Aside from Stonehenge, a trip to Glastonbury town is included in most tourists’ itineraries. Aside from its natural beauty, the place is renowned for its myths and legends.
How to Get There
The town is in Somerset County. It is about 35 km (20 miles) south of Bristol. Most cities in the area have buses that will take you to the town. There is also a train and Megabus heading to Bristol. Look for the 376 local service to the town. A
nother option is the National Express coach which departs High Street in the morning. The town itself has five bus services, but it is easy enough to walk through it.
What to See
Glastonbury Tor is a hill that rises over the landscape. Along with the Abbey, they have become a center for New Age ceremonies and gatherings. The place draws thousands of people yearly. Aside from its association with New Age teachings, it is also said to be the resting place of King Arthur.
History
The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Stone Age farmers. The wood track ways they made have been discovered by archaeologists. The Tor dates from pre-Roman time. An artificial hill, the purpose of Tor is unclear. Some researchers speculate it was a shrine or fortress. The origin of the name is unknown.
There are many legends associated with the site. According to legend, the bodies of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried in Avalon. Avalon is said to be somewhere in the area. There are also several myths concerning Joseph of Arimathea.
According to the legend, Joseph brought Christ’s body to the site after the Crucifixion. There are also stories that say he brought the Holy Grail to England. These stories emerged around the 13th century.
Cost
The cost varies from year to year. The tickets for the festival are usually $300. This includes a $7 booking charge. There is also a $9 postage fee. Admission to Glastonbury Abbey is $3 for adults. It is open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer. During winter it opens 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Before you go on a trip to Glastonbury, it’s a good idea to check the weather. Heavy rainfall can muddy the ground and make walking difficult.
