glastonbury virtual tour

Virtually Glastonbury

I’ve put together some links so you can enjoy Glastonbury and learn more about the town, without actually being here. I hope locals will find something new of interest here too. There’s some links to content I’ve posted, in case you missed it the first time plus links to the best websites and videos from other people too.

Take a Tour

You can take a virtual tour of the Town with Google Street View , here’s a link that starts off in the High Street at Glastonbury Galleries.

Or, you can get a bird’s eye view of the town with Google Earth, here’s a link that starts you off in Glastonbury Abbey .

Read a Book or Listen to Music from Glastonbury

Nothing transports you to the town quite like a good book set in Glastonbury or listening to a tune by one out our excellent local musicians, here’s some of my recommendations…..

Glastonbury in Fiction

Music from Glastonbury Town Online

Normal For Glastonbury – The Book

You can now buy my Book of the best of Normal For Glastonbury. It’s all about what it’s really like to live in England’s most magical town. I’ve polished up my best articles from the last four years and added a couple of things you won’t have seen yet.

Amazon Kindle eBook £3.99, paperback £9.99. Click on the cover for more information.

Videos from Glastonbury

I’ve taken quite a few videos on the streets of Glastonbury over the last few years, you can browse them on the Normal For Glastonbury YouTube channel. The slide show of photographs taken in the town, with music by local musicians, might be a good place to start.

I’ve videoed lots of buskers, events and local characters, you’ll find them all by browsing the Normal For Glastonbury YouTube channel. To start, check out the Gin Bowlers busking in the High Street one bright Spring Day in 2017.

Shop Online from Glastonbury Creatives

You can support a local business by buying online, here’s a directory I made of businesses trading during the Corona Virus lockdown.

Support Glastonbury

Learn about Glastonbury’s History

If you want to learn more about Glastonbury rich and fascinating history then these sites are a treasure trove of information:

Glastonbury Antiquarians

British history online: glastonbury, go back in time.

In the first of these wonderfully atmospheric videos, you can take a trip back in time 2200 years, to Glastonbury’s Lake Village. The second takes you back to the Mesolithic era.

For some more recent history have a listen to ‘Tracing the Map’ a fascinating series of audio recordings interviewing locals talking about 100 years of changes to the Town. Or, David Taplin’s excellent guest post on Normal For Glastonbury about life in the town in the 1970’s, there’s some great photos from Mike Lidgley in this piece too.

Glastonbury Town In the Seventies

I highly recommend you check out this wonderful film on the British Film Institute page of Glastonbury in 1922 .

You can also read historian Adam Stout’s account of following in the footsteps of John Jackson, who undertook a pilgrimage from Yorkshire to Glastonbury in 1755: Strange Alteration – A Walk across Time to Glastonbury .

Regular Exclusive Updates on Life in the Town

Join the We Are Normal For Glastonbury Community and you’ll not only get exclusive regular updates on life in Glastonbury, but also special offers, a member’s blog, a Visitor’s Guide to the town and the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting me to carry on writing about and promoting Glastonbury on Normal For Glastonbury. Only £20 per year.

Show your local blogger some love!

If you’d like to support me in writing more of these posts that support all Glastonbury businesses, but that I don’t get paid for, please see the Support Me Page:

Support Normal For Glastonbury

Documentaries

As interest in the Town has grown, hundreds of documentaries have been produced, here’s some of my favourites:

Like this one from Jamie Lowe, I love the footage of the Tor in the snow at the start, or this BBC Music piece in which Martin Dougan “explores the special qualities of the place which gives the festival its name”. 

You can also watch a nice little tour of Chalice Well from Laura Daligan and a video looking at the archaeology and history of Glastonbury Abbey.

Follow the Ley Lines on Google Maps

This Ley Line Map is fun.

Or you can read Palden’s excellent site about the Ancient Landscape Around Glastonbury

Haunted Glastonbury 

American Writer and photographer Todd Attebury beautifully evokes the spirit of Glastonbury in his writing

Hanging out amongst the spirits at Glastonbury’s George and Pilgrim Hotel

Comedian Mark Steel featured Glastonbury on his popular show ‘ Mark Steel’s in Town: Glastonbury ’ in 2014, you can listen to it here (may not be available in all countries)

Other excellent Glastonbury sites and pages

When I started out with Normal For Glastonbury there wasn’t a lot on the internet about the town, except for Glastonbury Online. There is now a proliferation of sites which connect you to the community. Do check out these:

Welcome to Glastonbury

The Unity Through Diversity is an excellent resource, particularly for those looking for information on Pilgrimage to the Town and the many faiths represented here. Also, check out the Glaston Centre website and Glastonbury Avalon of the Heart and the Glastonbury Unity Candle on Facebook.

