Chalice Well: The Sacred Red Spring of Glastonbury
Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
Nestled at the foot of Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well is Britain's oldest holy well, renowned for its iron-rich red waters and deep spiritual significance. This ancient spring, flowing continuously for over 2,000 years, is linked to legends of the Holy Grail and Joseph of Arimathea. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and symbolic features, it offers visitors a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, healing, and connection with nature and mystical traditions.
A brief summary to Chalice Well
- Chalice Well Trust, 85-89 Chilkwell St, Glastonbury, BA6 8DD, GB
- +441458831154
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Respect the peaceful atmosphere by keeping noise to a minimum and observing the daily Silent Minute at noon and 3 pm.
- Bring a bottle to collect some of the iron-rich water from the Lion’s Head fountain, believed to have healing properties.
- Visit the nearby Holy Thorn Tree, which flowers twice a year at Christmas and Easter, symbolizing local legend and tradition.
- Explore the tranquil gardens surrounding the well, featuring symbolic designs like the vesica piscis and flowing water pools.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Glastonbury town center to Chalice Well, a 10-15 minute ride with stops near Chilkwell Street. Services run approximately every 30 minutes during the day. Tickets cost around £2-£4 one way.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Glastonbury to Chalice Well takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6 to £10. Taxis are readily available but may require booking during peak times.
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Walking
From Glastonbury town center, a pleasant 20-25 minute walk along mostly flat terrain leads to Chalice Well. The route is accessible for most visitors but includes some cobbled sections.
Chalice Well location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Chalice Well
Ancient Origins and Spiritual Legacy
Chalice Well is an ancient sacred spring located in Glastonbury, Somerset, often called the Red Spring due to its distinctive iron-rich waters that stain the stones a deep rust red. Archaeological evidence indicates that the well has been in almost constant use for over two millennia, making it one of Britain's oldest continuously flowing wells. Historically, it was sacred to the Celts, Druids, and later spiritual communities such as the Essenes. The well’s waters have long been believed to possess healing properties and are sometimes described as the essence of life itself.Legendary Connections and Symbolism
The well is famously linked to Christian and Arthurian legends, particularly the story of Joseph of Arimathea, who is said to have brought the Holy Grail—the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper and which caught drops of his blood at the Crucifixion—to Glastonbury. Legend holds that Joseph buried the Grail beneath the well, giving the water its symbolic red hue, often interpreted as the blood of Christ or the iron nails of the Crucifixion. The well cover, designed by Frederick Bligh Bond in 1919, features the vesica piscis symbol—two interlocking circles representing unity, balance, and a gateway between the physical and spiritual worlds.The Gardens and Sacred Landscape
Surrounding the well is a beautifully maintained garden sanctuary, designed to enhance the sense of peace and spiritual connection. The gardens incorporate symbolic elements such as the vesica piscis pool, flowing water features, and a variety of flowers and trees, including the nearby Holy Thorn Tree, which blooms twice yearly at Christmas and Easter. The atmosphere encourages quiet reflection, meditation, and a deep connection with nature’s rhythms.Modern Stewardship and Community
The Chalice Well Trust, established in 1959 by Wellesley Tudor Pole, a spiritualist and visionary, preserves and safeguards the well and its grounds for public benefit. Tudor Pole’s vision was to maintain the site as a living sanctuary and place of pilgrimage and rest. The Trust continues to uphold this mission, hosting events and encouraging visitors to observe the daily Silent Minute—a moment of collective prayer and contemplation that began during WWII.Experiencing Chalice Well Today
Visitors to Chalice Well experience a unique blend of history, legend, and natural beauty. The continuous flow of 25,000 gallons of water daily, even in drought, is a testament to the well’s enduring vitality. The site is a magnet for those seeking spiritual solace, healing, or simply a tranquil retreat. Its rich symbolism, serene gardens, and the mystical energy of Glastonbury make it a profound place for personal reflection and connection with ancient traditions.Chalice Well in the Context of Glastonbury
Situated between Chalice Hill and Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well forms part of a sacred landscape steeped in myth and energy. The well’s red waters contrast with the nearby White Spring, symbolizing the union of opposites—blood and bone, feminine and masculine, earth and spirit. This duality reflects the deep spiritual heritage of Glastonbury, a place renowned for ley lines and mystical energies that have drawn pilgrims and seekers for centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
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Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare
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The Matthew of Bristol
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Being Brunel
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Bristol Harbour Railway
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Fairfield House
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Capricorn Place
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Prince Street Bridge
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Redcliffe Caves
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The Paragon
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Statue of Cary Grant
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Millennium Square
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St Mary Redcliffe Church
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Bristol Ferry
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Discover the scenic beauty of Bristol from the water with Bristol Ferry, a delightful ferry service showcasing the city's stunning waterfront and rich history.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre (Free Entry)
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Unmissable attractions to see
White Spring
0.1 km
A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Glastonbury Tor
0.5 km
An iconic hill of myth, legend, and breathtaking views, Glastonbury Tor invites you to step into England’s mystical past and spiritual heart.
