Activities in Glastonbury

A sandstone hill with commanding views over miles of countryside, the Glastonbury Tor has been the focal point for the region for centuries, with Iron Age, Roman, Saxon and medieval artefacts and ruins discovered at the top. With its natural conical shape and its height, the steep-sided hill has been a spiritual beacon throughout the ages, with the neolithic terracing dating back to the same era as Stonehenge. Around a mile’s walk from the centre of Glastonbury, the 500-foot high hill offers stunning views across Somerset on a clear day, and you can also explore the remains of the 14th-century St. Michael's Tower church.

Founded in the 7th-century, Glastonbury Abbey is a Grade I listed building and popular visitor attraction a short walk from our Glastonbury hotel. The abbey is located in the heart of Glastonbury and covers 36 acres of parkland which are home to some impressive ruins, a summer café, guides in period costume, a museum and gift shop. It’s also the final resting place of three Saxon kings including King Arthur.

Located at the foot of the Glastonbury Tor, the Chalice Well is one of the oldest wells in the UK, having been in constant use for over 2,000 years. The Chalice Well is fed by a natural spring which delivers over one million litres of water each day and is said to have healing properties due to the high proportion of iron in the water. The Chalice Well and Gardens are a wonderful place to relax, with the meadows and carefully manicured gardens making it the perfect meditation (or napping) spot. Plus, you can even bring your own empty bottle if you want to try the natural well water.

Another natural water source with healing properties – this time calcite – the White Spring is again based at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. But where the Chalice Well is a sun-dappled garden and outdoor spring, the White Spring is located in a candle-lit cavern with three vaults. The spring is open for visitors while they also hold regular ceremonies, meditations and even ceremonial bathing sessions. There’s no charge for the access in keeping with its spiritual theme, but donations are very welcome.

Discover what life in sleepy Somerset was like during the 19th century at the fascinating Rural Life Museum which traces the changing landscape, technology and social life of the region. A five-minute walk from the Chalice Well, the small but informative museum has plenty of interactive displays and exhibits with fascinating photographs, a gallery, a great café and plenty of children’s activities too.

Explore the spiritual and magical side of the town with a trip to the Glastonbury Experience Courtyard. A shop that wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter film, the shelves are stacked with stones, crystals, candles, potions and even cauldrons and brooms. If that’s too much spookiness for you, there’s an excellent coffee shop in the courtyard outside while upstairs lies the Glastonbury Goddess Temple, a small room dedicated to Pagan worship and joss sticks.

A series of limestone caves several miles north of Glastonbury, Wookey Hole Caves is a fascinating family day out. They are packed full of activities including dozens of beautifully lit cave systems and huge rock formations, as well as adventure golf, soft play, animatronic dinosaurs, a museum and even a cave dedicated to maturing cheese.