Glastonbury Abbey: A Legendary Monastic Ruin Steeped in History and Myth
Explore the mystical ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, legend, and spirituality intertwine in peaceful Somerset parkland.
Glastonbury Abbey, located on Magdalene Street in Glastonbury, Somerset, is one of England’s most historically significant and legendary religious sites. Dating back to at least the 7th century with roots in earlier Christian traditions, the abbey is famed for its medieval ruins, connections to King Arthur and Joseph of Arimathea, and its role as a major pilgrimage destination. Set within 36 acres of tranquil parkland, visitors explore evocative ruins, a museum, and a visitor centre that bring its rich past to life.
A brief summary to Glastonbury Abbey
- Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL, GB
- +441458832267
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 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 award-winning museum inside the Visitor Centre to see a detailed model of the abbey as it was in 1539.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the 36 acres of grounds, ruins, and exhibits.
- Check the abbey’s event calendar for special guided tours and seasonal activities.
- Under 16s get free entry year-round, making it a great family-friendly destination.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Train and Bus
Take a train to Castle Cary station (approximately 30-40 minutes from Bristol or Bath), then catch the hourly bus service to Glastonbury town centre; total journey time around 1.5 to 2 hours. Bus stops are within walking distance of the abbey. Tickets cost approximately £8-£15.
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Car
Driving from Bristol or Bath takes about 45-60 minutes via the A37 or A361. Parking is available near Glastonbury town centre but can be limited during peak times. Parking fees typically range from £3 to £6 for a day.
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Local Bus
Frequent local bus services connect Glastonbury with nearby towns such as Street and Wells. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes during weekdays, with fares around £3-£5. The abbey is a short walk from the main bus stops.
Glastonbury Abbey location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Glastonbury Abbey
Ancient Origins and Early Christian Roots
Glastonbury Abbey’s history stretches back to the early medieval period, with archaeological evidence of a Saxon church built around 670–690 CE. Local legend holds that the site was originally founded in the 1st century by Joseph of Arimathea, who is said to have brought Christianity to Britain and established the first Christian sanctuary here. This tradition, alongside the abbey’s claim as the earliest Christian foundation in England, has made it a place of spiritual significance for centuries.Medieval Grandeur and Architectural Evolution
The abbey flourished during the Middle Ages, becoming one of England’s wealthiest and most powerful monasteries. After a devastating fire in 1184 destroyed the original structures, a grand rebuilding effort led to the consecration of the Great Church in 1213. The abbey’s architecture evolved over time, with notable additions such as the Lady Chapel and Abbot’s Kitchen, one of only three surviving medieval kitchens worldwide. The site’s extensive grounds and buildings reflected its religious importance and the abbot’s considerable influence.Legends of King Arthur and Spiritual Mystique
Glastonbury Abbey is famously linked to the legend of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. In 1191, monks claimed to have discovered their tombs within the abbey grounds, a discovery that reinforced Glastonbury’s status as the mystical Isle of Avalon. This connection, along with the Joseph of Arimathea legend and stories of the Holy Grail, has imbued the abbey with a unique blend of history and myth that continues to captivate visitors.The Dissolution and Decline
The abbey’s fortunes waned during the 16th century with the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. The last abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed in 1539 for resisting the king’s reforms, marking a violent end to the abbey’s religious life. The site was stripped of valuables and fell into ruin, but its legendary status and historical importance endured.Modern-Day Experience and Preservation
Today, Glastonbury Abbey is a protected historic site open to the public year-round. Visitors can explore the evocative ruins spread across 36 acres of peaceful parkland, visit the award-winning museum with detailed models and exhibits, and enjoy the recently redeveloped Abbey Yard with its café and gift shop. The abbey offers a serene atmosphere enriched by its deep spiritual and cultural heritage.Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Beyond its architectural and historical value, Glastonbury Abbey remains a place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. Its intertwining of Christian tradition with Arthurian legend creates a unique cultural tapestry. The abbey’s story is also linked to English literary and musical heritage, including connections to William Blake’s “Jerusalem” and the coronation rituals of British monarchs.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
24.5 km
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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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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
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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
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The Paragon
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Redcliffe Caves
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Statue of Cary Grant
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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
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Medieval Gothic masterpiece and eight centuries of Bristol's maritime heritage in stone
Bristol Ferry
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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
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Indira Rose Vintage
35.0 km
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Mint Velvet Bristol
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The Pod Company
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Oak
32.1 km
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The Cottage Inn, Bristol
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Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
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Bag of Nails
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Shakespeare Tavern
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Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Old Crown Inn
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A charming traditional British pub near Bath offering hearty fare, real ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in historic Kelston.
The Architect
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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
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
34.9 km
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The Coronation Tap
35.0 km
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22 Clifton
35.0 km
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The Quadrant
35.0 km
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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
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PRYZM
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The Loco Klub
34.9 km
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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
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- 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