If you are a more visual person, you might enjoy my photographs on Instagram @normalforglastonbury

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Normal For Glastonbury (@normalforglastonbury)

There’s a lot out there on the web about all aspects of the the town, this is only a small sample, if you come across something you think I should include please do send me a link.

Enjoy this post?

Then you’ll love my books – ‘Normal For Glastonbury: Life in England’s Most Magical Town’ (the new fully illustrated edition is now available) and my ‘ Crap Views of the Tor’ Postcard Book . I’ve produced canvas Tote bags featuring my funny Normal For Glastonbury Town Map. There’s more in my Online Shop too.

 –  it’s how I reach more readers!). Would you like to commission and sponsor me to write an article about what you do, for a feature on Normal For Glastonbury? You’d be reaching thousands of readers who love the Town. Please click here for more information.

Share this:

6 thoughts on “virtually glastonbury”.

Thanks very much for the great resources! I love staying in touch after our visit a year ago. It is so magical in many ways. Blessinigs!

I’m so glad you like it Diane, thank you.

A trip round the wetland village, relaxing and fascinating and you wonder why only a hundred years, but humans like to move on, see if there is something better!

I recall reading that when they excavated the site of the Glastonbury Lake Village they found a lot of heads on sharpened sticks on the boundary. No one knows whether they were vanquished enemies, or perhaps the heads of the Lake Villagers’ themselves, so it may be that they didn’t just move on willingly. I try not to dwell too much on that and just enjoy the idea of the peace and tranquility of life in the wetlands!

What a FEAST! Thank you so much for putting this all together. I’ve just read your e-book and it’s fabulous! And on the back of that have joined the NFG members. Having moved here 9 months before everything went dormant it’s lovely to spend some time getting to know the place with these posts. We LOVE living here (after 57 years in London). Thanks again for providing this space and resource. Xxx

Oh thank you Audrey, that’s so great to hear! Well i do hope I get to meet you once we can all go out again. It’s so odd at the moment, I’m really missing the charity shops in particular. I will get your membership certificate off to you shortly. Best wishes, Vicki xx

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Love Glastonbury? Buy The Book

Stories and observations from three decades of life in Glastonbury, affectionate and laugh-out-loud funny, with some serious bits. Available as an illustrated paperback or on Amazon Kindle.

Click the image to buy your signed copy

Wed 25th Jun - Sun 29th Jun 2025

This post is more than 4 years old

Check out our virtual Glastonbury 2020 line-up

22nd june 2020.

It’s wonderful to hear that so many of you are planning to celebrate Glastonbury at home this year, and we wanted to offer you a taste of the full Festival experience to go alongside the BBC’s comprehensive coverage.

Huge thanks to all of the areas and stages who’ve put together so much fantastic virtual entertainment for you to enjoy. Check it out here .

We also know that many of you will miss being here in Pilton. But we would remind you that, under the current circumstances, Worthy Farm and its surrounding farms are completely closed to the public. Please do not attempt to visit.

We hope you have a wonderful #GlastoAtHome experience and we can’t wait to welcome you back here in 2021.

Michael & Emily

Welcome to our new-look website

23 September 2024

Pilton Party 2024 in photos

10 September 2024

Colour Mode

Colour modes increase legibility of text on the website. Greyscale mode will display the site without colour. High Contrast mode makes all text on pages black and reduces design details.

British Sign Language

Where you see the BSL Version button, a video is available covering that section/page.

This site uses Cookies

We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. More information on how we use cookies is available here. You can change your settings at any time here.

For more detailed information please check our  Cookie Policy .

Necessary Cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.

Third Party Cookies

Some pages include embeds from Twitter , YouTube , Spotify , Apple Music , Soundcloud , Mixcloud or Vimeo , which may use third party cookies.

Sat 28 Sept 2024

2024 newspaper of the year

@ Contact us

Your newsletters

Glastonbury 2021 live stream: Worthy Farm to stage virtual festival – how to get tickets and line-up so far

The organisers of glastonbury have announced that coldplay, damon albarn, haim, idles, jorja smith, kano, michael kiwanuka and wolf alice will perform.

The organisers of Glastonbury festival have announced a global livestream event will be held at Worthy Farm in May this year, in place of the original event which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .

