St Margaret's Chapel and Magdalene Almshouses, Glastonbury
A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
St Margaret's Chapel, located on Magdalene Street in Glastonbury, is a historic chapel dating back to the 13th century, originally part of a pilgrim hospital complex. The site includes the chapel and surviving almshouses, offering a peaceful sanctuary with rich medieval heritage, restored gardens, and spaces for prayer, quiet contemplation, and artistic activities.
A brief summary to St Margaret's Chapel
- Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EJ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring to autumn for daily open hours and enjoy the garden in full bloom.
- Explore the adjoining almshouses to see artist workshops and a historical display of 16th-century life.
- Take time for quiet reflection inside the chapel, which is kept deliberately plain and peaceful.
- Check the noticeboard outside for exact opening times, especially in winter months when hours are limited.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the pathways are ancient stone and may be uneven or slippery.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus
Regular bus services operate from Bristol, Yeovil, Taunton, and Wells to Glastonbury, with journey times ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. From the town center, Magdalene Street is accessible on foot within 10 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £5–£10 depending on the departure point.
-
Train and Bus Combination
Travel by train to Castle Cary or Bridgwater stations, approximately 30 to 60 minutes from major cities like Bristol or Bath. From there, local bus connections to Glastonbury take 20 to 40 minutes. Combined fares typically range from £10 to £20.
-
Car
Driving to Glastonbury from the M5 motorway (Junction 23) takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Parking is available in town car parks near Magdalene Street, but spaces can be limited during peak times. Parking fees generally range from £2 to £5 per hour.
St Margaret's Chapel location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St Margaret's Chapel
A Sanctuary Rooted in Pilgrimage History
St Margaret's Chapel is part of a historic complex dating back to the 13th century, situated in Glastonbury, a town renowned for its spiritual and pilgrimage significance. Originally built as a hospital for pilgrims visiting the abbey, the site was endowed by Queen Margaret of Scotland, whose legacy is intertwined with the chapel's foundation. The chapel itself was constructed around 1444 as a place of prayer attached to the hospital, serving the spiritual needs of sick men cared for by the monks. This connection to medieval pilgrimage routes and the abbey’s religious life marks the chapel as a significant relic of England’s ecclesiastical heritage.Architectural Evolution and Almshouse Heritage
The original hospital was replaced in the 16th century by two rows of almshouses designed to house poor men, reflecting the site’s ongoing charitable mission. Although one row was demolished in the 1960s to create a garden, the remaining almshouses stand today as a testament to the social history of Glastonbury. These almshouses have been sensitively restored and now serve varied purposes, including artist workshops and a small shop. The chapel and almshouses together form a quiet enclave that preserves the architectural and communal spirit of the medieval period.A Place of Quiet Reflection and Artistic Inspiration
The chapel is deliberately kept plain and unadorned, fostering an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. Open daily for prayer and quiet reflection, it welcomes visitors seeking spiritual solace or a moment of calm in the bustling town. The adjoining gardens, carefully tended and featuring the foundations of former buildings, provide a tranquil outdoor space to appreciate the site's layered history. During warmer months, iconographers often work in the almshouses, adding a living artistic dimension to the site’s heritage.Restoration and Community Stewardship
Managed by the Mary and Margaret Charity, the site underwent significant refurbishment in 2012, including the addition of a stone courtyard wall, disabled access facilities, and garden improvements. This restoration has ensured the chapel and almshouses remain accessible and welcoming, preserving their historical integrity while adapting to modern needs. The charity’s stewardship reflects a commitment to maintaining the chapel as a sacred space and educational resource, with ongoing involvement from local volunteers and artists.Hidden Gem in Glastonbury’s Spiritual Landscape
Tucked away behind Magdalene Street, the chapel and almshouses form a hidden sanctuary within Glastonbury’s rich spiritual tapestry. The site is part of the Town Millennium Trail and offers a unique glimpse into the town’s medieval past, complementing nearby landmarks such as Glastonbury Abbey and the Goddess Temple. Its quiet presence amidst the town’s vibrant pilgrimage culture invites visitors to explore a lesser-known but deeply meaningful chapter of Glastonbury’s history.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Visitors can explore the chapel and the remaining almshouses during opening hours, which vary seasonally but generally run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site offers disabled access via a ramp and handrail, though visitors should note the ancient paving may be uneven. Nearby amenities include refreshments and restrooms, making it a comfortable stop for those touring Glastonbury’s spiritual sites. The chapel is also available for private prayer, group hire, and artistic residencies, emphasizing its role as a living community space.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
24.7 km
A French-influenced medieval fortress where a Hundred Years' War veteran built his legacy in stone.
Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare
30.4 km
Explore Birnbeck Pier, the unique Victorian pier linking mainland to island, rich with history, wartime secrets, and seaside charm.
The Matthew of Bristol
34.6 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Being Brunel
34.7 km
Discover the legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel at Being Brunel, an interactive museum celebrating the genius of British engineering in Bristol.
Bristol Harbour Railway
34.7 km
Experience the historic charm of Bristol Harbour Railway, a heritage railway offering scenic rides through Bristol's vibrant docks and maritime history.
Capricorn Place
34.8 km
Explore the architectural beauty of Capricorn Place in Bristol, a hidden gem that showcases the city's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Prince Street Bridge
34.8 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
The Paragon
34.8 km
Elegant Georgian townhouse in Clifton with exclusive gardens and stunning views of Bristol’s iconic landmarks.
Redcliffe Caves
34.8 km
Explore the enchanting Redcliffe Caves in Bristol, a breathtaking tourist attraction filled with stunning rock formations and vibrant art installations.
Statue of Cary Grant
34.9 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Millennium Square
34.9 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and cultural richness of Millennium Square, Bristol's premier urban park and social hub.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre (Free Entry)
34.9 km
Explore the breathtaking Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre in Bristol, where history, engineering, and stunning views come together for an unforgettable experience.
Bristol Ferry
34.9 km
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.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
34.9 km
Medieval Gothic masterpiece and eight centuries of Bristol's maritime heritage in stone
Pero's Bridge
34.9 km
A striking pedestrian bridge honoring an enslaved man's memory and Bristol's complex past with the slave trade.
Unmissable attractions to see
Glastonbury Abbey
0.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
Glastonbury
0.3 km
Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
Chalice Well
0.8 km
Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
White Spring
0.9 km
A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Glastonbury Tor
1.3 km
An iconic hill of myth, legend, and breathtaking views, Glastonbury Tor invites you to step into England’s mystical past and spiritual heart.
Wells Market
8.8 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
8.8 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
8.9 km
Discover Wells Cathedral, England’s pioneering Gothic masterpiece with its iconic West Front, stunning scissor arches, and rich medieval heritage.
Vicar's Cl
9.0 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
13.2 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
15.5 km
Discover authentic, award-winning Cheddar cheese crafted in the heart of Cheddar Gorge by a family-owned artisan dairy.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
15.6 km
Explore the dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset’s iconic natural landmark.
Cheddar Gorge
16.0 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
26.6 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
27.6 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
Vibrant Mediterranean small plates served in a stylish, intimate setting at Bedminster’s acclaimed COR Restaurant.
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
34.3 km
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
34.6 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
34.6 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Root
34.6 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
34.6 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Casa Bristol
34.7 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
New MoOn On The Quay
34.7 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
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.
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
34.9 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bristol General Store
33.7 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
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
33.9 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
34.2 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Fig1
34.6 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
34.8 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Movement Boutique
35.1 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
my a2space
35.1 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
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.
About Face
35.1 km
Discover curated gifts and artisanal treasures in Clifton's charming village heart, where unique finds meet personal service in a cozy Bristol gem.
Indira Rose Vintage
35.1 km
Discover mid-century magic across three floors in Clifton's chic village—timeless antiques and vintage furniture await in Bristol's premier trove.
Mint Velvet Bristol
35.1 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
The Pod Company
35.2 km
Discover cutting-edge wellness with The Pod Company’s innovative ice baths and sauna pods in the heart of Clifton, Bristol.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Oak
32.2 km
A beloved Nailsea pub blending traditional charm with lively sports and hearty fare in a welcoming community setting.
The Cottage Inn, Bristol
34.3 km
Historic harbourside pub offering modern British classics, craft ales, and scenic waterfront vibes in the heart of Bristol.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
34.8 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
34.9 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Bag of Nails
34.9 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
Shakespeare Tavern
34.9 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Architect
34.9 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Steinbeck and Shaw
34.9 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
The Old Crown Inn
34.9 km
A charming traditional British pub near Bath offering hearty fare, real ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in historic Kelston.
The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
35.0 km
Quirky Clifton cocktail haven spanning three cozy floors, perfect for masterful mixes and intimate evenings in Bristol's upscale village.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
35.0 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
The Coronation Tap
35.1 km
Bristol's legendary ciderhouse near Clifton Suspension Bridge, famed for potent Exhibition scrumpy, live tunes, and timeless tavern vibes in cozy Clifton.
22 Clifton
35.1 km
A vaulted Clifton wine cellar mixing Georgian bones with a modern wine-bar programme, tastings and sharing plates in an intimate setting.
The Quadrant
35.1 km
Cosy Clifton wine bar with a curated drinks list, small plates and buzzy window seats in the heart of the village.
Small Bar
35.2 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
