Glastonbury Tor
Where legend, history, and spirituality converge on Somerset's most iconic hilltop.
Rising 158 metres above the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor is a dramatic natural landmark crowned by the ruined tower of a 14th-century church dedicated to Saint Michael. This ancient sacred site, steeped in Arthurian legend and Christian mythology, draws visitors seeking spiritual connection and panoramic views across the English countryside. Free to visit and open 24 hours, the Tor offers a tangible link to centuries of folklore, from tales of King Arthur and the Holy Grail to pre-Christian Celtic worship.
A brief summary to Glastonbury Tor
- Glastonbury, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture better photographs. The site is open 24 hours, making sunrise and sunset visits particularly rewarding for both views and atmosphere.
- Bring water and wear sturdy footwear. The concrete paths are steep with benches at the halfway point. The ascent takes 15–20 minutes from the town centre, but the 360-degree views reward the effort.
- Explore the ruined tower's interior archways and look for carved details. The hollow chamber offers shelter from wind and provides a contemplative space to absorb the landscape.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Glastonbury Abbey (10 minutes' walk), Chalice Well (at the base of the Tor), and the White Spring. These sites deepen understanding of the area's spiritual significance.
- Visit during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) or on weekdays to experience the site with fewer visitors and a more meditative atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Sheltered Areas
Getting There
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Walking from Glastonbury Town Centre
From Glastonbury High Street, follow signs toward the Tor. The walk takes 15–20 minutes and covers approximately 1.5 kilometres. The route is straightforward, passing through residential areas before reaching the Well House Lane entrance (the most accessible route) or Stone Down Lane entrance. Both lead to the concrete path up the hill. No charge; park in town centre car parks (Wilfrid Road or Magdalene Street, both pay-and-display, approximately £1–2 per hour).
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Tor Mini Bus (Seasonal)
From spring through September, the National Trust operates a shuttle bus from Glastonbury Abbey on Magdalene Street. Pre-booking is essential. The bus drops passengers at the base of the Tor on the north side, reducing walking time to approximately 5 minutes. Service frequency varies; allow 40 minutes total at the Tor. Cost approximately £2–3 per person return. Enquire at Glastonbury Information Centre (01458 333144) for current schedules and booking.
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Accessibility Parking
Blue and Orange Badge holders can access mobility parking in Stonedown Lane (two-minute walk to the most accessible entrance near Chalice Well). The entrance features steps and a steep ramp. Standard parking is not available at the Tor; use town centre car parks and walk, or use the seasonal shuttle bus. Concrete paths to the summit are steep but manageable with assistance.
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Cycling and Alternative Routes
Cycling is possible to the Tor's base via town centre routes, though the final ascent is steep and not suitable for bikes. The Chalice Well entrance (Well House Lane) is quieter and offers an alternative approach. Allow 20–30 minutes total from town centre by bike plus walking time up the hill.
Glastonbury Tor location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Glastonbury Tor
A Sacred Landscape Shaped by Time and Legend
Glastonbury Tor dominates the skyline of Somerset as one of England's most spiritually significant natural landmarks. Rising 158 metres above the surrounding flatlands, this distinctive conical hill was once an island surrounded by the marshes of the Somerset Levels before the wetlands were drained in the 18th century. The Tor's unusual geology and the seven terraces that encircle its slopes—whose origins remain mysterious—have captivated visitors for millennia. These terraces may have been created for agricultural purposes, or they could represent a sacred labyrinth designed for pilgrimage, adding to the site's enigmatic character.From Pagan Sanctuary to Christian Monument
Archaeological evidence suggests that Glastonbury Tor has been a site of religious significance for over 1,000 years, though its sacred importance likely extends far deeper into prehistory. The Celts called it Ynys Witrin, the Isle of Glass, and believed it was a gateway to Annwn, the Celtic underworld ruled by Gwyn ap Nudd, lord of the fairies. Pre-Christian peoples may have constructed platform villages and wooden causeways in the surrounding marshes, making this region one of the earliest centres of human settlement in Britain. When Christianity arrived, the site's spiritual power was too strong to ignore. A succession of churches was built on the summit, beginning in the Saxon period, transforming a pagan sanctuary into a Christian place of worship. The current structure—the tower of Saint Michael's Church—dates from the 14th century and replaced an earlier wooden church destroyed by an earthquake in 1275. The tower's survival through centuries of neglect and the English Reformation stands as a testament to its sturdy construction and the enduring reverence in which the site is held.The Grail, Arthur, and Medieval Pilgrimage
Glastonbury Tor became the focal point of some of Britain's most powerful legends during the Middle Ages. According to tradition, Joseph of Arimathea—the biblical figure who claimed Jesus' body from the cross—travelled to Britain as a merchant and missionary, bringing with him the Holy Grail, the chalice used at the Last Supper. Upon arriving at the Isle of Avalon, Joseph planted his staff in the ground at Wearyall Hill, where it miraculously took root and became the sacred Glastonbury Thorn, a hawthorn that continues to flower around Easter and Christmas. He is said to have hidden the Grail near the Chalice Well, a natural spring at the base of the Tor, whose waters were believed to grant eternal youth and healing properties. The legend deepened when monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed in 1191 to have discovered the bones of King Arthur and his queen Guinevere buried on the abbey grounds. Whether genuine or a masterful medieval marketing campaign, this discovery transformed Glastonbury into one of Christendom's most important pilgrimage destinations, drawing thousands of devotees seeking spiritual renewal and miraculous healing.The Tower and Its Spiritual Presence
Today, the roofless tower of Saint Michael's Church stands as the sole survivor of medieval construction on the Tor's summit. Visitors who climb through its archways find themselves in a hollow stone chamber open to the sky, with benches positioned to catch the breeze after the steep ascent. The tower's carvings, though weathered by centuries, still hint at its former grandeur, including a notable carving of Saint Bridget milking a cow. The site witnessed dark moments in history as well: during the English Reformation, the last Abbot of Glastonbury, Richard Whiting, was hung, drawn and quartered on the Tor in 1539 as Henry VIII's monasteries fell. Despite this violence, the tower endured, and today it serves as a symbol of spiritual resilience and continuity.Energy, Mystery, and Modern Spirituality
