St Margaret's Chapel and Magdalene Almshouses
Medieval sanctuary where pilgrims once found healing, now a peaceful retreat for prayer and artistic creation.
A hidden sanctuary in the heart of Glastonbury, St Margaret's Chapel and the Magdalene Almshouses form a Grade II* listed complex dating back to the 11th century. Originally established as a hospital for pilgrims visiting Glastonbury Abbey, this peaceful retreat features a restored 1444 chapel, surviving 16th-century almshouses, and beautifully maintained gardens. The site remains a place of quiet contemplation, with artist workshops and a small museum showcasing medieval life. Tucked away off Magdalene Street, it offers visitors a serene escape steeped in centuries of spiritual and social history.
A brief summary to St Margaret's Chapel
- Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EJ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- The site is deliberately hidden from the main street; look for the small passageway beside number 38 Magdalene Street with an arched doorway entrance. Allow time to explore the gardens and appreciate the scale of the original hospital from the West garden viewpoint.
- Visit during spring or summer to see the gardens in full bloom and potentially observe iconographers at work in the almshouses. Check the noticeboard outside for exact opening dates, as hours vary seasonally.
- The chapel is maintained as a plain, peaceful space for private prayer and quiet contemplation. Respect the meditative atmosphere and keep voices low when visiting.
- The site is marked as number 19 on the Glastonbury Town Millennium Trail, making it an excellent addition to a walking tour of the town's historical and spiritual landmarks.
- Ancient paving throughout the complex may be uneven or slippery, particularly after rain. Wear sturdy footwear and take care, especially if mobility is limited, though disabled access facilities are available.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Sheltered Areas
Getting There
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By Car
From the M5 motorway (Junction 23), take the A39 towards Glastonbury. Alternatively, use the A303 junction with A372, or the A337/A39 from Bath to Bristol. Once in Glastonbury town centre, follow signs to Magdalene Street. Parking is available nearby in town car parks; the site itself is pedestrian-only. Travel time from Bristol is approximately 45 minutes; from Bath, approximately 50 minutes.
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By Train and Bus
The nearest railway stations are Bridgewater, Castle Cary, or Bristol Temple Meads. From Bristol Temple Meads, Taunton, or Bath, take a rail-bus link to Glastonbury. Direct bus services operate from Bristol, Yeovil, Taunton, Wells, and London. Journey times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on origin. Once in Glastonbury, the site is a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
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On Foot from Town Centre
From Glastonbury High Street, proceed left into Market Place, then continue into Magdalene Street. Pass the Catholic Church and the Abbot's Kitchen. Look for a small passageway on the right beside shop window number 38, marked by an arched doorway. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes from the High Street and is on level paved surfaces.
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Accessibility Information
A ramp and handrail are provided at the entrance for disabled access. The site includes a disabled access WC installed in 2012. However, pathways within the complex feature ancient paving that may be uneven or slippery. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the site in advance via the website for specific accessibility advice.
St Margaret's Chapel location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Margaret's Chapel
A Hospital Born from Royal Charity
St Margaret's Chapel and the Magdalene Almshouses occupy a secluded site in Glastonbury's conservation area, their origins reaching back to the 11th century when Queen Margaret of Scotland funded the establishment of a hospital to care for sick pilgrims visiting the great Abbey. The Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, as it was originally known, provided shelter, food, and care to weary travellers who journeyed to Glastonbury to view the Abbey's renowned shrines and relics. The hospital consisted of a long infirmary hall with cubicles lining either side, where monks from the Abbey tended to the needs of the sick and exhausted. This charitable foundation reflected the spiritual significance of Glastonbury as a major pilgrimage destination during the medieval period, when the town drew visitors from across Christendom seeking healing and spiritual renewal.The Chapel's Construction and Sacred Purpose
The chapel itself was constructed in 1444, built as a place of prayer attached to the existing hospital complex. Dedicated to St Margaret, a Scottish queen and Saxon princess, the chapel features a distinctive barrel roof and a fully restored bell-cote. The building is Grade II* listed, reflecting its architectural and historical significance. The chapel was deliberately designed as a plain, unadorned space, maintaining an atmosphere of simplicity and contemplation that has endured through the centuries. This austere aesthetic creates an intimate environment for private prayer and quiet reflection, inviting visitors to experience the spiritual tranquility that has characterised the site since its medieval foundation.Transformation Through the Centuries
Following the Reformation, the hospital was destroyed, but the site was not abandoned. In the 16th century, two rows of five almshouses replaced the original hospital structure, providing housing for poor men of the town. These modest dwellings represented a shift in the site's purpose, from acute care to long-term charitable support. One row of almshouses was demolished in the 1960s, though its foundations remain visible beneath the garden, serving as a tangible reminder of the site's layered history. The surviving row of five almshouses has been carefully preserved and restored, offering visitors a window into domestic life during the Tudor period. One almshouse is open to the public as a museum, furnished and interpreted to convey the modest conditions in which residents lived, while others now serve as artist and iconographer workshops, continuing the site's tradition of providing space for creative and spiritual work.Modern Restoration and Community Stewardship
The Mary and Margaret Charity, established to advance Christian faith and preserve the site's architectural and historical significance, undertook a comprehensive restoration programme in 2012. This work included the construction of a new stone courtyard wall, installation of disabled access facilities, and creation of a new West garden. These improvements have enhanced accessibility and visitor experience while respecting the site's ancient character. The complex is now administered by volunteers and staff dedicated to maintaining the chapel and almshouses as a sacred space open to both pilgrims and visitors. The beautifully tended gardens provide a peaceful setting for contemplation, with views from the West garden revealing the impressive scale of the original 12th-century hospital structure. During summer months, iconographers work in one of the almshouses, their artistic practice echoing centuries of spiritual creativity at the site.A Living Testament to Medieval Charity
The site stands as a remarkable example of how medieval institutions evolved to meet changing social needs. From its origins as a hospital for pilgrims to its transformation into almshouses for the poor, St Margaret's Chapel and the Magdalene Almshouses demonstrate the enduring commitment to charitable care that characterised Glastonbury's religious community. The chapel remains open daily for private prayer and contemplation, welcoming visitors seeking spiritual solace or historical understanding. The integration of artist workshops and museum displays ensures that the site continues to serve creative and educational purposes, maintaining its role as a space where people gather to nurture both body and spirit, much as they did nearly a thousand years ago.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
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- Romantic
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