Glastonbury Abbey
0.7 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
St Margaret's Chapel
0.8 km
A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
Glastonbury
0.9 km
Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
Wells Market
8.5 km
Experience the vibrant charm of Wells Market, a historic twice-weekly hub of local produce, crafts, and community events in the heart of Somerset.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
8.5 km
Explore 800 years of medieval history, stunning gardens, and tranquil moats at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens in the heart of Wells.
Wells Cathedral
8.6 km
Discover Wells Cathedral, England’s pioneering Gothic masterpiece with its iconic West Front, stunning scissor arches, and rich medieval heritage.
Vicar's Cl
8.7 km
Step into Vicars' Close, Wells—the oldest intact medieval residential street in Europe, where history lives in every limestone house and cobbled stone.
Shepton Mallet Prison
12.5 km
Step inside England’s oldest prison for immersive tours, escape rooms, and ghost hunts steeped in over 400 years of history and haunting tales.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
15.9 km
Discover authentic, award-winning Cheddar cheese crafted in the heart of Cheddar Gorge by a family-owned artisan dairy.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
15.9 km
Explore the dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset’s iconic natural landmark.
Cheddar Gorge
16.3 km
Explore England’s largest limestone gorge with stunning cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage in the heart of Somerset.
North Somerset Bird Of Prey Centre
26.9 km
Experience hands-on encounters with majestic birds of prey and reptiles in a dedicated conservation centre nestled in the heart of Somerset.
Pensford Viaduct
27.5 km
Explore the majestic 19th-century Pensford Viaduct, a stunning historic railway bridge soaring above the scenic Chew Valley in Somerset.
Essential places to dine
COR Restaurant
33.8 km
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Souk Kitchen
33.8 km
Experience vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean mezze dishes in a lively Southville setting, perfect for sharing and savoring bold flavours.
The Chef's Table
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An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
The Pump House
34.4 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
BOX-E
34.5 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
The Olive Shed
34.5 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Root
34.5 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
Gambas
34.6 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
34.6 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Tare Restaurant
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Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Casa Bristol
34.6 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
New MoOn On The Quay
34.6 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Bouvardia Restaurant
34.7 km
Experience Bath’s finest fine dining with exquisite British and European cuisine in an elegant, luxurious setting at Bouvardia Restaurant.
Steak of the Art
34.8 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Riverstation
34.9 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bristol General Store
33.6 km
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Independent Design Collective
33.8 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Rhubarb Jumble
33.8 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
34.1 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Fig1
34.5 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Something Elsie
34.6 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Orendo
34.8 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
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my a2space
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Will's doss pit
35.1 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Movement Boutique
35.1 km
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About Face
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Mint Velvet Bristol
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Indira Rose Vintage
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The Pod Company
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Oak
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The Cottage Inn, Bristol
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The Old Crown Inn
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Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
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Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Shakespeare Tavern
34.9 km
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The Architect
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Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Bag of Nails
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Steinbeck and Shaw
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
35.0 km
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Small Bar
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Kongs of King Street
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The Coronation Tap
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22 Clifton
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Thekla
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PRYZM
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The Loco Klub
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Motion
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OMG
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Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Basement 45
35.2 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
35.2 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Popworld - Bristol
35.3 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
35.3 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Antix
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Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Silk Nightclub
35.3 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
35.3 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
La Rocca
35.4 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
35.4 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
Bristol Lola Lo
35.5 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
