Welcome to

Glastonbury Abbey

Revel in history
Glastonbury Abbey flourished throughout its long history from
at least the seventh century until its dissolution by Henry VIII in
1539. By 1066, and again in the medieval period, this was the
richest and one of the most important monasteries in England.
Find out why in our Accredited museum and see the evidence
that reveals the Abbeys great wealth and achievements.

This is one of Englands earliest, most important

and fascinating abbeys, providing sanctuary,
tranquillity, history and heritage in one special place.
Discover its spirit, legends and stories amid the
romantic ruins. Step through the arches and be
inspired, intrigued and amazed.

Be inspired by the magnificent ruins of the twelfth century

Lady Chapel and the great medieval church. Experience the
spectacular medieval Abbots Kitchen, recently conserved
and redisplayed as an early Tudor medieval kitchen.

The Abbey is running

a major conservation
and enhancement
programme and
visitors will see
work in progress
from time to time.
The aim of the Appeal is to protect these ruins for future
generations find out how you can help at
www.glastonburyabbey.com/rescueourruins

Photo credit: Tony Arihanto

Stroll through the apple

orchard or sit by the ponds
Take a trip on the wild side
along the Badger Boardwalk
Visit the herb garden and
see wild flowers throughout
the seasons

And did those feet in ancient times

walk upon Englands mountain green?
William Blakes words reflect the early origins story of the
Abbey that Christ himself visited here with his uncle Joseph
of Arimathea. Visit the Holy Thorn tree, said to be descended
from Josephs staff, which flowers twice each year to recall
the birth and death of Christ and the bringing of Christianity
to our islands. According to the Somerset legend Christ
himself is said to have built the first church on this site.
We are the only sacred site in Britain to claim to have been
continuously Christian since the first century CE.

Wander through the grounds

Something for
everyone.
Enjoy 36 acres of fine
parkland
See the statue of Sigeric
in the medieval-inspired
chapel garden

Earliest Christian Foundation

Legendary burial place

of King Arthur

Imagine the
past with...
Costumed Guides
who will explain the
medieval lifestyle March to
October

In 1191, seven years after a great fire here, which destroyed

the old church, a grave was discovered by the monks. They
claimed it held the bones of King Arthur and Guinevere. Many
stories in the Arthurian cycle are set in south-western Britain
and Brittany. Once the grave was discovered here, tales of
the quest for the Holy Grail, believed to have been brought to
Glastonbury by Joseph of Arimathea, were also added. Visit
the site where once stood Arthurs black marble tomb,
in front of the High Altar - believed to be his last resting place.

Come to our demonstrations and events.

Ask at the ticket office or catch up at
www.glastonburyabbey.com
facebook.com/
GlastonburyAbbeySomerset

@glastonburyabbe

Glastonbury Abbey

Cafe and shop

The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9EL, UK

A37

Bristol

Bath

www.glastonburyabbey.com

Benedi ct S

t
t r ee

S ilv er Street

Entrance

S
Magdalene

M
ton

Facilities

all

oad
tR
ee
Str

et

A39

ane Rural Life

eL

Ber

Museum

Parking

St. Dunstans (Abbey) car and coach park is adjacent to the Abbey entrance.
Coach parking is also available at Northload Street West car park
(approximately 400m from the Abbey).
Other car parks are Northload Street East and West, Bowyers Close and
Silver Street - all close to the Town Centre.

dog friendly

some disabled
access

Abbey Opening Hours

November - February*
March - May
June - August
September - October

9.00 - 4.00pm
9.00 - 6.00pm
9.00 - 8.00pm
9.00 - 6.00pm

*Closed Christmas Day

facebook.com/
GlastonburyAbbeySomerset

Last admission half an hour before closing time

For admission prices visit our website

@glastonburyabbe

ep

Abbey
Grounds

www.glastonburyabbey.com

A303

Ilchester

treet

+44 (0) 1458 832267

info@glastonburyabbey.com
education@glastonburyabbey.com

A3

Street

High S

The Abbey shop stocks

a wide range of gifts
and souvenirs and
cider made from the
apples in our orchard.

Contact info

61

A39

Bridgwater

Frome

h
to S
ells A39
to W

Visit the summer cafe

in the grounds for fine
West Country ice
creams, teas, coffees
and homemade cakes.

Shepton
Mallet
A361

Wells

A3
7

Photo credit: Tony Arihanto

M5

picnics are
allowed

www.glastonburyabbey.com