Glastonbury, renowned for its globally acclaimed festival that attracts tens of thousands every summer, is also a charming destination for a weekend getaway throughout the rest of the year, brimming with unique history and breathtaking walks.
The village is also steeped in rumours of being the final resting place of King Arthur.
Legend has it that King Arthur and his wife Guinevere are interred within the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, south of the Lady Chapel, nestled between two pillars.
Another tale suggests that Jesus once visited Glastonbury, a story that inspired William Blake’s poem Jerusalem, now recognised as a beloved hymn.
This quaint village is teeming with folklore and history, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely weekend wander.
It’s home to a vibrant array of characters and shops offering crystals, pagan artefacts, and handcrafted art, alongside a generous selection of quality charity shops for those with a more economical mindset.
A must-visit location is the White Spring, situated at the town’s entrance. The White Spring is home to two natural springs, one imbued with a white hue from calcium and the other a reddish tint from iron, reports the Mirror.
These springs emerge just a few feet apart, and a temple has been constructed for visitors to meditate amongst them. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the springs, but be warned – some visitors choose to bathe in the nude, so mobile phones are prohibited.
The White Spring, a tranquil spot bathed in candlelight, offers an ideal setting for quiet contemplation.
One visitor shared on Tripadvisor: “This is a lovely little temple, it’s very peaceful lit by candle light. No phones allowed in this spot as it’s known to be a religious site and there’s also sometimes people bathing without clothes on so be aware of that if taking children. It’s such a relaxing spot and I could sit in here all day if I could, highly recommend for couples as it feels to be quite a romantic spot,”.
Nestled at the foot of Glastonbury Tor, the White Spring adds to the charm of this unique town.
Glastonbury Tor is rich in both Christian and Pagan lore. Some believe that beneath its verdant grass lies a hidden cave leading to the fairy realm of Annwn, home to Gwyn ab Nudd, the lord of the Celtic underworld, and the Cauldron of Rebirth.
In later tales, it is said that the Holy Grail resides here, brought by Jesus’ uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. Both the Cauldron and the Grail were sought after by King Arthur and his knights.
Even without its myths and legends, Glastonbury Tor is worth a visit for its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the remnants of a 14th-century church. The solitary tower standing tall at the peak is all that remains of the church of St Michael.
This church replaced one destroyed by an earthquake, and before that, the Romans utilised this hilltop.
If you’re sated with the great outdoors, why not saunter down to the high street and discover The George and Pilgrims?
This historic pub, dating back to the 15th century, is steeped in lore, with whispers of a network of subterranean tunnels linking it to the ancient abbey. Haunted by the spectral figures of a monk and a lovelorn lady, the establishment offers both spine-tingling tales and scrumptious fare.
Garnering a respectable 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor, patrons rave about its old-world allure, extensive selection of drinks, including a variety of ales, and its charming architectural features.
One visitor enthused: “This is the first place I head to whenever I am in Glastonbury. It’s a fascinating building with a unique atmosphere. There are little decorative details throughout including a cobbled stone floor, little nooks and seating areas, a beautiful stained glass window frontage and brilliant wall paintings. Serving great value tasty food and local traditional farmhouse Somerset cider (beef and other drinks too of course.)”.