The Ancient Town of Glastonbury

The town of Glastonbury dates back thousands of years. Its early history was as an island amongst shallow coastal seas. Legend says that Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to Glastonbury after the Crucifixion of Christ. Joseph planted his staff on Wearyall Hill (opposite No.1 Park Terrace) where it took root as a flowering thorn, which still blooms twice a year.

For centuries Glastonbury has been celebrated as a holy site and is still a place of pilgrimage. It is claimed by Arthurian legend to be the fabled Isle of Avalon, the burial place of King Arthur.

Today Glastonbury is a busy market town, with a mixture of shops lining its streets. In addition, it is well placed as a major centre for tourism, not only for the ancient history preserved in Glastonbury itself, but for all the fascinating features of Somerset.

 

 

Explore the beautifully varied Somerset countryside on foot,
by bicycle, public transport or take a leisurely drive.

There are so many historic towns and villages throughout the county, plus the unique surrounding countryside with an abundance of delightful gardens open to the public. Whether you are visiting the area for carnivals or concerts, festivals and fairs, or just happily enjoying a break in the country, Somerset has so much to offer.

 

 

Here are just a few of the many places of interest in and around the
Glastonbury area:

 

The remains of a fourteenth century chapel are on top of this five-hundred foot hill. This has been a sacred site since pre-Christian times. Access by footpath.

The first known Christian church in England and, allegedly, the site of King Arthur's tomb.
01458 832267

The Chalice Well waters are said to have mystical properties. The natural beauty of the gardens provide a peaceful retreat.
01458 831154

The museum occupies a fourteenth century tithe barn and a Victorian farmhouse, where only very few objects are hidden behind glass.
01458 831197
Wells Cathedral

Wells is the smallest city in Enlgand. Wells Cathedral is one of the most impressive of the English Cathedrals, the building was begun in 1180 and has survived eight centuries with all its associated buildings still aroud it, the Chapter House , Vicars' Hall, the Cloisters and the unique Vicars' Close.

  
Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens , Wells.13th Century Undercroft, imposing state rooms and tranquil gardens surrounded by battlement walls and a moat. In the grounds are the springs from which Wells takes its name.

  

An area of outstanding beauty , with dramatic scenery.
01934 742343
Clarks Village

The home of factory shopping, with a range of factory shops big enough to please everyone.
01458 840064

The spectacular showcaves, together with a museum and a Victorian papermill still producing traditionally made paper.
01749 67224
Shoe Museum

The museum tells the story of shoe making from the 19th century.

 01458 842169
East Somerset Railway

A wonderful experience of steam locomotives travelling through the Somerset countryside.
01749 880417
West Somerset Railway

Steam and vintage diesel trains on Britain's longest heritage railway.

 01643 704996
Peat Moors Centre

This 'hands-on' centre is the most exciting archaeological reconstruction in Somerset. Visitors can experience what life was really like in prehistoric Britain.

 01458 860697
Haynes Motor Museum

One of the world's most spectacular motor museums. Wonderful cars from vintage to modern day classics.
01963 440804
Longleat

Enjoy a fantastic day out for all the family. Safari Park, Longleat House, mazes, adventure castle and much much more.
01985 844400
Barrington Court Gardens

North of Illminster, these formal gardens were created by Gertrude Jekyll. Now National Trust.
01460 241938
East Lambrook Manor

These delightful gardens were created by Margery Fish. Pay a visit to their tea rooms and nursery too.
01460 240328
Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey is set in 30 acres of magnificent gardens surrounding the medieval abbey. Pick your own, nursery and restaurant also.
01460 221290
Hadspen House

This wonderful walled garden and wildflower meadow has some unusual plants to see, including a marvellous collection of hosters.
01749 813707
Moorlynch Vineyard

Wine, tours, tastings, meals and drinks. Glass gallery and sales.

 01458 210393
Pilton Manor Vineyard

Classic vineyard with tearooms and tastings.
01749 890325
North Wootton Vineyard

A friendly welcome from quality wine producers in quiet and beautiful surroundings.

 01749 890359
Perry's Cider Mills

Cider farm with shop, museum and the oppotunity to taste before you buy.

 01460 52681
Sheppy's Cider Centre

Traditional farmhouse cider with an interesting museum and farm shop.

 01823 461233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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