When people hear 'Glastonbury' they often think of mud, music and drugs. This, of course, is the Festival, which actually takes place at Pilton several miles away.
Let me take you on a journey to the town of Glastonbury, to its myths and legends and connections with King Arthur and the ... Read review
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
...The most distinguishing feature of Glastonbury is the Tor, which can be seen from miles around. In the time of King Arthur (the sixth century) this would have been an island, as the North Somerset plain would have been flooded and nearby Iron Age lake villages have been found at Godney and Meare.
The Tor is most probably the ancient isle of Avalon, as Glastonbury used to be known as Inis Avalon, meaning the apple bearing island and ... ...It is worth travelling to Glastonbury just to experience this 'rush'. I would advise going off season when the Tor is quieter and also climbing up near to dusk when the views are beautifully tinged with pink and purple hues.
The Tor is also a good starting point on any foray into Glastonbury, as from its summit you can see the town and surrounding areas. You can see Wearyhall Hill. This is where Joseph of Arimathea was said to have ... more
When people hear 'Glastonbury' they often think of mud, music and drugs. This, of course, is the Festival, which actually takes place at Pilton several miles away.
Let me take you on a journey to the town of Glastonbury, to its myths and legends and connections with King Arthur and the Holy Grail...
HISTORY
The most distinguishing feature of Glastonbury is the Tor, which can be seen from miles around. In the time of King Arthur (the sixth century) this would have been an island, as the North Somerset plain would have been flooded and nearby Iron Age lake villages have been found at Godney and Meare.
The Tor is most probably the ancient isle of Avalon, as Glastonbury used to be known as Inis Avalon, meaning the apple bearing island and it is to Avalon where Arthur was taken to be healed after the battle of Camlann. This is well documented and it seems appropriate that Avalon should be this location, as apples were an ancient symbol of healing.
Aside from the historical connections associated with the Tor, the place itself seems to have an amazing atmosphere. As you climb to the top, you can look down at the town, at the other hills around and right across the North Somerset plain. The wind blows through your hair and immense feeling of peace and exhilaration fills you. It is worth travelling to Glastonbury just to experience this 'rush'. I would advise going off season when the Tor is quieter and also climbing up near to dusk when the views are beautifully tinged with pink and purple hues.
The Tor is also a good starting point on any foray into Glastonbury, as from its summit you can see the town and surrounding areas. You can see Wearyhall Hill. This is where Joseph of Arimathea was said to have landed and when he planted his staff in the earth it became a thorn tree. This was said to be a sign from God that this was where Joseph of Arimathea was to leave the Holy Grail. Although the original thorn was destroyed by a puritan in the Civil War, descendants of the tree survive and the interesting thing is that the variety is not English but is known as Crataegus Oxycntha, an Eastern Mediterranean variety. These thorn trees can be found in Glastonbury on Wearyhall Hill, in the grounds of the Abbey and outside St John's church.
Also from the Tor can be seen Chalice Hill. This was said to be the home of the Fisher King, who was the guardian of the Holy Grail. It was said that before he died he concealed the Grail in a spring and the water from that spring now flows from Chalice Well, which can be visited. The spring is of the Chalybeate variety and is also known as the Blood Spring because of its waters red tinge. You can either pay to go into the grounds of the Chalice Spring or you can go up the small road to the right and the same waters flow from the wall there, where you can taste the waters allegedly healing powers for free.
Glastonbury Abbey can also be seen from the Tor. In the Abbey's grounds in 1191 was found a grave which was said to have been that of King Arthur. However, this is highly dispute, as the the Abbey's monks needed to raise revenue at the time for rebuilding works after a fire. In addition a cross that was found with the grave could be considered to be a twelfth century forgery, as it referred to Arthur as 'king', to which he was not known until the eleventh century. However, the form of burial was in a tree trunk in the Celtic tradition and not in a tomb of stone, as would have been the case in the twelfth century. So, maybe just maybe... In any event, the site of the 'grave' can be seen within the grounds of the Abbey.
One thing is certain; Glastonbury is filled with myths and legends and I think that if armed with the knowledge of these tales a journey to Glastonbury and an exploration of its secrets becomes all the more interesting.
I hope that now you have had a small taste of what Glastonbury has to offer you may go there and quest for further Arthurian knowledge!
MORE PROSAIC INFORMATION
Apart from spending hours sitting on the Tor, soaking up the atmosphere and gazing at the beautiful surroundings, what else is there to do?
Glastonbury Abbey: The abbey is a perfect place to visit on a warm summer's day. Ensure you take a picnic and a book with you and sit by the lake in the orchard and soak up the rays. Opening times vary depending on the time of year and are on average between 9.00am and 6.00pm. Prices: Adults - £3.50, Concessions - £3.00, Kiddies - £1.50. Website: www.glastonburyabbey.com
Chalice Well: Taste the healing waters or sit in their tranquil gardens just a stone's throw from the High Street. Opening hours: 11.00am to 5.00pm. Prices: Adults - £2.50, OAPs - £1.50, Kiddies - £1.00. Website: www.chalicewell.org.uk
Shops worth visiting: Star Child - for incense, perfumes, oils, aromatherapy products (2-4 High St). Stone Age Crystals - for crystals, healing and jewellery (2-4 High St). The Book Barn - huge secondhand book shop (Market Place). The Speaking Tree - mind, body and spirit books and music (5 High St).
