Pictures of Glastonbury Abbey
About Glastonbury Abbey
This is believed to be the site of the oldest Christian Church in the world, for centuries it has been the focus of Christian worship, visited by pilgrims from all corners of the earth, they are drawn here not simply for the abbey ruins, but because this is also the place where Joseph of Arimathea is believed to have buried the chalice used at the Last Supper.
Glastonbury Abbey is set within beautiful parkland at the centre of this wonderfully atmospheric, ancient market town. Many believe the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds sprang from Joseph of Arimathea's staff. Saint David and Saint Patrick are said to have visited here, and others believe the legends surrounding King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, that they lie buried amongst the substantial ruins of this once great abbey church.
You do not particularly have to believe the legend to appreciate the strength of feeling for this beautiful place, for the uniqueness of the site, and eyrie atmosphere gently draw you in, especially when Somerset mists rain down on the site, it is then that the abbey ruins are at their most mystical. Whatever you believe, this is a place in which you can find great peace and comfort of the soul. It is an awe-inspiring place which at times seems quite overwhelming.
Today's modern pilgrims to the site can visit the new visitors centre which houses an award-winning exhibition of how the abbey must have looked in the 14th century. There is also a Children's Display area, and a Display depicting the old Town. To add to the authenticity, during the summer months an actor takes on the role of a 15th century monk, he is happy to explain what life was like at that time, the kind of food enjoyed by the monk's and how it would have been prepared.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Glastonbury Abbey.
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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the
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Recommended attractions near Glastonbury Abbey
| The Chalice Well Gardens | (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) | Pictures |
| Glastonbury Tor | (0.7 miles, 1.1 km) | Pictures |
| Wells Cathedral | (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Bishop's Palace, Wells | (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill | (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Fleet Air Arm Museum | (9.5 miles, 15.2 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Cheddar Caves and Gorge | (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Montacute House | (13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Ham Hill Country Park | (13.5 miles, 21.7 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Barrington Court | (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
All attractions in SomersetComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury, a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset (0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
This little town now enjoys world renown for its annual music festival which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Wookey, in the county of Somerset (4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction N)
It is a pleasant resort village made famous by the glittering limestone cavern known as "Wookey Hole" which comprises of several dramatic chambers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Wells, in the county of Somerset (5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction NE)
Wells, situated at the foot of the picturesque mendip hills, is most certainly one of England's most delightful cathedral cities.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Langport, in the county of Somerset (8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction SW)
This old town cradled at the heart of the Somerset Levels, sits bounded by the soft rolling Somerset countryside.
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Cheddar, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction N)
Often called 'Englands Grand Canyon' Chedder Gorge was carved out by a river that now runs underground.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Martock, in the county of Somerset (12.1 miles, 19.5 km, direction S)
The interior of Martock's Ham-stone church is perhaps the grandest in all Somerset, the startling effect of the golden stone against the most lavishly decorated of the county's great tie-beam roofs is simply overwhelming.
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Burnham-on-Sea, in the county of Somerset (13.9 miles, 22.3 km, direction NW)
This invigorating Somerset coastal resort offers visitors a variety of experiences. It has a rich expanse of sand covering almost seven miles of coast, making it an idyllic resort for families with children.
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Poyntington, in the county of Dorset (14.8 miles, 23.7 km, direction SE)
This is a delightful small village situated in the picturesque Blackmore Vale where the Dorset and Somerset boundary meets.
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Sherborne, a Historic Market Town in the county of Dorset (16.1 miles, 25.9 km, direction SE)
The softly glowing Ham stone of which most of the town properties are built, lends warmth and atmosphere to what is already a unique and attractive place.
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Ilminster, in the county of Somerset (17.1 miles, 27.6 km, direction SW)
Charmingly set in the favoured Somerset countryside is the pleasant little town of Ilminster.
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All towns in SomersetComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Castle Cary Station | (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction E) |
| M5 Junction 23 | (11.6 miles, 18.7 km, direction W) |
| Bruton Station | (12.0 miles, 19.2 km, direction E) |
| M5 Junction 22 | (12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction NW) |
| Bristol International Airport | (16.6 miles, 26.7 km, direction N) |
| Cardiff International Airport | (32.7 miles, 52.6 km, direction NW) |
| Glastonbury Abbey to London | (114.9 miles, 184.9 km, direction E) |
Accommodation & Hotels near Glastonbury Abbey
| Hotel Name |
| George & Pilgrims | (0.3 miles, 0.4 km) |
| Coxley Vineyard Hotel Limited | (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction NE) |
| Meare Manor | (3.7 miles, 5.9 km, direction NW) |
| Crossways | (4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction NE) |
| Best Western The Swan Hotel | (5.4 miles, 8.8 km, direction NE) |
| The White Hart Hotel | (5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction NE) |
| The Ancient Gatehouse | (5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction NE) |
| Miller's at Glencot House | (5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction N) |
| Beryl | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction NE) |
| Tor Farm Guest House | (8.0 miles, 13.0 km, direction N) |
| All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts |