Glastonbury stands as Britain's most legendary Christian site, where ancient abbey ruins, a mysterious tor, and holy springs have drawn pilgrims since before recorded history. Legend connects this "Isle of Avalon" to Joseph of Arimathea, King Arthur, and the Holy Grail, while documented history records one of England's wealthiest medieval monasteries.
📜 History & Significance
Glastonbury Abbey claims to be the oldest Christian foundation in Britain, with legends attributing its origin to Joseph of Arimathea, who according to medieval tradition brought the Holy Grail to these shores. The abbey became immensely wealthy in the Middle Ages, second only to Westminster, until its dissolution in 1539 when the last abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed on the Tor.
In 1191, monks claimed to discover the tomb of King Arthur and Guinevere, cementing Glastonbury's Arthurian associations. The Chalice Well at the foot of the Tor has been a place of pilgrimage for over 2,000 years, its iron-rich red waters inspiring the legend that Joseph buried Christ's blood there.
🥾 Route Overview
The Glastonbury Water Way covers 55 miles from Bath to Glastonbury over 5-6 days, following holy springs and rivers through Somerset. For day pilgrims, the Glastonbury Way offers a 7-mile circular route encompassing all major sites, while the King Arthur Way extends 153 miles from Tintagel to Glastonbury for those seeking a longer mythic journey.
The landscape itself is transformative—the Tor rising 158 meters from the flat Somerset Levels creates an island effect that gave Glastonbury its Avalon mystique.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
Glastonbury Abbey - The ruined medieval monastery, once among England's greatest, where annual Anglican and Catholic pilgrimages continue.
Glastonbury Tor - The iconic hill crowned by St. Michael's Tower (1360s), offering panoramic views and deep spiritual resonance.
Chalice Well - Britain's oldest holy well, flowing 25,000 gallons daily at a constant 52°F, with iron-rich waters said to represent Christ's blood.
St. Michael's Tower - The ruined church atop the Tor, all that remains of a medieval chapel, marking one of England's most powerful pilgrimage destinations.
🕯️ Annual Pilgrimages
The Anglican Pilgrimage (Saturday) and Catholic Pilgrimage (Sunday) are held the same weekend each summer, with ecumenical processions and masses in the abbey ruins continuing traditions revived in 1924.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Glastonbury Pilgrimage.