

The awe-inspiring Glastonbury Tor is a significant tourist draw, with many flocking to explore the history, myth and legend that surround it. Explore its beautiful parklands and catch a glimpse of the Holy Thorn tree. The views here are just astonishing, and it’s clear why this magical spot has and continues to be a place of spiritual significance – it’s a beautiful place to walk, unwind and relax – and maybe connect to that unique, magical energy that lives here.įeeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Somerset here.Ġ1278 741 874 | | in history, parts of the ancient town of Glastonbury and its surrounding areas date back as far as the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Neolithic times the imposing Glastonbury Abbey is the town's most dominant feature. It’s free to access and is open dawn to dusk, with a reasonably steep climb leading to the top. Today, the Tor is owned by the National Trust and is a short walk from the centre of the town or there is a Park and Ride service which links the Tor with the town and the other important sites at Glastonbury. The Tor is also deeply associated with the Goddess and as a place of rebirth and initiation, and it is said that the paths that circle the hill form a massive three-dimensional labyrinth. Beloved by pagans, Celts and Druids, there are a plethora of myths associated with this magnificent mound, from it being the home for faery folk, the entrance to the land of the dead and even the fort where Queen Guinevere was held captive, only to be rescued by King Arthur. So far, archaeologists have found graves dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries – the Dark Ages. Recent excavations have revealed a monk’s retreat and at least two previous sites of churches, one of which was the location of the beheading of Abbot Richard Whiting on the orders of Thomas Cromwell in 1549.īut its heritage goes much further back than its Christian past. Steeped in history and legend, this iconic landmark has a vast history. Today, it’s very much regarded as one of the most spiritual locations in Britain. Many myths and legends are associated with the Tor, but it also has a more human, gristly past too. The Tor is a landmark not to be missed when visiting Glastonbury and by climbing the holy hill you’ll get a fabulous view of the town, Isle of Avalon and out towards Wales, Dorset and Wiltshire.
