Glastonbury Abbey

Additional Features

Disabled Access
Buildings
Gardens

Description

For centuries travellers and pilgrims have visited this sacred site, situated in the heart of the beautiful county of Somerset. Traditionally the seat of Christianity in England and steeped in legend, Glastonbury Abbey attracts visitors from across the globe, who come to marvel at these romantic ruins.

As well as the original Abbey buildings the site has a wealth of other attractions. Our Living History characters also roam the grounds, from April through to October. These specialists are able to offer a unique insight into the lives of those who lived and worked at the Abbey many centuries ago. Our Visitor Centre completes the experience with many wonderful exhibits on display.

Spend time walking through the wonderful grounds where you will find an orchard, an ornamental lake, a lily pond, herb gardens, and an ever changing array of trees and wildflowers.

Legend states that the grave of King Arthur is within the grounds, and that Joseph of Arimathea once visited here, his staff becoming the Holy Thorn that grows here, and which flowers twice a year.

Whatever the reason for your visit you can be assured of a warm welcome, and an experience that you will treasure.

Peace & Tranquility

Generally speaking people come to the Abbey for three reasons.

First, they want to see a living Christian sanctuary that may have been the site of the oldest church, and was certainly once the greatest Abbey, in the country. Second, they come because they want to see the possible burial place of King Arthur, but the third reason people come to the Abbey grounds is simply for peace and quiet. The relative seclusion of the 36 acres provides the perfect atmosphere for people who want to forget their hectic daily lives, and take it easy.

The tranquil settings of the Duck and Fish ponds allow visitors to get lost in their thoughts. They also provide ideal picnic spots. In addition, children can feed the ducks or run around in the lush expanse of open parkland whilst their parents take a well-earned nap under a suitable tree.

There are over 250 trees in the grounds, many of which have wooden seats or benches under them so guests can sit and ponder in peace, and in the shade. Once visitors leave the hustle and bustle of the Town and enter the Abbey grounds they move into a very different world where calm, beauty and above all peace are the orders of the day.

Wherever they come from, visitors can be assured not only of a warm welcome, but of a realisation that they have been in, seen and felt something very special. Most of our visitors are already planning their return visits.