Glastonbury Abbey: England’s Legendary Monastic Ruin
Explore the majestic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where medieval grandeur meets Arthurian legend and ancient Christian heritage in the heart of Somerset.
Glastonbury Abbey, located on Magdalene Street in Glastonbury, Somerset, is a monumental historic site famed for its medieval ruins, legendary connections to King Arthur, and its reputed founding by Joseph of Arimathea. Once the wealthiest monastery in England, it flourished from Saxon times through the Middle Ages before its dissolution in 1539. Visitors explore evocative ruins, the restored Lady Chapel, and immerse in centuries of myth, history, and spirituality.
A brief summary to Glastonbury Abbey
- Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL, GB
- +441458832267
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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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 the Lady Chapel to see restored medieval murals and stained glass that bring the abbey’s sacred past to life.
- Explore the abbey museum for artistic depictions of King Arthur’s tomb and insights into monastic life.
- Combine your visit with a walk to Glastonbury Tor and the Chalice Well to experience the surrounding mystical landscape.
- Plan your visit between 10am and 4pm, the abbey’s opening hours, to fully enjoy the site and its exhibitions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Bus
Travel by train to Castle Cary station, approximately 15 km from Glastonbury. From there, take the regular bus service 376 or 376A to Glastonbury town center, a 30-40 minute journey. Bus services run hourly with a fare around £5-£7 one way.
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Car
Driving to Glastonbury Abbey is straightforward via the A39 or A361 roads. Allow 20-40 minutes from nearby towns like Wells or Shepton Mallet. Parking is available in Glastonbury town, but spaces can be limited during peak seasons. Parking fees typically range from £3 to £5 for a day.
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Local Taxi
Local taxi services from Glastonbury town center to the abbey are readily available, with short rides taking 5-10 minutes. Fares generally cost £5-£10 depending on time and demand.
Glastonbury Abbey location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Glastonbury Abbey
Ancient Origins and Legendary Foundations
Glastonbury Abbey’s origins stretch back to at least the 7th century, with archaeological evidence suggesting occupation as early as the 5th century. Legend holds that Joseph of Arimathea, the biblical figure who provided Jesus’s tomb, founded the first Christian church here around 63 AD. This claim, deeply embedded in medieval lore, positioned Glastonbury as Britain’s oldest Christian site and linked it to the Holy Grail mythos. The abbey’s early stone church was built under Saxon King Ine in 712, and successive expansions by notable figures such as Abbot Dunstan in the 10th century established its religious prominence.Medieval Grandeur and Architectural Evolution
By the Norman Conquest, Glastonbury Abbey was England’s wealthiest monastery, owning vast lands and wielding considerable power. The abbey’s architecture evolved through centuries, with major rebuilding after a devastating fire in 1184. The new Great Church was consecrated in 1213, showcasing Gothic elements and becoming a pilgrimage magnet. The Lady Chapel, completed in the late 12th century, remains a highlight, its interior restored with vibrant murals and stained glass. The Abbot’s Kitchen, one of only three surviving medieval kitchens in the world, reflects the abbey’s former opulence.Myths of King Arthur and Spiritual Significance
In 1191, monks claimed to have discovered the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere on the abbey grounds, a discovery that reinforced Glastonbury’s legendary status. The reburial ceremony was attended by King Edward I and Queen Eleanor, cementing the abbey’s place in Arthurian legend. The abbey’s spiritual allure is further enhanced by its association with the Chalice Well and Glastonbury Tor, sites linked to the Holy Grail and ancient pagan traditions, making the area a focal point for pilgrimage and mystical fascination.Decline, Dissolution, and Enduring Legacy
The abbey’s fortunes declined during the 16th century amid the English Reformation. In 1539, under King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, Glastonbury Abbey was suppressed. Its last abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed on Glastonbury Tor for resisting the Crown. The abbey was stripped of its riches and fell into ruin. Today, the extensive ruins evoke its former grandeur and spiritual significance, drawing visitors worldwide to explore its history, legends, and evocative atmosphere.Present-Day Experience and Visitor Engagement
Visitors to Glastonbury Abbey can wander through atmospheric ruins, including the remains of the Lady Chapel and the abbey church, and view exhibitions detailing monastic life and the site’s rich history. The abbey’s museum features artistic reconstructions of the tomb of King Arthur and other medieval highlights. The surrounding town, steeped in mysticism and New Age culture, complements the abbey’s allure, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and cultural heritage.Architectural Remnants and Archaeological Insights
Recent archaeological studies have revealed Saxon glassworks and early medieval structures beneath the abbey grounds, shedding light on its long-standing importance. While some legendary claims remain debated, the abbey’s layered history is evident in its surviving stonework and layout. The site’s integration of ancient Christian and pre-Christian elements reflects its role as a spiritual crossroads through the centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
24.5 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
34.5 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
34.5 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
34.6 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
34.6 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
34.6 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
34.7 km
Elegant Georgian townhouse in Clifton with exclusive gardens and stunning views of Bristol’s iconic landmarks.
