Glastonbury is a charming and distinctive destination located just a three-hour drive west of London. This small town is easy to explore on foot, with all the must-see attractions close together, making it perfect for a full day of adventure.
One of the refreshing aspects of the town is its lack of over-commercialization, and very few large coaches visit. However, you can still enjoy a small group tour from London to Glastonbury, combining with Stonehenge and Avebury.
Most memorable though will be the ‘new age’, mystic shops and the hippy like characters who have made the area their home.
It is a mystic, myth and legend backdrop that weaves its way through everything you will visit and see. So we recommend reading our Glastonbury Myths and Legends page.
OK, you’ve finished reading the Myths and Legends page? Lets carry on then.
The two big draws in terms of numbers of visitors are Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor.
Glastonbury Abbey
One of Glastonbury’s claims is that it is perhaps the earliest Christian place in Britain. The Abbey which is in the centre of town is now a ruin, but a visit is still worthwhile – especially if you take advantage of one of the costumed tours that is included in your ticket price.
There is also a good exhibition/museum which will provide a formal briefing/background on the area.
Glastonbury Abbey was established as a Benedictine monastery during the years 670 to 678 AD. Prior to that time, it had existed, for many years, as a Celtic religious centre. According to legend, 2000 years ago Joseph of Arimathea (Christ’s uncle) is supposed to have brought the young Jesus here.
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor is just to the East of the town. A 10-minute walk from the High Street and Abbey (well signposted) will take you past Chalice Well to the foot of the Tor.
It is then a slog up a paved pathway up the south side of the Tor to the top. The tower on the Tor is all that remains of a fourteenth-century chapel dedicated to Saint Michael, a replacement for an earlier church destroyed by an earthquake in 1275.
No visit is complete without a visit to the Tor, preferably after you have familiarised yourself with the myths and legends around this mystical place.
Chalice Well, White Spring & Wearyall Hill
Once you find yourself captivated by the myths and legends that surround the area, you’ll be eager to further explore these three tranquil locations, Chalice Well, White Spring & Wearyall Hill
Glastonbury by public transport
The first thing to say is that a day trip to Glastonbury from London is not really realistic by public transport.
You need really to overnight and make it a 2 or 3 day trip, perhaps combining Bath into your itinerary.
Glastonbury by rail from London
The quickest but most expensive option is by train from London’s Paddington Station to Castle Cary, approximately 1½ hours. It is then a fairly lengthy and expensive taxi (best pre booked) of about 25 minutes to Glastonbury.
If you do only have a day, then your best option from London is probably a small group day tour combining Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Avebury. Though note you will only get about 2 hours at most in Glastonbury.
A cheaper but slower train option from London is to catch a train from Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads. From close to the station you can get a bus to Glastonbury on its way to Street. Note the bus takes 90 minutes to perform this journey and the train from London takes the best part of two hours.
Glastonbury by bus from London
The cheapest option between London and Glastonbury is National Express or Berrys coaches that take 3 to 4 hours to do the journey direct.
Normally there is only one service a day for both companies, leaving London in the evening and Glastonbury early morning. National Express run from Victoria Coach Station in London, Berrys from Hammersmith Bus Station.
National Express also operate very frequently between London and Bristol from where you can get a local bus to Glastonbury taking around 90 minutes.
The Bristol – London service normally operates with a stop at London Heathrow Airport and there are services to Gatwick Airport as well.
National Express tickets & timetables
TRAIN TICKETS
King Arthur’s Realm day tour from London
Visiting Stonehenge, Glastonbury and Avebury
If you are a visitor from London and would like a really special day out to remember, there is one specialist guided small group tour, King Arthur’s Realm.
This tour will take you into the hidden world of Avalon, a full day out covering many historical and spiritual sites, including Glastonbury as well as two other essential places of pilgrimage; Stonehenge and Avebury.
Out on Salisbury Plain you’ll see the enigmatic World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. Here you’ll witness up close the splendour of the magical stones, and discuss the possible theories behind Stonehenge’s existence.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the famous Glastonbury Tor and discover secrets at the sacred Chalice Well (where the cup from the Last Supper was said to have been hidden in the First Century by Joseph Arimathea).
At Glastonbury Abbey you can and pay your respects to the grave of Arthur himself.
Finally, at Avebury you can walk the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Avebury is a magical place, with lots of ancient history with strong spiritual meaning for many people.
Expect a full day of druids, battles, magic and grail legends with your knowledgeable guide. Not to be missed.