Although most people have only heard of Glastonbury because it is home to one of the biggest rock festivals on Earth, there is much more to discover around the area. The festival is actually held in a tiny nearby town called Pilton, but it has greatly changed the landscape of Glastonbury, which counted a mere 8,000 inhabitants in 2001.
Located in the Somerset region, Glastonbury has a history that dates back to Neolithic times. The iron age saw the rise of Glastonbury Lake Village, which was built in 300BC and survived until Roman times. Art and utensils from the village were perfectly preserved in the peat, and they can now be admired at the Tribunal, a medieval dwelling which acts as both Museum and seat for the tourist information offices.
Today, Glastonbury has become a New Age haven for modern pagans, but its history reveals a rich history in terms of traditional religion. The New Age vibe that pervades the modern areas of town provides an interesting contrast with Glastonbury´s historical attractions. In fact it is the area´s rich spiritual history that made it attractive for people of New Age convictions in the first place.
In terms of accommodation, Glastonbury offers many options for those interested in experiencing the pastoral side of England, from luxury chalets to quaint countryside B&Bs and lovely inns. The wide variety of Glastonbury hotels will also satisfy those looking for modern comfort in an urban setting.
Glastonbury Sights and Landmarks
The Tor
The famous Tor is a hill offering some of the most striking panoramic views of Glastonbury´s reclaimed fenlands. A roofless ancient church sits atop the hill, which was once an island. Glastonbury is known to be a land of fantastic stories and legends, and its fairy-tale aura will be magically revealed in the superior mirage effects of the phenomenon known as Fata Morgana. This visual effect is due to air passing through areas of different temperatures, and it will present objects upside down, compressed or stretched, creating unreal visions around the Tor´s surrounding lowlands.
The Abbey
Hailed as the oldest above-ground church of the Christian faith on the planet, Glastonbury Abbey is said to have been built to hold the Holy Grail. Jesus himself is said to have visited the area, a legend that the great poet William Blake saw fit to mention in his popular work “Jerusalem.”
Even in ruins, the Abbey has retained its majestic state. The crypts, the beautiful grounds, and the picturesque buildings can make for a lovely and enriching visit. Early morning and dusk are said to be the moments when the Abbey is at its most beautiful and spiritual.
The Rural Life Museum
For those interested in what life was like in Victorian Somerset, the Rural Life Museum offers a recreation of domestic and social life under Queen Victoria. An interesting collection, enchanting architecture, an abundance of farm animals that make it great for kids, and free admission have made this Museum one of the most popular attractions in Glastonbury.
A fairy-tale land
The Glastonbury area is connected to some of England´s most popular myths and histories. For example, the name Fata Morgana comes from Morgan Le Fey, a sorceress and enemy to King Arthur in the Arthurian legends. Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, the Holy Grail; all have connections with Glastonbury´s past.
Even today, Glastonbury´s natural beauty will evoke the dreamland charm of fabulous ancient times full of sorcerers, warlocks, eternal lovers and magic potions.
The Chalice Well Trust & Gardens
At the foot of the Tor, there is an ancient Holy Well, surrounded by impressive landscaped gardens. During the summer nights, the gardens are candlelit, and the singing birds are substituted by delightful music.
The Festival
As Glastonbury Festival was canceled in 2012, the first round of ticket sales for 2013 finished faster than ever. Set to take place during the London Olympics, the festival had to be canceled due to a very unusual reason: there wouldn´t be enouth portable toilets to go round between the two events.
First held on the year of Jimmy Hendrix` passing, the Festival has had impressive line-ups since its inception. In 2011, it featured hundreds of the world´s most popular bands and solo artists, including U2, Morrissey, blues legend B.B. King, Coldplay, pop diva Beyoncé, folk-rock legend Paul Simon, and one of the most popular live acts of recent years; Mumford & Sons.
Whether you are attending the festival, looking to take in some of those New Age vibrations or interested in seeing the seat of the Holy Grail, Glastonbury offers abundant attractions in terms of both urban and rural life. The official re-sale of canceled tickets for the 2013 Festival will open in April.
More information on:
Glastonbury Official Tourism Site
Featured image by barnyz