Glastonbury Tor

The tower on the hill

Glastonbury Tor is a National Trust hill overlooking the Isle of Avalon, and the Trust lists it as countryside open from dawn to dusk. What you see on the summit is the 15th-century tower of St Michael’s church. Excavations at the top uncovered the plans of two earlier churches of St Michael. The tower is the one feature at the summit.

Getting up there

The paths up to the top are concrete, with a bench halfway, so expect a steady climb on a made path. Check the National Trust page for Glastonbury Tor for current path and access information before you set out.

Parking is the main problem

There is no car park at the Tor. The National Trust lists two designated spaces for Blue and Orange Badge holders, with mobility parking in Stonedown Lane, and nothing else on site. The nearest fee-paying car park is at Draper and Co on Chilkwell Street, postcode BA6 8DB, a short walk from the foot of the hill. A seasonal Park and Ride, which the Trust does not run, operates from Glastonbury town centre (BA6 9EW). Fees and rules change, so check them on the day.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome all year round on a lead, and the Trust asks you to clean up after them. Facilities for dogs on the hill are limited.

Tor and abbey

The Tor and Glastonbury Abbey are separate places run by different organisations: the Trust runs the hill, while the abbey is a registered charity with its own admission. The abbey describes the walk from its grounds up the Tor and back as about 3 miles, and asks walkers to follow the signposted route along Glastonbury High Street rather than going through the abbey. See Glastonbury for the town itself.