A weekend in Glastonbury

A hilltop tower, abbey ruins and centuries of myth in the Somerset Levels

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Glastonbury is a small Somerset town with a big reputation, set below the Tor, a steep hill topped by a medieval tower. It is steeped in legend, linked to King Arthur and Joseph of Arimathea, and has an alternative, spiritual atmosphere.

There are abbey ruins, a holy well and a high street full of independent shops, and the Somerset Levels spread out all around.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Walkers, Wet-weather days

Best time to goSpring to autumn for the Tor and the abbey. The festival is held in some summers, so check dates.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereBristol: About 45 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Glastonbury

Plan your weekend in Glastonbury

Top attractions in Glastonbury

Glastonbury Tor

A steep hill with a ruined tower on top, reached on a short but steady climb.

Glastonbury Abbey

The atmospheric ruins of a huge medieval abbey, linked to Arthurian legend.

Chalice Well and Gardens

A peaceful garden around a natural spring, a short walk from the town.

The High Street

Shops, cafes and stalls with a distinctive, bohemian feel.

Wells and Cheddar

Nearby places to combine in a longer trip.

Best things to do in Glastonbury

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Roman Baths in Bath

The Roman Baths are the remains of an ancient bathing and temple complex built around the hot springs at the heart of the city. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Stonehenge visit

Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Bristol street art tour

Bristol is the home of Banksy and one of the best cities in the UK for street art. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

More things to do near Glastonbury

Somerset cider tasting Somerset

Best areas to stay in Glastonbury

The town centre

Walkable to the abbey, shops and cafes.

Near the Tor

Quiet and scenic, with views across the Levels.

Wells

A nearby cathedral city with more choice.

Best hotels in Glastonbury

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The George and Pilgrims Hotel

Compare places to stay in Glastonbury

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Glastonbury

Spring to autumn for the Tor and the abbey. The festival is held in some summers, so check dates.

Seasons that suit Glastonbury well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Glastonbury

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Glastonbury

From Bristol: About 45 minutes by car.
From Bath: About 50 minutes by car.
From London: About 3 hours by car. There is no railway station, so visitors come by bus from Bristol or Wells.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Glastonbury

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The town centre.
Saturday: Start with Glastonbury Tor, then Glastonbury Abbey. In the afternoon, head to Chalice Well and Gardens.
Sunday: Visit The High Street or Wells and Cheddar, then head home.

Packing list for Glastonbury

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

The Tor is steep and exposed, so wear proper shoes.
The town gets very busy during the festival.
Some shops and attractions close on certain days, so check ahead.

Glastonbury weekend FAQs

Is Glastonbury worth a weekend?

Yes, especially combined with Wells and Cheddar Gorge, if you like history, myths and independent shops.

How long does the Tor climb take?

Most people take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top from the base, and it is steep.

More weekend ideas

BathSomerset

Roman baths, Georgian crescents and thermal spas

BristolSomerset

A creative harbour city of street art, bridges and independent food

Cheddar GorgeSomerset

England's biggest gorge, with show caves and the home of cheese

Bradford on AvonWiltshire

A honey-stone town on the River Avon with a Saxon church

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best budget weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.