Glastonbury

The Basics

Outside of festival season, most travelers opt to visit Glastonbury on a day trip from London. Day tours can be combined with other southwest England attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge, or the Avebury stone circle. Glastonbury’s star attraction is medieval Glastonbury Abbey, founded in the seventh century and allegedly the burial site of King Arthur. Additional highlights include the 525-foot-high (160-meter-high) sacred hill of Glastonbury Tor, home to the ruins of St. Michael’s Church; the ancient Chalice Well; and the fascinating Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Glastonbury is easy to get around on foot, and most attractions are within easy walking distance.

• Glastonbury is a great place to shop with numerous independent boutiques, artisan workshops, and art galleries.

• Active types won’t want to miss the hike to the top of Glastonbury Tor—a trek of about 1 hour 45 minutes with spectacular views over the countryside.

How to Get There

Glastonbury is located in Somerset in southwest England, approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) west of London, a 3.5-hour drive. Trains from London Paddington run to Bristol, from where you can take a bus to Glastonbury (a total journey time of up to four hours). National Express have daily buses from London to Glastonbury (around four hours). To visit on a day trip, rent a car or join a tour.

When to Get There

Held most years, the Glastonbury Festival usually takes place at the end of June and draws huge crowds—if you’re not attending the festival, it’s best to avoid visiting at this time. There’s plenty going on in town all year round, especially during the summer months and over Christmas. Time your visit for a Tuesday to attend the town’s popular markets.

Glastonbury Festival

One of the world’s most legendary music festivals, the Glastonbury Festival was founded by Michael Eavis in 1970 and fast became one of England’s most important cultural events. The five-day festival features bands and artists from a wide range of genres, as well as theater, dance, comedy, and other performing arts, and various areas devoted to alternative and hippie culture. Up to 200,000 revelers attend the festival, and headliners have included Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Foo Fighters, the Rolling Stones, and Kanye West.

Why is Glastonbury so famous?

Glastonbury is an ancient town in Somerset that's been a famous religious and pilgrimage center throughout the centuries. Nowadays it’s most famous for its annual Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts. The 5-day festival has been running since 1970 and brings together international music stars. Attendees generally camp on-site.

How much does it cost to go to Glastonbury?

It costs nothing to visit the Somerset town of Glastonbury. Tickets to the town's annual summer Glastonbury Festival, however, cost hundreds of British pounds (that includes five nights of camping). The music and arts festival is popular, and you must register in advance of fall ticket sales.

Is it hard to get Glastonbury tickets?

Yes, it’s difficult to get tickets to the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts. First, you must register online (free), which includes submitting a passport-style photo of yourself. If your registration is accepted, you’ll be notified when tickets go on sale. Millions of people vie for about 200,000 tickets.

Can you get VIP tickets to Glastonbury?

VIP tickets aren’t available to the general public. Only performers, music industry professionals, press, and VIP guests can get VIP tickets to the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts. VIP tickets give ticket holders access to performers’ areas, private bars and food stalls, and VIP toilets and showers.

Can you get a shower at Glastonbury?

Yes, you can shower at the Glastonbury Festival, but facilities are limited, and expect long lines. There are large demands on the town’s water supply for the festival, so showers are limited. VIP tickets (not available to the general public) provide access to a dedicated shower block.

Do people sleep at Glastonbury?

Yes, most people who attend Glastonbury Festival camp in tents, campervans/caravans, or on-site tipis. Camping is permitted in the designated camping fields but not in the parking lots. Offsite accommodation may also be found in homes, bed and breakfasts, and private campsites, but the town isn’t a big place.