Redcliffe Caves
34.7 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
34.7 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
34.7 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)
34.7 km
Explore the breathtaking Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre in Bristol, where history, engineering, and stunning views come together for an unforgettable experience.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
34.7 km
Medieval Gothic masterpiece and eight centuries of Bristol's maritime heritage in stone
Bristol Ferry
34.7 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.
Pero's Bridge
34.8 km
A striking pedestrian bridge honoring an enslaved man's memory and Bristol's complex past with the slave trade.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Margaret's Chapel
0.2 km
A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
Glastonbury
0.3 km
Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
Chalice Well
0.7 km
Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
White Spring
0.7 km
A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Glastonbury Tor
1.2 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
8.6 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
8.6 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
8.7 km
Discover Wells Cathedral, England’s pioneering Gothic masterpiece with its iconic West Front, stunning scissor arches, and rich medieval heritage.
Vicar's Cl
8.8 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
13.0 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
15.5 km
Explore the dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset’s iconic natural landmark.
Cheddar Gorge
15.9 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
26.5 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
33.6 km
Vibrant Mediterranean small plates served in a stylish, intimate setting at Bedminster’s acclaimed COR Restaurant.
Souk Kitchen
33.7 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
34.2 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
The Pump House
34.3 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
BOX-E
34.4 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
34.4 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Root
34.4 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
Gambas
34.4 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
34.5 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Tare Restaurant
34.5 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Casa Bristol
34.5 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
New MoOn On The Quay
34.5 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
34.7 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Riverstation
34.7 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
34.7 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bristol General Store
33.5 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
Independent Design Collective
33.7 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Rhubarb Jumble
33.7 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
34.0 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Fig1
34.4 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
34.5 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Orendo
34.6 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
34.7 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
my a2space
34.9 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
34.9 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
34.9 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
About Face
35.0 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
35.0 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
35.0 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
The Pod Company
35.0 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
32.1 km
A beloved Nailsea pub blending traditional charm with lively sports and hearty fare in a welcoming community setting.
The Cottage Inn, Bristol
34.2 km
Historic harbourside pub offering modern British classics, craft ales, and scenic waterfront vibes in the heart of Bristol.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
34.7 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
34.7 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Bag of Nails
34.7 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
Shakespeare Tavern
34.7 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Old Crown Inn
34.7 km
A charming traditional British pub near Bath offering hearty fare, real ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in historic Kelston.
The Architect
34.7 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
34.8 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
34.9 km
Quirky Clifton cocktail haven spanning three cozy floors, perfect for masterful mixes and intimate evenings in Bristol's upscale village.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
34.9 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
The Coronation Tap
35.0 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
35.0 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
35.0 km
Cosy Clifton wine bar with a curated drinks list, small plates and buzzy window seats in the heart of the village.
Small Bar
35.0 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Thekla
34.7 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
PRYZM
34.8 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
The Loco Klub
34.9 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
OMG
35.1 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Motion
35.1 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
Basement 45
35.1 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
35.1 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Popworld - Bristol
35.2 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
35.2 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Antix
35.2 km
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
35.2 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
35.2 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
La Rocca
35.3 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
35.3 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
35.3 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
