Glastonbury

Glastonbury Tor rises dramatically from the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels, close to the town of Glastonbury, to a height of 158 metres (525 feet). The Tor is topped by the tower of a ruined 15th-century church (St Michael's). The hill and its approaches are owned by the National Trust, and offer free public access, but visitors are advised to walk there from the town centre, or to take the 'Tor Bus', due to parking restrictions around the site.

Views from the summit are stunning in all directions - north to Wells, the Mendips and the Bristol Channel; east to Shepton Mallet and Wiltshire; south to the Polden Hills, west to the Quantocks and Exmoor.

History, myth and legend surround the Tor. Dark Age and Saxon remains excavated here suggested that it was once a Saxon fortress, or perhaps an early Christian hermitage. Alternative conjecture has suggested that the Tor is associated with 'ley lines' and various earth energies; it is claimed to be the home of Gwyn ap Nudd, the Lord of the Underworld, and others consider it to be at the centre of a Zodiac pattern formed by surrounding field boundaries.

Glastonbury has been recently recognised and awarded for its floaral displays by South West in Bloom and Mendip in Bloom.

Must See & Do

1. Walk up Glastonbury Tor (Take a look at the Tor first with the live web cam on Check it Live)

2. Visit Glastonbury Abbey

3. Take a trip to Somerset Rural Life Museum

4. Go to Glastonbury Lake Village Museum

5. Attend the Glastonbury Music Extravaganza

Additional Images

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