Taking place on 22 May – the same date currently listed for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest – the virtual event will include performances from well-known sites around the farm, including the Stone Circle and Pyramid field.

Artists such as Coldplay, Damon Albarn, Jorja Smith, Haim, Wolf Alice, Michael Kiwanuka and more will be part of the ticketed virtual event, organiser Emily Eavis said.

Speaking to Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2, Mrs Eavis said it is going to be “taking you on a five-hour journey through an evening at Worthy Farm with artists, so it’s going to be like the festival but without people.

“We’re going to take you on a journey through all of those spots that you know, you recognise from Worthy Farm… we’re going to build into this whole epic journey around the site into the night.”

Describing the event, a continuous livestream of music, as “ambitious”, Mrs Eavis added: “We’re very excited to be able to show the farm in a way that people have never really seen it, with these incredible artists.”

#LiveAtWorthyFarm A global livestream event Saturday, 22nd May, 2021 Tickets on sale now, at https://t.co/QTGMwdaW9i For one night only, the greatest show online pic.twitter.com/ymJLc9RmPJ — Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) March 31, 2021

There is unlimited capacity for the virtual event which will be broadcast across four separate time zones, with tickets on sale now for £20 .

Organisers also said attendees can expect “a number of unannounced surprise performances”.

According to details posted on the official Glastonbury Festival website , the “ground-breaking, five-hour extravaganza will be interspersed by a spoken word narrative, written and delivered by some very special guests, guiding festival-goers on a journey through the sacred valley in Somerset”.

The event will be directed by Paul Dugdale, who has worked on projects with Adele, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney and more.

A statement from Mrs Eavis on the website said: “After two Glastonbury cancellations, it brings us great pleasure to announce our first online livestream, which will present live music performances filmed across Worthy Farm at landmarks including the Pyramid and, for the first time ever, the Stone Circle.

“It will feature a rolling cast of artists and performers who have all given us enormous support by agreeing to take part in this event, showing the farm as you have never seen it.

“There will also be some very special guest appearances and collaborations.

Is a summer of festival fun too much to hope for?

“We are hoping this will bring a bit of Glastonbury to your homes and that, for one night only, people all over the world will be able to join us on this journey through the farm together!”

Following the announcement, Wolf Alice tweeted: “Very excited to announce that we’ll be performing at Glastonbury’s #LiveAtWorthyFarm global livestream on May 22. We’ve always had such an incredible time at Glastonbury so we feel very lucky to be able to perform for you again. Tickets on sale now xxx”.

In January this year, organisers announced that Glastonbury had been cancelled for a second year in a row because of the coronavirus pandemic, and had lost £5m from having to cancel in 2020.

Asked about Glastonbury festival returning in 2022, Mrs Eavis told Radio 2: “We’ll be back next year, that’s the plan, we’re working on that and fingers crossed we’ll see you there.”

She added: “Pretty much we are good for next year, which is a very, very fortunate position to be in. So we’ve got a combination of bands that were due to play last year who have been put forward and then we’ve also got some new people who are touring, so we’ve got a totally different line-up but there are some things that you’ll recognise as well”.

Download Festival and BST Hyde Park are among the other music festivals to have been cancelled this year, whilst some, such as the Isle of Wight Festival and Creamfields are still scheduled to take place.

Glastonbury organisers are still planning to open a family campsite on the site this summer, and hoping to stage an event for the public in September.

Most Read By Subscribers

[email protected]

+44 7813 156784

"Experience the Magic of Glastonbury!"

Reviewed 23 September, 2017

The history and magic of Glastobury comes alive through the stories that Tor shares on his tour. He connects ancient legends with known history and makes it all relevant to our lives today. As a solo traveler, I would likely not have seen or learned as much about Glastonbury without this tour- well worth it!! Be ready to walk through the city and climb up to the top of the Tor and perhaps leave offerings for the fairies at the Chalice Well. The whole day is an adventure with a delicious stop for lunch in the middle. If you are traveling to this part of the country, I highly recommend that you book one of Tor's tours!

“highly reccomended tour”

Reviewed August 5, 2013

Tor is the best tour guide. He walked with us all the ways to histrical sites and sacred sites such as white spring, chalice well and abbey with so much knowledge and spiritual approach, which was just fantastic. I will definitely return to Glastonbury with Tor guide next year!

“Glastonbury Tour”

Reviewed July 26, 2013

Tor was a delight! He is knowledgeable and spirited, soft and strong...like the feeling I get from Glastonbury. We had 3 days in his company amidst the past of this magical location and I am ready to return. This was a gift to my sister and niece on their first visit to the UK and Glastonbury was the best of our two weeks together...thanks to Tor and the exquisite folks at The Arimatheon B&B. Highly recommend.

Visited May 2013

“Absolutely the best!”

Reviewed July 15, 2013

Tor Webster is one of the best and most knowledgeable guides for the sites of Glastonbury. He gives an in-depth guided tour of important historical sites of the Ametherian period, as well as the history which followed. His tours are personal and on-the-ground as opposed to a drive-by on a bus. This brings the history alive and gives you an experience you cannot get anywhere else.

Visited July 2013

“Insight from past to present”

Reviewed June 6, 2013

What an enjoyable day from start to finish. Tor's Tour of the magical past, of its beauty and spiritual presence, gave a new meaning to a guided tour. Gently exploring all avenues of history. Dipping our toes into the magical waters, literally,of this spiritual place. Never rushed through and all explained beautifully by Tor. This joyful and uplifting tour is a must. Will do it again soon. Thank you Tor, for a wonderful day and not forgetting Sage (the dog) who was so well behaved.

“MYSTICAL INSIGHTS AND REAL CONNECTION”

Reviewed 10 May 2013

Tor really let us feel connected to the mystical history and geography of Glastonbury, and taught my nine-year old daughter to make daisy jewelry.

Studio City, Ca

“Touring with Tor Webster”

Reviewed 27 April 2013

I had never hired a tour guide before – much less one who you gave such expert one-on-one attention. Tor Webster clearly knows his territory and made it all very enjoyable. It was not only the history lesson and the experience of the spirituality of an ancient sacred space, but the fact that he knew when I was getting hungry and how to find interesting pubs with delicious vegetarian food. As a single woman traveling alone, I might have been a bit apprehensive; but I was quickly put at ease by his careful driving and the gentle border collie, Sage, in the back of the car. He made excellent suggestions for my first evening in Glastonbury and I enjoyed roaming the streets, eating at a good restaurant and attending a Circulus performance. The tour of Glastonbury the next day was inspiring. Tor does not foist his beliefs on his listeners, but willingly answers questions. I never felt rushed going from place to place and yet we covered much of the area in one day. If you go, be prepared to hike, but the hikes are not difficult and the views and Tor’s historical comments are well worth the walk. The next day we visited Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury and another ancient spring. Again he was excellent company and the trip was an educational and revelatory one. Additional information: Tor picked me up from a professional conference in Exeter, brought me to Glastonbury, then took me to Salisbury. He was not only a tour guide, but served as a very capable personal driver as well. I highly recommend Tor’s Tours and Tor Webster himself. He made this trip a very special experience indeed.

Visited April 2013

Glenburn, ME

“Best TO(u)RGuide ever!”

Reviewed 12 April 2013

I went to Glastonbury with a group of 10 from a Reiki network in Aurskog Norway. We had two wonderful days together with Tor where we visited Stonehenge, Avebury, Woodhenge, the Tor, the Chalice Well Garden, the Abbey, Weary Hill and the "End of the Rainbow Cafe". He was simply an awesome tour guide! Great knowledge, friendly, patient, great sense of humor and spiritual. His friend, and soon to be colleague, Gary joined us on day two. He was also very nice, knowledgeable and very friendly. I higly recommend "Tor's Tour of the Tor" when you come to this wonderful area of England!

“Enter The Living Sacred Landscape of Avalon.”

Reviewed 15 February 2013

I couldn't have spent the day better - far outstripping any expectations I might have had. Tor and Sage host a complete guided walking tour of all the key sites, places of interest repleat with legend, tales and connection. I think we added a few more whilst being sent off refreshed with new energies to explore. Tremendous day and thanks for the tip on the beer and burgers @ The Sheppey. Am sure to be back for more. Llyr

Bettws Gwerfil Goch, null, United Kingdom

“A misty tour of Avalon”

Reviewed 13 February 2013

We decided to book a tour, because as a child of "old hippies" that had done the Glastonbury thing before I came along I had never been, but had a bit of an idea of the place, albeit a bit fragmented. My husband had also never visited so, as we only had a few days, we thought a day tour would be a good way to actually learn a bit about the landscape and history, especially as we were visiting in the off season. Tor was excellent, lots of fascinating stuff, and we really felt a spiritual connection to the place as we hoped we would. With my and the husband coming from different faith systems this was no mean feat! What was also lovely was to go on a tour where the guide wasn't "put out" by my constant photography or my terrible lungs making it hard for me to keep up! And in the cold misty weather we had they were worse than usual! A tour guide that can do all that as well as generally keep my 100% attention is a rare thing as I'm usually the type to be doing 3 things at once! Got to the end and realised my phone had been buzzing away in my pocket and I hadn't noticed, or even thought about it to check whatever it is we all have to check 50 times a day! Basically? Fantastic, don't think about it just book it. We certainly would/will again. Just have to decide where to visit next first!!