Stop and eat at: Blue Note Cafe - stunning pecan pie and nice coffee (2-4 High St). King William Inn - funky kind of pub (Market Place).
ENJOY THE TRANQUILLITY
Whatever you decide to do when you reach Glastonbury, you are bound to enjoy it. So... what are you waiting for?
Advantages: Unusual, interesting place with lots to do and see. Disadvantages: Having to leave at the end of the day!
...fact, I've never been to Glastonbury Festival (which actually takes place in a farmer's field just outside Glastonbury in another village). Instead, for the last 6 years, I have visited Glastonbury, the place. Glastonbury is a wonderful, spiritual town that is often overlooked, yet it offers so much more than people think.
HISTORICAL MONUMENTS
Glastonbury is full of history and is the proud parent of several magical monuments. Firstly, there is ... ...the inhabitants and visitors of Glastonbury than just a Tor. The mound has carried with it myths and legends right back from Neolithic times and once at the top, you can really feel the buzzing atmosphere it has built up over the centuries. It is a bit of a climb to get to the top, which wouldn't really be suited to the older generation, but is well worth it so you can see the views and experience the magic you can feel up there.
Another wonderful ...
naomi-nay 27.11.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Glastonbury (England)
Advantages: The Tor , THe Chalice Well and the Pubs Disadvantages: May need a car to get there
...documented in the book is Glastonbury Tor. We spen a day and a half in and around Glastonbury, so we may have missed many of the features and therefore apologise for any omissions. Also as we were driving , we did not think of checking out public transport options at the time, though there is no railway station, I'm sure it will be serviced well by bus.
So...
We arrived by car, and in the cetre of the town there is a large car park which cost 2GBP ... ...runs of Glastonbury Abbey, which has a shop an information centre attached to it, if you wish to visit.
The walk to Glastonbury Tor is documented on notices throughout the town, so we decided to take the walk. On the way there we passed some 1930's semi detached houses , one advertising herbal healing , the orther selling didgeridoos. WE also passed a rural museam that was closed due to the foot and moth epidemic. The climb of the Tor gives fantastic ...
mikeydred 05.03.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Glastonbury (England)
Advantages: Pretty, nice shops, cafes and the Tor and Abbey Disadvantages: Bit too commercial if you are looking for something more spiritual
Glastonbury is not what I expected really. I think I was hoping for a more spiritual experience. There are plenty of shops selling the most lovely items from candles to shrines, crystals to enlightenment - but that is exactly it... It is more a tourist attraction now and I think because our visit was so short the 'real' Glastonbury was covered in someway.
As a town there are some nice shops and cafes and you can explore and spend lots of dosh. The ... ...get to the best of Glastonbury a short visit isn't enough. A weekend break may well be the key to get involved and to relax so you can take in the more ambient and mysterious side of this place.
Well worth a visit though but don't go expecting the world to suddenly make sense... ...
in1072 15.12.2000 (16.12.2000)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Glastonbury (England)
Advantages: Beautiful Scenery, Hot when the Sunshines. Disadvantages: Booze, Drugs, Idiots and the Constant Smell of Raw Sewage
Glastonbury festival, what is it all about? well let me tell you the way I see it. As part of the Security Team the things I witnessed believe me I would not want anybody that I know exposed to, the Anarchic, subversive and degrading levels of which this festival is capable of. Drugs, Muggings, Robberies, physical attacks and deborchary are some of the items that are missing from the agenda when the fesival is televised. The sanitary levels are of ... ...the first day of the Glastonbury Festival, the sun is high and so is everybody on site including myself, there is a wonderful aroma of s##t in the air and several people have already been mugged near the main stage, later today we expect to see at least 15 people who have been assaulted or had their belongings stolen from their tents. 10 overdoses, 5 people who have gone crazy on bad drugs, six fights and 4 of the security team put out of service ...
sim64 04.08.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Glastonbury (England)
Advantages: Nice views and culture Disadvantages: Hard to park
Glastonbury is a nice small town with many hidden treasures. I recommend anyone to visit two places in Glastonbury, Glastonbury Tour and Abbey. When you see Glastonbury tour you think I can not walk up that but its not that hard and it is worth the view at the top. Glastonbury Abbey is a historical place with much to offer such as the ruins of the abbey, mediaeval cooking hut, a nice gift shop and much more. There are a lot of shops in the high street ...
samk 08.10.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Glastonbury (England)
Transport links
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Glastonbury (England)"
Advantages: Varied and interesting countryside with a wide range of towns villages. Disadvantages: conjested roads in summer , tends to close down in winter.
's the smallest city in England to have a Cathedral. The town itself is famous for the cathedral choir. During the month of November, Wells along with other places in Somerset hosts one of the most spectacular night time carnivals. 40ft floats powered by industrial generators travel a circuit of the town with bright lights and sometimes loud music and dancing in cases and tableaus in others. This is a breathtaking sight and is brilliant fun.
Traveling along the A39 we come to Glastonbury, with its ruined abbey and the ancient Tor, and Wyrall hill, the resting place of Joseph Aramather. Glastonbury is one of the mysterious centers of England. It is aid the lady of the lake rests and gave King Arthur the sword Excalibur near to Glastonbury, Arthur himself is said to be buried at Glastonbury abbey. The church in Glastonbury has the Christmas flowering ...
chrisyboy 23.06.2004 (27.06.2004)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Somerset (England)