Contemporary visitors often speak of powerful energies and a palpable atmosphere at Glastonbury Tor. The site is believed to lie on the Saint Michael ley line, one of Britain's most significant energy pathways, and many spiritual practitioners report heightened sensitivity and connection here. Local folklore persists in tales of a hollow interior containing caves, dragons, and fairy courts—mysteries that have never been fully explained. The labyrinth pattern visible in the Tor's terraces continues to intrigue researchers and pilgrims alike, with some believing it spirals seven times before reaching the summit. Summer Solstice celebrations draw hundreds of visitors who gather to witness the sunrise from the top, continuing an ancient tradition of marking celestial events at this sacred place. The combination of documented history, enduring legend, and reported spiritual phenomena makes Glastonbury Tor a unique destination where the boundaries between myth and reality blur.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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Prince Street Bridge
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Capricorn Place
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Redcliffe Caves
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Statue of Cary Grant
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St Mary Redcliffe Church
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Millennium Square
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The Paragon
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Bristol Ferry
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Pero's Bridge
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The Bristol Wheel
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Unmissable attractions to see
White Spring
0.5 km
A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Chalice Well
0.5 km
Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
Glastonbury Abbey
1.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
St Margaret's Chapel
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A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
Glastonbury
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Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
Wells Market
8.1 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
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Wells Cathedral
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Discover Wells Cathedral, England’s pioneering Gothic masterpiece with its iconic West Front, stunning scissor arches, and rich medieval heritage.
Vicar's Cl
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Shepton Mallet Prison
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Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
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Cheddar Gorge and Caves
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Cheddar Gorge
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North Somerset Bird Of Prey Centre
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Essential places to dine
COR Restaurant
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Souk Kitchen
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The Chef's Table
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The Pump House
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BOX-E
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The Olive Shed
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Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Bouvardia Restaurant
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Experience Bath’s finest fine dining with exquisite British and European cuisine in an elegant, luxurious setting at Bouvardia Restaurant.
Root
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Gambas
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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
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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
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New MoOn On The Quay
34.5 km
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Steak of the Art
34.6 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Riverstation
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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
33.5 km
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Independent Design Collective
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Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Rhubarb Jumble
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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
33.9 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Fig1
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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
34.4 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
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Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
my a2space
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Will's doss pit
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Movement Boutique
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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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Shakespeare Tavern
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The Architect
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Bag of Nails
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Steinbeck and Shaw
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Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
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Small Bar
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Kongs of King Street
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22 Clifton
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The Coronation Tap
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Thekla
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PRYZM
34.7 km
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The Loco Klub
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Motion
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OMG
35.0 km
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Basement 45
35.0 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
35.0 km
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Popworld - Bristol
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Forró Bristol
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Antix
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Silk Nightclub
35.1 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
35.1 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
La Rocca
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The Pearl NightClub
35.2 km
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Komedia
35.2 km
Bath’s vibrant community-owned venue offering comedy, live music, cabaret, and more in a beautifully restored historic cinema.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Scenic Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Pet Friendly
