Glastonbury

This small town in Somerset is home to many legends that have given rise to its popularity as a "new age" destination. Various myths include Glastonbury as the final resting place for King Arthur and the Holy Grail. There's a lot to see for such a small town including Glastonbury Abbey, which dates from the 7th century, Glastonbury Tor and the Chalice Well. As well as all these attractions, Glastonbury is best known for the legendary Glastonbury Festival, which can be best described as Britain's original rock festival.

Practical information

Glastonbury Tourist Information Centre

The Tribunal, 9 High Street, Glastonbury

Tel (01458) 832954

Website www.glastonburytic.co.uk

Open Jan-Mar Mon-Thu 10am-4pm, Fri-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm; Apr-Sep Mon-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5pm; Oct-Dec Mon-Thu 10am-4pm, Fri-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Coming & going

First runs buses 29 and 929 from Taunton, bus 173 from Bath, 376, 377, 929, 976, 977 from Bristol Temple Meads Station and 377 and 977 from Yeovil.

Hostel accommodation

Glastonbury Backpackers

4 Market Place, Glastonbury

Tel (01458) 833 353

Street YHA

The Chalet, Ivythorn Hill, Street, Somerset BA16 0TZ

Bus First 376 (Mon-Sat), 976 (Sun) from Bristol or Wells

Tel (01458) 442 961

Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey claims to be the oldest above ground Christian church in the world and although it is in ruin, regular services are still held here. There are many legends surrounding the abbey and King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried here.

Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury

Tel (01458) 832267

Website www.glastonburyabbey.com

Admission £5, students £4.50

Open Jan 10am-4.30pm daily; Feb 10am-5pm daily; Mar 9.30am-5.30pm daily; Apr-May 9.30am-6pm daily; Jun-Aug 9am-6pm daily; Sep 9.30am-6pm daily; Oct 9.30am-5pm daily; Nov 9.30am-4.30pm daily; Dec 10am-4.30pm daily

Glastonbury Tor

The remaining 15th-century tower of the church of St Michael dominates this 159m-high hill just outside town. Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with the Holy Grail, which he buried under the Chalice Well near the Tor.

Wellhouse Lane, Glastonbury

Tel (01934) 844518

Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk & www.glastonburytor.org.uk

Admission free

Glastonbury Tribunal

This 14th-century house has a stone facade dating from the 16th century. The building now houses the tourist information centre, but there is also an area with displays on its history.

9 High Street, Glastonbury

Bus 376, 377, 976, 977

Tel (01458) 832 954

Website www.glastonburytic.co.uk

Admission £2

Open Jan-Mar Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4.30pm; Apr-Sep Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5.30pm; Oct-Dec Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4.30pm

Somerset Rural Life Museum

This open-air museum tells the life story of a farm worker in Victorian Somerset. The museum's highlight is a 14th century abbey barn.

Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury

Tel (01458) 831197

Website www.somerset.gov.uk/museums/