Chalice Well: The Sacred Red Spring of Glastonbury
Discover the ancient, iron-rich waters and sacred gardens of Chalice Well, a timeless sanctuary of healing and legend in Glastonbury.
Nestled at the foot of Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well is Britain’s oldest continuously flowing holy well, famed for its iron-rich red waters and deep spiritual significance. Steeped in legends of the Holy Grail and ancient feminine symbolism, this tranquil garden sanctuary invites visitors to experience healing, reflection, and connection with mystical energies that have drawn pilgrims for over 2,000 years.
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
-
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 during spring mornings for blossoming gardens and fewer crowds to fully enjoy the tranquil setting.
- Explore the symbolism of the vesica piscis on the well cover and throughout the gardens to deepen your understanding of the site’s spiritual significance.
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
-
Bus
Local bus services from Glastonbury town center to Chalice Well operate regularly, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run every 30-60 minutes with tickets costing around £2-£4. Note that service frequency may reduce on weekends and holidays.
-
Taxi
Taxis from Glastonbury town center to Chalice Well take about 5-10 minutes. Fares typically range from £6 to £12 depending on time and traffic. Taxis offer flexible, direct access but may have limited availability during peak times.
-
Walking
From Glastonbury town center, walking to Chalice Well takes about 25-35 minutes along mostly flat, paved paths suitable for most visitors. The route passes through scenic streets but may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Chalice Well location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Chalice Well
Ancient Origins and Spiritual Legacy
The Chalice Well, often called the Red Spring, lies in the valley between Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill, within the legendary Isle of Avalon. Its waters have flowed uninterrupted for millennia, making it one of Britain's oldest sacred wells. Archaeological evidence suggests human use for over two thousand years, with the well's stone shaft dating back to at least the 12th century. The well was sacred to the Celts and Druids and later revered by Christian mystics, including the Essenes. It is linked to Joseph of Arimathea, who, according to legend, brought the Holy Grail to Glastonbury and buried it beneath the well, imbuing the spring with profound symbolic and healing significance.Symbolism of the Red Waters and Vesica Piscis
The well’s distinctive red hue comes from iron oxide deposits, which stain the stones and water, inspiring stories that the water is infused with the blood of Christ or rusty nails from the Crucifixion. The well cover, designed in 1919 by Frederick Bligh Bond, features the vesica piscis symbol—two interlocking circles representing the union of opposites, the gateway between physical and spiritual realms, and the divine feminine. This sacred geometry motif echoes throughout the gardens, symbolizing creation, fertility, and the balance of masculine and feminine energies. The Chalice Well’s waters are believed to possess healing powers, and visitors often collect water from its Lion’s Head fountain.A Sanctuary of Peace and Reflection
Surrounded by lush gardens filled with traditional English flowers, the Chalice Well offers a tranquil retreat for meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The site hosts a daily Silent Minute at noon and 3 pm, inviting visitors to unite in quiet reflection and spiritual connection. The atmosphere is imbued with a palpable sense of calm and sacredness, enhanced by the presence of ancient yew trees and the nearby Holy Thorn Tree, which flowers twice yearly and is said to descend from the original tree planted by Joseph of Arimathea.Legends and Mystical Connections
The Chalice Well is deeply entwined with Arthurian legend and mystical lore. Glastonbury itself is often identified as Avalon, the enchanted isle where King Arthur’s legends unfold. The well’s waters symbolize life, renewal, and the sacred feminine, while nearby Glastonbury Tor represents the masculine. The site is believed to lie on powerful ley lines, channels of earth energy, making it a focal point for spiritual seekers and those drawn to the mysteries of creation and eternal life.Preservation and Public Access
The Chalice Well Trust, founded in 1959 by spiritualist Wellesley Tudor Pole, safeguards this living sanctuary for the public. The Trust maintains the gardens and well, ensuring the site remains a place of pilgrimage, rest, and healing. The well’s continuous flow of around 25,000 gallons daily has never failed, even in drought, underscoring its enduring natural and spiritual vitality.Experiencing Chalice Well Today
Visitors to Chalice Well can wander the serene gardens, absorb the symbolism and history, and partake in the well’s healing waters. The site encourages reverence, quietude, and connection to the land’s ancient energies. It remains a beacon for those seeking spiritual insight, peace, and a tangible link to Britain’s mystical heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
24.0 km
A French-influenced medieval fortress where a Hundred Years' War veteran built his legacy in stone.
Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare
31.0 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.
Fairfield House
34.7 km
Explore Fairfield House, a historical landmark in Bath, where Victorian architecture meets serene gardens, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Capricorn Place
34.7 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.
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.
The Paragon
34.8 km
Elegant Georgian townhouse in Clifton with exclusive gardens and stunning views of Bristol’s iconic landmarks.
Statue of Cary Grant
34.8 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
34.8 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and cultural richness of Millennium Square, Bristol's premier urban park and social hub.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
34.8 km
Medieval Gothic masterpiece and eight centuries of Bristol's maritime heritage in stone
Bristol Ferry
34.8 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.
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.
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
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
34.5 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
34.6 km
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
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
33.8 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
34.8 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
my a2space
35.0 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.
Movement Boutique
35.1 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
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.
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.
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.
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
32.4 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.
The Old Crown Inn
34.6 km
A charming traditional British pub near Bath offering hearty fare, real ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in historic Kelston.
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
34.8 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
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.
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.
Steinbeck and Shaw
34.9 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
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 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.
Small Bar
35.1 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Kongs of King Street
35.1 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Zen
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