Brighton, UK

“A Day to Remember - with Tor and Sage!!”

Reviewed 23 October 2012

I had a magical day with Tor entering the sacred and mystical landscapes of Glastonbury, - experiencing The Tor, Wearyall Hill, The Chalice Well and Gardens, the Abbey, St Margaret's Chapel - lunch in a great healthy cafe and restaurant -- and much, much MORE!:) Here is a soul who has a deep connection and knowledge of this mystical, magical and multi-layered town of Glastonbury and the Avalon Isle. He has lived there for many years and knows the land like the back of his hand. Once you experience a tour with Tor you are changed forever. Tor made my stay in Glastonbury extra special and deeply inspiring with a deep immersion into the myths and legends and history of this immensely magical and stunning land. Tor is gentle, kind and fun and I felt as though I had known him before. He is wise beyond his years. No pilgrimage or trip to Glastonbury is complete without having a tour with Tor --and his faithful, beautiful dog, Sage! It is no ordinary tour - it is much much more. He shows you the many layers and hidden sacred places and I felt part of this special place -- a deep longing and connection to return. I met his lovely mother, Lisahanne who runs a spiritual centre and Bed and Breakfast and the lovely Karen, yoga teacher at the end of the day - special! Oh and thankyou Tor for carrying my bag up to the Tor *LoL* Thankyou Tor ---I will meet with you again upon my return. Abundant Blessings and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you!

Sydney, Australia

“The Highlight of my Trip”

Reviewed 30 September 2012

I'm a metaphysical person who lives in Arizona. I wanted to see Glastonbury because of its spiritual foundations and history. I knew there was something there I needed to see. I also knew that the best was was to use a tour guide who knew the area. I had a good feeling that Tor was that guide based on the reviews on this site. From the moment I met him and looking into his eyes, I knew he not only knew this area but cherished it. He knows Avalon and the Glastonbury region as well as anyone. And he brings a very special flavor to his tour. He honors and has respect for the area, and he has an inner knowledge of the true history of the region. If you are a spiritual person, then you want to take at least one tour with Tor. He will bring out the magical mysteries and present them in a way that is enlightening and educating. Don Durrett Flagstaff, AZ

“Spiritual Tour of Glastonbury”

Tor was an exceptional tour guide that took us on a walking trip of Glastonbury Tor, Abbey, & Chalice Well. I was traveling with my 3 year old daughter and my 15 year old son, so it wasn't always an easy journey but Tor was accommodating. There were times when my daughter was tired of walking up to the Tor & he offered to carry her, like a true brother (in spirit), he went above and beyond what you would expect. We learned so much from him with a spiritual perspective that you wouldn't get from an ordinary tour. The entire group was made up of those seeking spirituality and I learned from each person. Grateful for the experience. Will be back, was truly the best part of our vacation and I highly recommend Tor's tours for those seeking knowledge & a spiritual tour group.

Colleyville, Texas

“Enjoyed every minute! Recommend to anyone!”

Reviewed 27 July 2012

I chose the two-day tour for a friend and I. we both enjoyed every minute; Tor has a wealth of information and experience to be able to explain the landscape and deeper meaning to Glastonbury. Together with his faithful companion Sage (a wonderful dog) Tor showed us a wide breadth of history to Glastonbury; he was honest about the ideas around the legends and myths, he personalised the trips to our interests and questions, and challenged the stereotypical view of Glastonbury, and my own understanding. He showed us the places and told us the stories even some locals didn't know! I would recommend his tour to everyone! In fact, I intend to bring my wife back to Glastonbury next time, and take the tour again with her! Thank you so much Tor, for your thoughtful insights and very interesting tour! Hope to see you again brother!

Visited July 2012

“Best day during my visit!”

Reviewed 20 July 2012

I had a great day with Tor and Sage during my visit in Glastonbury. I went on a half day tour and they showed me all the interesting, magical and beautiful places that I wouldn't have been able to find by my self. Tor makes the tour very personal and he listens to what you are interested in and makes sure that your experience gets as good as possible. I can really recommend these tours to everyone with an interest in Glastonbury, it's history and sacred places.

