Home > Attractions > Somerset > Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Is there a place more steeped in legend and myth than Glastonbury? Probably not. Legend holds that the earliest church here was founded by St. Joseph of Arimathea in about 60AD, and that when he planted his staff in the earth a thorn tree burst forth. In the grounds of the ruined Benedictine monastery there is a thorn tree of a variety common to the Middle East which is given to bloom around Christmas time. By the late Middle Ages Glastonbury had become the richest abbey in England, due to the heavy pilgrimage trade. It was rich enough to build an inn for well-to-do pilgrims (the George Inn, on nearby High Street, which still welcomes guests 500 years later). The best preserved building in the abbey grounds is the old Abbot's Kitchen, a curious square building which appears round due to its octagonal roof. In the abbey grounds are the reputed graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, which were conveniently discovered by the Glastonbury monks in the 12th century, when the abbey needed a financial boost. Outside the grounds are the abbey tithe barn, which now serves as a wonderful rural museum, and 4 miles away at Mere is the abbey's Fish House, were fish was salted and cured. more details ...
Glastonbury, Somerset, England, BA6 9EL

About Glastonbury Abbey
Attraction Type: Abbey
Website: Glastonbury Abbey
Email: info@glastonburyabbey.com
Phone: 01458 832 267
Fax: 01458 832 267
Location map
OS ST499 389
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Heritage Highlight: The graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinivere, though historically dubious, offer a real insight into the medieval mindset.
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Glastonbury Tribunal - 0.1 miles (Museum) Chalice Well and Gardens - 0.5 miles (Garden) Glastonbury Tor - 0.8 miles (Countryside) West Pennard Court Barn - 3.2 miles (Historic Property) Meare Fish House - 3.3 miles (Historic Property) Burcott Mill - 4.4 miles (Historic Property) Peat Moors Centre - 4.8 miles (Museum) Bishop's Palace - 5.4 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Glastonbury - 0 miles away Wells - 5.3 miles away Somerton - 6.5 miles away Sherborne - 16 miles away Bradford Abbas - 16.9 miles away Chedington - 20.7 miles away Bristol - 21.7 miles away Bath - 22 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Glastonbury Abbey

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Wrinkle Mead - 5.3 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Wells, Somerset Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £300

Tuckers Batch - 6.9 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Charlton Mackrell, Somerset Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £300

The Old Dairy - 7 miles from Glastonbury Abbey East Horrington, Somerset Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £295

More Self Catering near Glastonbury Abbey

Nearest Hotels

George & Pilgrims - 0.1 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury, Somerset Stay from: £46.00

Appletree House - 0.2 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury, Somerset Stay from: £35.00

The George and Pilgrim - 0.4 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury, Somerset Stay from: £46.00

More Hotels near Glastonbury Abbey

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Market House Inn - 0.1 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury, Somerset From: £100.00

No 1 Park Terrace Bed and Breakfast - 0.2 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury, Somerset From: £35.00

Appletree House - 0.2 miles from Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury, Somerset From: £35.00

More bed and breakfasts near Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury
Tourist Information Centre
The Tribunal
9 High Street
Glastonbury
Somerset
England
BA6 9DP
Tel: 01458 832 954
Fax: 01458 832 949
Email: info@glastonburytic.co.uk
Web: http://www.glastonburytic.co.uk/
Map