important call outside this place of sanctuary from the outside world but some can’t let go!
9. Somerset Rural Life Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Visitors to Somerset Rural Life Museum can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage including its landscape, food and farming, working life and rural crafts. The Museum reopened in June 2017 following a major £2.4 million redevelopment, led by the South West Heritage Trust.
Reviewed By DaveBAmersham - Amersham
A very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, this museum gives interesting insights into the history of Somerset and its people. The displays of exhibits were imaginatively presented with atmospheric lighting and interesting artefacts. Video information was cleverly given using artefacts as screens. A great deal of thought has been used in the presentation of ideas in this relatively new venture. Highly recommended.
10. Facets of Avalon
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
A wonderful mother and daughter working studio, displaying wire jewellery which is made on site, by Rachel Reilly and Multi Media Mosaics by Jan Billings . Commissions welcome
Reviewed By King Z - Ukraine
gems and stones with tarot cards and of all the dragon fire stones hearts desire spells bound books of snake shaped staffs of big bussom in purple velvet domm bootsLovely comments but not describing our shop.....it sounds a great place though!
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