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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

A view of Cullercoats in Tyne & Wear.

Cullercoats

in the county of Tyne & Wear

A picture of Watendlath

Watendlath

in the county of Cumbria

Pictures of Glastonbury Abbey

a Abbey in the town of Glastonbury, in the county of Somerset

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.

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Recommended towns & villages near Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury, Somerset

Glastonbury (103 Pictures)

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 globe. None-the-less, this still remains very much a.....

Wookey, Somerset

Wookey (5 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset

(4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction N)

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Wells Cathedral in Wells, Somerset

Wells (137 Pictures)

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...

Cheddar gorge from Jacob's Ladder. Cheddar, Somerset

Cheddar (132 Pictures)

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...

The Parish Church at Martock, Somerset

Martock (22 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village 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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Recommended attractions near Glastonbury Abbey

Chalice Well Entrance

The Chalice Well Gardens (11 Pictures)

(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)

There are many associations with Chalice Well covering countless centuries; it is a timeless and sacred place, full of legend,.....

Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury, Somerset

Glastonbury Tor (37 Pictures)

(0.7 miles, 1.1 km)

Swirling mists rise over the Somerset Levels, where approaching the town of Glastonbury, suddenly above the mist you catch a.....

Wells Cathedral in Wells, Somerset

Wells Cathedral (99 Pictures)

(5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NE)

Wells Cathedral is the most perfect example of an ecclesiastical city from the days when the order of life was God, King and.....

Reflection of the Gatehouse in the moat. The Bishops Palace, Wells.

Bishop's Palace, Wells (3 Pictures)

(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction NE)

The Bishop's Palace in the enchanting tiny cathedral city of Wells where there is a predominance of beautiful buildings, is.....

Wookey Hole Caves, Wookey Hole village, Somerset.

Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill (10 Pictures)

(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction N)

These dazzling show caves offer a glittering experience in floodlit chambers deep underground. This is the spiritual home of the.....


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