Glastonbury: How to Plan a Magical Visit
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The Magic of Glastonbury
Glastonbury is one of the most unique places you can visit in the entire UK. Best known for it’s popular music festival in the summer, the town itself holds so much more to explore. It is a town centred around myth, magic, mysticism and spirituality.
Home to the UK’s goddess movement, associations with Joseph of Arithmea, and stories connecting it to the legends of King Arthur and Avalon make it one of the most spiritual spots in the entire country.
For those interested in the stories and legends, I’ve put together this handy guide. You can tick off many of these in a day. To get the most out of the experience, I recommend booking a weekend.
So, let’s head into the mists of Avalon, and discover the magic of Glastonbury.
Glastonbury Tor
The sacred Glastonbury Tor should certainly be number one on your spots to visit in Glastonbury. This large hill is one of the most iconic sights in the UK.
It is a large hill with a tower on top named St Michael’s tower – one part of a church that stood atop the hill before it was destroyed by a large Earthquake in the 13th century.
There is a winding path that allows you to walk to the top, and see the Ravens that fly at the summit of the hill and enjoy the views over Glastonbury. This place has a long history, with evidence of visitations from as far back as the Neolithic era.
The myths associated with this location are some of the most significant and long lasting of the whole country. The Britons are said to have called it Ynys yr Afalon, which means The Isle of Avalon.
This is said to be the legendary Isle of Avalon on which King Arthur was buried, making it King Arthur’s resting place according to Glastonbury legends.
There are quite a few locations in the UK associated with Avalon mythology, including Bardsey Island which you can read about in my post on Snowdonia. However, Glastonbury is best associated with the mythical island.
The modern-day Goddess spirituality has a large presence in the town due to these associations, and it is their belief that the Tor is the entrance to the Otherworld.
Make sure to touch the Egg Stone on the side of the hill, as this is said to grant you access into the Otherworld of Avalon.
Definitely take a Glastonbury Tor walk when you visit the town. Perhaps go along when you’re at the end of your day, as a Glastonbury Tor sunset can be a breathtaking things.
Avalon Marshes
The Avalon Marshes are the wetlands that lie at the base of Glastonbury Tor.
Despite not being directly connected to Glastonbury’s legendary history in any specific way, they are evidence that Glastonbury Tor was once an island.
Once covered in water, these wetlands are one of the only remaining low-level wetlands in the UK.
With such a unique landscape, this is one to visit if you want to explore the nature surrounding the town.
You can find many rarer bird species here, including Marsh Harriers, Bitterns, and Great White Egrets.
This is also an excellent place to view starling murmurations at the right time of year.
Come here to enjoy the Glastonbury nature and wildlife – regarded by many to be a magical experience in and of itself.
Chalice Well
You can find the Chalice Well Glastonbury not too far from the base of the Tor. It is one of the other main spiritual attractions in Glastonbury, as one of the Glastonbury Springs.
It is also known as the Red Spring due to the Iron in the ground causing the water to take on a reddish colour.
The water of the spring is said to have healing powers, and can be collected to take away with you.
You can walk around the large gardens connected to the well, although there is a small entrance fee to do this.
However, you can also collect water from a pipe protruding from a wall in Wellhouse Lane.
The Red Spring Glastonbury is found in the Glastonbury Peace Gardens, with lots of different areas to explore.
Along with the healing springs, this sacred garden is home to a healing pool you can dip in. It also holds a silent minute every day to hold space for peace in the gardens.
The Chalice Well has a long history, with evidence that it has been in use for over 2,000 years. Like anywhere in Glastonbury, it is also linked to many spiritual stories.
It has been said to be a gateway to the spirit world, which links in with the myths of Avalon associated with the area. It has also been said to be where Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail when he visited the area.
The Chalice Well symbol, the Vesica Piscis, represents the union of heaven and earth and is considered sacred geometry.
The Chalice Well hosts many spiritual events throughout the year, making it a popular retreat and sanctuary for those on spiritual paths.
Check out the website to see the Chalice Well events taking place throughout the year.
White Spring and Temple
The White Spring Glastonbury is a sister spring to the Red Spring, this time tinted white with calcite. It is said to have the same healing powers, just like the Red Spring.
There is also a pipe flowing with the water along Wellhouse Lane too. The main spring lies in an old Victorian well house on the lane, which has now been transformed into a temple dedicated to the healing powers of the water and the Celtic Goddess Brigid.
Shrines have been constructed within the temple dedicated to her, and to the Lady of Avalon.
The candles lit here, alongside the shimmering pools of water, create a magical and mystical atmosphere. This spring is free to visit, unlike the Red Spring.
If you do choose to visit, please keep in mind that this is a spiritual and religious place to many. Try to keep noise to minimum as it is intended as a space of quiet reflection.
Glastonbury Abbey
The impressive Abbey ruins are one of the main sights in the centre of Glastonbury, and they’re impossible to miss.
This is also the site of one of the most central car parks in the town, with great convenience for all the sights on the list.
The grounds and old still-standing walls are impressive to view and explore and takes a decent amount of time to walk around.
Particular interest is in the herb garden, with many medicinal herbs planted to recreate the type of garden the monks may have had in their day.
The Abbey is also impressive for the amount of myth and legend associated with it. Some say it was founded by Joseph of Arithmia in the 1st century.
The Glastonbury Thorn is said to be brought to the town by Joseph Of Arithmia.
It is also associated with King Arthur Glastonbury, and one of the main sights here is King Arthur’s Tomb – the fabled King Arthur resting place.
During reconstruction that took place after a great fire in 1184, a monk allegedly found the bodies of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere buried in the cemetery.
The sign reads, “Here lies interred the famous King Arthur on the Isle of Avalon.” This claim is generally regarded by historians as a publicity stunt by the monastery.
Those of the Goddess spirituality believe Arthur is not dead and lies in waiting to rise again one day, as told in medieval literature.
Either way, King Arthur’s tomb certainly makes for a unique and interesting visit!
St Margaret’s Chapel and Royal Magdalene Almhouses
The Chapel and connecting Almhouses are an insight into the religious history of Glastonbury. The Almshouses were built by the monks as a hospital for pilgrims coming into the area for worship.
The chapel was added later as a place for patients to worship. The Almshouses are now used in various ways.
Many are reconstructed to show what it may have been like when they were originally in use.
One is used as a meditation room, and the others hold books of interest. The chapel is also constructed in a way that is loyal to its history.
There is also a beautiful and peaceful garden attached that can be used to sit quietly, meditate or reflect.
This is another spot of interest for insight into Glastonbury’s varied spiritual history.
Glastonbury Goddess Temple
Glastonbury Goddess Temple is open to the public every day between 12-4 pm. It is the centre of Goddess spirituality in Glastonbury and one of the main spiritual centres in the town.
Goddess spirituality is a form of devotion to the divine feminine and can be linked to the mythology of Avalon, its priestesses and associated pagan deities.
This is a place for followers to come and connect to the Goddess, as well as visitors who wish to explore this spirituality and have space to meditate and pray with the divine feminine.
Contact the temple in advance if coming in a group of seven or more; otherwise, feel free to enter at your will.
There is also a shop attached that sells all manner of spiritual and goddess-related books and products for those who wish to learn and explore more.
Town Centre
There is plenty more magic to discover in Glastonbury’s town centre. Although small, it is full to the brim of bookshops carrying occult, spiritual and religious texts, as well as shops selling crystals and incense.
There’s even a dedicated apothecary where you can buy herbs.
For anyone wishing to learn more about spirituality or mythology, Glastonbury is essentially a one-stop shop for all the resources you may need.
To get you started and give you a bit of an idea of what’s on offer, here are my top spots for shopping in Glastonbury Town Centre.
Shopping Top Spots
A unique independent bookshop with a wide range of books. It specialises in spiritual books but also sells a range of books on the arts and holistic health books.
A bookshop specialising in spiritual books, mysticism and mythology. Has a wide selection of rarities and out-of-print books.
A shop selling unique gifts and trinkets as well as crystals and instruments for pagan and magical rituals.
A traditional apothecary selling an enormous selection of herbs. It also stocks books on herbcraft, essential oils, and herbal soaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Glastonbury Tor sacred?Â
Glastonbury Tor is thought by many to be the physical manifestation of Avalon – the mystical otherworld from the Arthurian legends, perhaps based on the otherworld of Annwn from the Welsh myths. It is also considered to be the portal to the faery world and home to Gwyn App Nudd – King of the Faeries.
How high is Glastonbury Tor?Â
Glastonbury Tor height is 158 metres higher than the land around it.
Is Glastonbury Tor hard to climb?Â
While steep, the Glastonbury Tor climb is not very long. So, if you’re happy to struggle up a hill for ten minutes, then it will definitely be doable for you. There are also places to sit on the way up if you want to take a break.
Where to park for Glastonbury Tor?Â
There are no car parks at the Tor. The closest is Draper and Co. on Chilkwell St. There is also plenty of parking in the town, with a big car park at Glastonbury Abbey.
Explore The Magic Of Glastonbury
Walking The Wyrd has made a terrific video on the magic of Glastonbury town. Check it out to inspire your own visit to the town.
Blessed Be!
View from St Michaels Tower, Glastonbury Tor
That wraps it up for my guide to Glastonbury! I really hope you’ve enjoyed it, and it gives you some ideas on what you do when you visit.
It really is one of my favourite spots so I hope you love it as much as I do.
Please leave a comment if you choose to visit, and let me know how you found your experience.
If you’ve read any of my other posts, you may already know that I’m a big fan of myths and legends – especially those of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Also make sure to sign up to my mailing list, as I’m sure I will have more posts on the mythology of the UK coming in the future! Feel free to leave a comment letting me know if there’s anything you’d like to see me write about in particular.
Thank you for reading, happy exploring, and blessed be.
Ta-ta for now! x
