The Local Area

Glastonbury & The Local Area

Glastonbury is very quirky town with many colourful shops, and incense hanging in the air. It is steeped in history with ancient medieval sites, mythology and mystique. There are hippies, druids, finely dressed goddesses, pagans and many magical events of mystery. It's a wonderful location to sit and people watch. Enjoy the many cafes, bakeries, vegetarian eateries, plentiful bars, inns and local restaurants.

Glastonbury Abbey, reputed to be King Arthur’s burial place, is the ruins of one of the most magnificent religious buildings of the age. The abbey and monastery date back to the 7th century.

The striking Glastonbury Tor, managed by the National Trust, stands proudly above the town of Glastonbury and dominates the local landscape. It is 518ft high, and is topped by the 15^th century roofless St Michael's Tower and also linked to Arthurian legend. It is mentioned in Celtic mythology and has other spiritual associations. The conical hilltop offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets with wonderful views across the marshy Somerset Levels.

Local Places to Visit:

Chalice Well
The famed ancient holy well is surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards, and is a living sacred sanctuary. For over 2,000 years this has been a popular place where visitors gather to drink the waters. They find solace, quiet healing, peace and inspiration. It nestles in the Vale of Avalon between Chalice Hill and the famous Glastonbury Tor.

Glastonbury Abbey & Museum
Set in 37 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland are the fabled remains of a wealthy monastery with links to King Arthur and Guinevere. Christian legends have claimed that the abbey was founded by Joseph of Arimathea back in the 1st century. By the 14th century it was one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England.

Bride’s Mound
Bride’s Mound is a small hill in an area called Beckery Island, just west of Glastonbury. It is part of the Glastonbury landscape forming the western gateway to Avalon.

Glastonbury Tercentennial Labyrinth
The Glastonbury Tercentennial Labyrinth is located in the grounds of the 15th century St John’s Church. Laid out by volunteers in 2007, it's a grass labyrinth of the classical seven circuit design. The pathway is delineated by Blue Lias stone found locally.

Glastonbury Experience Courtyard
Just off the High Street and through an alley you will find a collection of fascinating and eclectic shops in a self-contained courtyard. It's also home to the Library of Avalon and the Goddess Temple.

Local Places to Visit (continued):

Avalon Marshes
The Avalon Marshes is a spectacular and beautiful wetland area with lush vegetation. It's home to a diverse range of wildlife and is a haven for birds. Watch and listen to the spectacular starling murmurations in the reed beds. There are otters playing in the wild, booming bitterns, butterflies and dragonflies. The numerous trails, paths and lanes of the marches can be walked or cycled.

There are a many nature reserves to be explored locally including Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve and Westhay Moor Nature Reserve with its shimmering lakes and reed beds, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers and anyone who loves nature.

Shopping:

Glastonbury High Street has an array of weird and wonderful shops to explore They offer a diverse range of alternative gifts and clothing to explore, as well as independent food shops …

Birdie's Yard - Local organic food co-operative
Burns the Bread - Craft bakery
Earthfare - Organic supermarket and cafe
The Speaking Tree - Esoteric bookstore - www.speakingtree.co.uk
Stone Age - Crystals, treatments and craft goods - www.stoneage.co.uk
Facets of Avalon - Gallery of jewellery, mosaics and local art
ShieldMaiden - All things Viking!
The Crystal Man - Minerals, crystals, fossils and carvings
Star Child - Oils, minerals, crystal and herbs
Margaret Kimber - Ethnic clothing and gifts

Glastonbury Tor

The striking Glastonbury Tor, managed by the National Trust, stands proudly above the town of Glastonbury and all else around. It is 518ft high and is topped by the 15^th century roofless St Michael's Tower and linked to Arthurian legend. The Tor is mentioned in Celtic mythology and has many other spiritual associations and myths surrounding it. The popular conical terraced hilltop offers spectacular sunrises, sunsets and wonderful panoramic views across the Somerset Levels.

Eat & Drink

Hunter’s Moon is just a short distance from a variety of restaurants, pubs, takeaways and supermarkets.

Local Pubs & Restaurants

The Lion at West Pennard - 1.5 miles from Hunter’s Moon Local ales and home cooked food for lunch and dinner. www.thelionatpennard.co.uk or call 01458 832941

BocaBar, Glastonbury - 6 miles from Hunter’s Moon. A cosy and relaxed venue with regular live music - perfect for dinner or drinks. www.glastonbury.bocabar.co.uk or call 01458 440558

Tamburino, Street - 7 miles from Hunter’s Moon Authentic Italian cuisine in a Mediterranean setting. Booking advised. www.tamburino.co.uk or call 01458 447570

The Red Lion at Babcary - 7 miles away. Award winning Somerset pub serving a mix of gastro dishes along with pub classics. www.redlionbabcary.co.uk or call 01458 223230

The Sheppey, nr. Godney - 10 miles away from Hunter’s Moon in the heart of the Somerset Levels, you’ll find modern European food, an eclectic mix of musicians and a constantly changing roster of beers, ales and local ciders. www.thesheppey.co.uk or call 01458 831594

Local Recommendations:

Good full English breakfast at the 'Lazy Gecko' opposite the Abbey
Other good breakfast and lunch cafes include - 'Rainbow's End', Blue Note' and 'Hundred Monkeys' in Glastonbury High Street.
Famous fish and chip shop is 'Knights' in Glastonbury town centre (fresh fish every day from Brixham). Eat in or take away.
Plenty of pubs and restaurants in and around Glastonbury High Street. The 'Who'd a Thought It' has good food and interesting memorabilia on the walls.
Weekly street market on the High Street on Thursday from 9am to noon.
Food and herb market on Tuesday on Tuesday from 9am to noon in St Dunstan's car park
Farmer's Market every fourth Saturday in St Dubastan's car park
Amazing Chinese takeaway Golden House in the nearby town of Street
Thai food at the Thai Elephant also in the nearby town of Street. Offers home delivery to Hunter's Moon
Italian at Tamburino also in the nearby town of Street.