When traveling in England, popular tourist sites can range from tacky to authentic.

Glastonbury is one town that remains unspoiled, and it has a remarkable spiritual history that makes it worth a special visit.

Plan to spend at least two days in Glastonbury if you're very interested in history, Christianity, King Arthur, and/or Pagan traditions.

England's weather can be unpredictable. Even if it pours buckets every day that you're in Glastonbury (unlikely), you really must climb to the top of the Tor, if only to say that you've done that. The view is tremendous, so bring your camera.

Glastonbury Tor

Although there is a shuttle bus to & from the Tor during the summer months, be certain to stop at the Chalice Well and Gardens on your way back to town. According to legend, the Holy Grail--Christ's own chalice--was buried at the foot of the Tor by Joseph of Arimathea.

You can read more about this history, at Aisling's Holy Grail page.

The spring which emerges at Chalice Well Garden has reddish water (as Christ's blood) as a result, and drinking the water from "Chalice Well" has resulted in many miraculous cures. The water is quite rusty looking, but it is safe to drink (we tried it and lived *grin*) and this is another of those "must do" tourist experiences.

Chalice Well

The gardens surrounding Chalice Well were designed to be restful and suited to meditation and prayer. Take your time and enjoy the spiritual experience.

Allow one full day for the climb to the top of the Tor, a leisurely visit at Chalice Well and Gardens, an early lunch at one of the downtown restaurants, and a brief visit to Glastonbury Abbey.

Glastonbury Abbey

In addition to fascinating Christian lore, there are many Arthurian tales related to the Abbey, as well as the burial plots (and headstone) of King Arthur and Guinevere.

Your second day in Glastonbury (if you're visiting "in season") should be spent seeing the Rural Life Museum, which features many aspects of country life in Somerset.

You'll want the rest of the day to return to Glastonbury Abbey, and wander through the many shops in the middle of town.

The New Age bookstore is unusual and fascinating, and you'll find several clothing, gift, and art-related shops that can fill half a day, easily.

The key to enjoying Glastonbury is to understand that it offers so much history and folklore, as well as providing some of England's best photography opportunities. Glastonbury truly offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Was the Tor the Isle of Avalon? Are Jesus' family roots in Somerset, England? Will the waters at Chalice Well heal you?

Whether you take the legends seriously or not, there is a wonderful mix of magickal and mundane, hippie and modern, with far less commercialism than you might expect in such a popular area.