Glastonbury Abbey has long been one of my favourite places in the UK. As soon as you walk into the abbey grounds you just get the feeling you are in very serene and special place. Maybe its the connections to King Arthur and the legend that he’s buried here, maybe it’s the many stories the ruins hold or maybe it’s just that its a place of worship.
Located in the town of Glastonbury, Somerset (more popularly known for its ties with Glastonbury Festival) the Abbey is a popular visitor attraction. The Abbey buildings date back to 688 and whilst they are now ruins, they are still just as beautiful as what you would imagine they were back in their heyday.
The buildings are Grade 1 Listed and set in within 36 acres of parkland which is all immaculately preserved so that history lives on and that visitors can learn about the history and myths of this tranquil area. Whilst visiting you can see what is believed to be King Arthur and Queen Guinevere’s final resting place, Lady Chapel, St Patrick’s Chapel, the Holy Thorn, Cider Orchard and Abbot’s Kitchen. The museum helps answer any questions that you may have about the area and in the summer months, there are even costumed guides walking around sharing information about the ruins.
There are so many stories both historic, legendary and mythical within these ruins and parklands. Including that it is considered the earliest Christian Foundation in England and linked to Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Thorn, ties to the Saxons, Romans and Normans, it’s been raged by fire and rebuilt and has considerable connections to the legend of King Arthur.
To visit the Abbey the admission price is £7.34 per adult if bought online (slightly higher if paying at the gate) and there are student, over 60 and family tickets also available. For less than a tenner it is well worth the entry price and with so much to see and do its a great (and educational) day out for all the family.
You can also visit the Abbey for plays, gigs, workshops and other events so do check out the events page of their website here for what is coming up.
It’s a mystical and mythical place that I have visited several times and is one place that I could visit a thousand times more. Take in the beauty for yourself with these serene pictures of the majestic Glastonbury Abbey.
Damn, another place I missed when in the UK. I can sense another trip one day. I appreciated your photos – the were well thought out with gorgeous framing. Isn’t it amazing how ruins can be so gorgeous.
Beautiful photos! I definitely would live to visit Glastonbury Abbey now! Thank you for this awesome info.! Cher xo
This is so close to my hometown, and so lovely to visit! Your pictures are great. If you’re still in Somerset and get a chance, go visit Montacute House. Its another heritage listed site and well worth the visit.
Ohh where is your home town? I live about 29 mind from Glastonbury. Montacute house is awesome and well worth the visit.
What beautiful photos. Really inspire me to put Glastonbury on our next UK itinerary
This is shamefully a place I’ve never visited in the UK. Your pictures make it look so ancient and haunting,I love it! Definitely gonna head here when we’re next back home!
Having lived here in the UK all my life, I can’t believe I still haven’t visited there! Images are gorgeous!!!
Wow this looks absolutely amazing! And your pictures are amazing too! These pictures really make me want to visit the UK more often and also the countryside as well! Thank you so much for sharing:)
xoxo Annaleid
I haven’t been to Glastonbury Abbey for years – my brother went to Bath uni and then lived that way so we visited all round the area. Brings back lots of memories, particularly of my hubby’s elderly who lived in Taunton and always spoke of the abbey!!
As someone who studied religious history in the Isles for all of her formative years, I’m torn- I love that it is protected now but heartbroken that such a great abbey was left to fall into this state in the first place! That Henry VIII and his dissolution >:(
Lovely photos. Hope to visit this site someday soon
Thanks so much!!
The photos are beautiful. I only knew Glastonbury for the festival, but now I have even more reasons to visit.
Saw your photo of the Abbey on Instagram and I’ve made a note of it. My sister loves to visit cathedrals and other places of worship (me not so much) but Glastonbury would be a great compromise! I love that it’s surrounded by so much “green”.
Ahh it’s the perfect compromise. Yes the green parklands really stand out against the stone if the ruins. Thanks for stopping by!
Truly remarkable! I will have to add this to my bucket list. I have been to London once for only a few days. I need a longer UK trip to explore more.
Thanks so much it’s such a beautiful place. Yes you’ll have to have an extended trip and see some of the delights the U.K. has to offer.
I have never been but would love to. It reminds me of Tintern Abbey in Wales. So beautiful and steeped in history.
Very beautiful. I’ve been to Somerset before but didn’t have enough time to visit this, maybe next time!