Glastonbury Tor
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Visitors looking for a pleasant walk combined with a historic site which is possibly the resting place of the Holy Grail will enjoy a visit to Glastonbury Tor. Although at first appearance it is a simple conical hill topped by a ruined tower which dominates the skyline, visitors from around the world come to this site as a pilgrimage or out of curiosity, to experience this natural attraction for themselves.
A "tor" is the Celtic name for a small hill, and Glastonbury Tor stands out as a conical peak on the otherwise flat land around Glastonbury. The area would have been under water until about the 4th century when the Somerset Flats were drained. The area was the flood
A steady climb up one of the pathways to the summit of Glastonbury Tor brings hikers to the partially restored church of St Michael. Neolithic tools and the remains of a 5th century fort have also been excavated. A stone circle, similar to Stonehenge, may also once have stood on the crest of this 500-foot high hill.
Perhaps more exciting and unique is the legend that the Holy Grail, the cup from the Last Supper, was brought to Glastonbury by Joseph of Arimathea after the crucifixion of Christ and hidden in the area.
The idea was further substantiated by the discovery of the 12th century graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere near the hill, reviving the idea that Glastonbury Tor was the mysterious "Isle of Avalon". The bones were re-buried in a black marble tomb which can be seen at nearby Glastonbury Abbey.
Those venturing up the slopes of Glastonbury Tor will notice unnatural carved terraces on the hillside which may have been created for agricultural purposes long ago. Other ideas are that they were part of an ancient seven-circuit labyrinth which may have been created for spiritual purposes. Certainly the hill appears to have been shaped by man over the centuries.
The same circular design has been found on Cretan coins and along the paths leading up to Tintagel Castle, the home of King Arthur.
New Age believers interested in ley lines which are said to have magnetic power and psychic energy, will also be interested to know that Glastonbury Tor is the centre for the convergence of many such lines which criss-cross the globe. The ley lines link several ancient sites connected to St Michael and St George following the same azimuth or arc as the May-day sun.
The area is also said to have strange lights from time to time and is considered an area of great spiritual power.
Whatever draws visitors to Glastonbury, it certainly makes a memorable day out and is one of The National Trust's oldest and most unique sites.
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Glastonbury Tor Postcode for SatNav: BA6 8LB
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near Glastonbury
BA6 8LB |
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Days Out near Glastonbury Tor
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Glastonbury Abbey (1 Mile)*
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Wookey Hole Caves (6 Miles)*
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Milton Lodge Gardens (7 Miles)*
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Lytes Cary Manor (7 Miles)*
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East Somerset Railway (9 Miles)*
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Cheddar Caves and Gorge (10 Miles)*
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Muchelney Abbey (10 Miles)*
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Tintinhull Garden (11 Miles)*
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East Lambrook Manor Gardens (12 Miles)*
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Montacute House (13 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Glastonbury Tor
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Glastonbury (1 Mile)*
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Street (2 Miles)*
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Godney (3 Miles)*
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North Wootton (3 Miles)*
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Compton Dundon (4 Miles)*
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Meare (4 Miles)*
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Wookey (4 Miles)*
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Ashcott (4 Miles)*
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West Lydford (5 Miles)*
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Keinton Mandeville (5 Miles)*
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