Halmstad, Sweden

“Soooo Enjoyable & Informative”

Reviewed 31 May 2012

We're a group of 5 friends who recently spent a day in Glastonbury. So pleased that we booked a 1/2? day tour with Tor. (and his dog Sage- she knows the route almost better than Tor!!) What a brilliant tour. Tor is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his lovely town. We learned loads, I now understand the meaning behind the words of 'Jerusalem'. Be prepared for loads of walking, ending in the climb up to the Tor! Feel we did and visited so much, found out so much about the places we visited, that we would never have known if had done it all by ourselves. Reason for the ? after the 1/2 day? Can't believe Tor packed so much into it, felt more like a full day to all of us, but we really, really enjoyed ourselves, and can thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about this beautiful,fascinating and historical Isle of Avalon. Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!

Portsmouth, United Kingdom

“Tor's Tour is Life Changing”

Reviewed 6 May 2012

Tor provides a wonderful tour of Glastonbury with charm and grace. His knowledge of the history, lore, and spiritual insight of Glastonbury is inspiring. This tour provided me with a new outlook on life and deeper connection to history and its spiritual roots. I highly recommend you spend the day on this marvelous tour of Glastonbury....do it for yourself!

Visited May 2012

Denver, Colorado

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Glastonbury

four hour walking tour... ​

seven days a week 1pm-5pm.

Begin your tour with a guided walk across Avalon, be transported back 2000 years through the mists, to a time of magic, myths and legends, a time when the family of Christ arrived to these shores of Avalon. Stand next to the Holy Thorn Tree which grew from the staff given to Joseph of Arimathea, by Jesus himself.  He planted the staff as a symbol of the birth of a new way, the early Christian way, and worked with the Pagans and Druids who had used the ancient Isle of Avalon as a site for spiritual initiation for thousands of years.

Then be guided, via the hidden chapel of St Margret, to the site of the Wattle Church in the centre of the Glastonbury Abbey. The Wattle Church is England’s first ever building for Christian worship, built by Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea in 62AD. A few steps away we find the last resting place of King Arthur and Gwynevere and find out why it is there and how they are linked to the family of Christ. The windows within St Johns church perfectly paint a picture of the hidden stories of old.

1 £50

2 £40 per person

3 £35per person

4-8 £30 per person

9-12 £25 per person

13-20 £20 per person

21-40 £15per person

kids under 12 go free.

Tour Guide.

All Transport.

Not Included:

Lunch and Dinner.

Entrance fees.

Meet outside St Johns Church, High St.

wear good walking shoes

Virtual Tour

Glastonbury Thorn

No. 8 On The Map:

The tree stands in Senior Circle – near the entrance to St. Albans School . The Glastonbury Thorn on the Cathedral Close was grown from a cutting from the tree near Glastonbury Abbey in England.

The Glastonbury thorn is a form of common English Hawthorn found in and around Somerset, England . It’s official name is Crataegus monogyna Biflora . “Biflora” refers to its unique tendency to re-bloom in the English mid-winter, typically around the time of the Winter Solstice. This unseasonable manifestation of white blossoms inspired myth, legend, and religious iconography around this unusual tree. It is associated with legends about Joseph of Arimathea and the arrival of Christianity in Britain and has appeared in written texts since the medieval period.

The Glastonbury Thorn is associated with legends about Joseph of Arimathea and the arrival of Christianity in Britain and has appeared in written texts since the medieval period. The legend goes that when Joseph of Arimathea and his companions supposedly arrived in England, they journeyed until weary and stopped on Christmas Day near Glastonbury; Joseph thrust his staff into the ground where it immediately took root, budded, and bloomed. A flowering sprig from a Thorn growing in Glastonbury is sent to the British Monarch every Christmas.

Cross Pilgrim Road to the hill between the Little Sanctuary and St. Alban’s Church where the Peace Cross stands.

Help Us Keep The Gardens Growing

Partner with us to ensure that the 57 acres of gardens and grounds surrounding Washington National Cathedral continue to be a haven of peace and refreshment in the midst of the Nation’s Capital.

All Hallows Guild was founded in 1916 to provide for the care and beautification of the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. The Guild works closely with the horticultural staff to preserve this historic landscape and raises funds for renovation and renewal of the gardens.

QUICK LINKS

• The Grounds
• Get Involved
• (202) 537-2937
• [email protected]
• 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

You’ll see what’s new in the gardens and learn about our upcoming events by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter.

Virtual Tour