★(¯`•.¸♥ I'm the New Members Guide for Ciao so if you see anybody needing help please p...
★(¯`•.¸♥ I'm the New Members Guide for Ciao so if you see anybody needing help please point them in my direction ♥.•´¯) ---★★
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Let's head on down to the beautiful countryside of Somerset where I live. Set in the heart of the county nestles the magical place of Glastonbury. Dominating the skyline for many miles around is the ancient Glastonbury Tor. There are many web sites available where you can learn about the history of Glastonbury and view some spectacular photographs of the town and the Tor.
So why come to Glastonbury for a visit? Well in my opinion it has its own unique atmosphere. I used to sit in the central churchyard grounds of St John's, just people watching for hours on end. I have found that there are so many colourful characters you just can't help but be amused. Many visitors come so they can experience shamanic drumming, past life regression or even to have their Tarot read. Whatever experience you fancy trying you will probably find it at Glastonbury.
I will run you through just a couple of the places to visit as you really can't come all this way without taking some of the history, myth, legend and magic away with you.
The Glastonbury Tor
Let me first explain that the word Tor when used in a place name means a hill or rocky peak. The origins of the word Tor could perhaps be of Celtic origin and related to the Welsh Tor and Scottish Gaelic Torr. The Glastonbury Tor is owned and cared for by The National Trust, The Tor at Glastonbury is the highest in the area at 158m high and is topped by the ancient remains of the fourteenth century chapel of St. Michael. Recent archaeological digs have unearthed what is thought to be the remains of a stone circle unlike Stonehenge but on a much smaller scale. Legend has it that at the bottom of the Tor is the entrance to the Underworld, the demi-god Avalloc is said to control the underworld. Many locals in the area still refer to Glastonbury by the name Avalon.
Parking is available at the foot of the Tor but a disclaimer notice states no responsibility will be held for damage or theft from cars. In recent months most cars that have been parked here have been broken into as soon as the owners are half way up the Tor. As the Tor takes at least thirty minutes to climb you have no chance at all of returning to your vehicles to catch the thief. Better to park in the town centre and either take the short walk or use the park and ride option.
You must be reasonably fit to climb the Tor although it does go up in gradients so you can go as quickly or as leisurely as you desire. There are benches situated half way up the Tor for those who would like to use them, I climbed it only once about fifteen years ago. I was really disappointed when I reached the top, as the 14th century church ruin of St Michael was nothing spectacular to look at all as only the tower remains, it looks so much bigger from the town itself. The view itself was spectacular though and therefore worth the effort. Strange balls of lights have regularly been reported hovering around the tower in the dead of night. I think it is just some local lads playing tricks. On Millennium night the whole Tor was lit with torches and candles and was a wonderful sight. I was at another landmark Ham Hill over thirty miles away but could see the Tor lit up even from there.
Although a few disabled parking spaces are available at the foot of the Tor, it is not at all suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties as the ascent will be very difficult. The Tor is free to climb and is open all year long but they do rely on donations for the upkeep.
Glastonbury Abbey
Right in the town centre and where according to legend King Arthur and Guinevere were buried are the abbey ruins. A coffin and cross were found buried seven feet down with the inscription Hic iacet sepultus inclitus rex arturius in insula avalonia so if you want to know what it means let me know. In another part of the abbey Arthurs sword is said to have been found also with a latin inscription but I can't remember what the guide said it translated into . As Glastonbury is traditionally the seat of Christianity Centuries later the abbey is still having pilgrims and travellers visit daily and the many events they hold throughout the year in the grounds in the evenings draws huge crowds. The grounds and the ruins are beautiful although at night there is an eerie atmosphere and the legends of them being haunted is quite believable. You couldn't come all this way without a visit.
Glastonbury Abbey is 95% wheelchair accessible and you can even use one of theirs.
The Chalice Well
Chalice Hill lies at the foot of the Tor. It is here that the Chalice Gardens are situated, the Chalice Well lies within the beautiful walled gardens. First you proceed up an old cobbled path before you reach the gatehouse. Here if you wish to enter a charge of £2.50 is made. If you wish you are able to purchase some Glastonbury spring water at 75 pence a bottle, and guide books for £1.00. Inside the garden you will come across a pool that has well water flowing through it.
Not far from this spot stands a huge yew tree which shades a door leading to Arthur's courtyard where another man made pool stands. This courtyard seems to be a place where many visitors choose to spend a few moments in meditation. There is a quiet hush around the place and the trickle of running water is very tranquil. You can take a drink from the lion's head fountain for which a charge of 50 pence is made. The water tastes disgusting but is said to hold magical powers to help heal your mind, body and soul. Legend says that if you drink the well water you will have eternal youth. The spring has never dried up even in the most severe drought. Souvenirs including healing flower essences are available from the bookshop.
Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.
The Glastonbury Festival Most people first recognise the name Glastonbury because of the famous Glastonbury festival. This is not actually held in Glastonbury at all but in a place called Pilton a few miles from Glastonbury. If you are looking for peace and tranquillity then please do not visit during the festival. A few years ago during a very wet festival the local hospitals of Yeovil and Taunton were completely full up. Many of the revellers had bad cases of foot rot and many wards were emptied of non-urgent cases just to accommodate the huge influx of people needing treatment. You should take this into account if you think you will be at risk of needing hospital treatment during this time. The festival itself is fantastic with many well-known bands and solo artists appearing. Space is given to local groups but not in the main area. Parking is impossible near the festival and if you do your car will be clamped within minutes of you parking. Tickets for the festival go on sale in the area in April.
Other places in Glastonbury I would recommend for you to visit
Wearyall Hill where Joseph of Arimathea was said to have planted his staff into the ground. From the staff grew the famous Glastonbury Thorn.
The Somerset Rural Life Museum -housed in a 14th century barn. Demonstrations
Pictures of Glastonbury, Somerset
Welcome sign
of rural crafts are held daily. A Tearoom, shop and facilities for the disabled are on site. Free parking
Shopping
If you are looking for something unusual then Glastonbury is where you will love to shop. Huge bamboo and metal wind chimes hang from many shop ceilings. The scent from burning josticks and incense cones can make you feel really heady and breathless. The clothes, mainly gothic and hippy styles, will delight you. Crystals, candles and bookshops are in abundance. The prices are a little high and you will have problems finding your normal high-street shop in Glastonbury. There is a very small Woolworth but that is the only name you will recognise.
Eating and Drinking
Glastonbury has to be the ideal place if you are a vegan or vegetarian. Most restaurants and cafes do not sell products with meat on the menu. Soya or rice milk is used for tea and coffee. If you have any special dietary requirements then as long as you let them know beforehand they will be able to satisfy your needs. Extensive menus are offered including pizza, quiche, roast pumpkin, salads etc. All foods are made with fresh local produce where available and the menus are changed regularly so they are seasonal. Even if you are a meat eater this is the ideal opportunity to tantalise your taste buds with new flavours and textures. The food is well presented and very tasty. A vast range of drinks is available including freshly made lemonade, organic wine, elderberry cordial and herbal teas.
My two favourite eating-places in Glastonbury are The Rainbow Café and The Blue Note Café. Booking is not required but do try to get seated by noon as both places fill up very quickly. Mobile phones are not allowed to be left on in either place. If you prefer to have a hearty meal with meat included there are three public houses in the main street that do offer a good range of meals.
Accommodation
Just put places to stay in Glastonbury into your search engine and you should find an array of places to stay ranging from basic rooms to posh hotels. Prices start at under £20.00 for a stay at the backpacker's hostel.
How to get to Glastonbury
Take Junction 22 from the M5 and follow signs to Glastonbury. Proceed from the M4 to the M5 and follow steps above. Take Junction 8 from the M3 and continue on the A303 until you reach the A37.Follow the Shepton Mallet signs until you pick up the signs to Glastonbury.
Other Local Attractions in the Area
Cheddar Caves, Wookey Hole, Yeovilton Air Station, Clark's Village and Wells
Other information you may find interesting
As Glastonbury is the spiritual centre of Somerset, alternative therapy courses are offered at many different venues. The most popular venue is the assembly rooms where two current courses include Hypnotherapy and Holistic & Spiritual healing are on offer. Many of the courses ask you to bring a vegetarian or vegan lunch to share with others. I like this aspect as you soon get to know your fellow students in a much more relaxed manner. I have attended a few alternative therapy courses at Glastonbury, the most recent on Iridology, which turned out to be very boring, and not at all what I expected.
A small market is held on Tuesday next to St John's parish church in the high street. In the summer, the church offers tea and cakes to its visitors. Spiritual healing is also available inside the church free of charge, although all donations are gratefully received.
Glastonbury is not the most disabled friendly place to visit with most shops and venues not being accessible. The town centre itself is fairly steep, although photographs on the web do not portray this very well. Only a few disabled parking spaces are available and the three car parks are fairly small.
Excellent review. Always wanted to give it a bash, have now decided to take the plunge :)
browndoll 22.08.2009 15:57
Great review
emmyjepson 20.07.2009 12:07
I have to visit Glastonbury at some point, I really want to go. And thanks to you, I now know there's a wide variety of things for vegetarians, like me, which makes it even more appealing! Expectional review, I've ran out of E's unfortunately. But you deserve one!
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