Mystical Glastonbury, a small north Somerset town watched over by the Tor, a strange hill with a tall tower. At the foot of the Tor is a peaceful garden, the Chalice Well, where a rust coloured spring flows through to charm and refresh visitors, its cold pools are most welcome on a hot summer's day. The spring, reputedly, never fails and its very existence is ascribed to Joseph of Arimathea. Visitors some to drink from the spring in hope of benefitting from its healing powers, some even bring bottles to take the water home. Glastonbury used to be a spa town and the belief in its waters continues in a serious fashion. The gardens with places to sit around the pools and well offer places for contemplation and spiritual refreshment. Even people who think that all he Glastonbury spirituality is little more than hocus pocus would enjoy walking and spending some time relaxing the gardens. here is a good view of Glastonbury Tor from the gardens and one can clearly see people slowly climbing to the top of this pointed hill.
About Glastonbury for Cottage Holidays
Glastonbury attracts holidaymakers and day trippers for various reasons. Over the years Glastonbury has acquired a reputation as a spiritual location. Myth, Christianity, Eastern faiths and New Age beliefs have jointly managed to produce a town centre with a seductive atmosphere. Here one can find healing of all types and purhase all the paraphernalia associated with crystals, godess worship, tarot, incense, massage and faeries.
The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey set in parkland are in the town centre and welcome visitors, sometimes accompanied to music. According to legend, King Arthur lies buried here. There is an entry fee and adjoining car park. Visitors come from all over the world, many seeking New Age experiences and add to the peculiar atmosphere of the town by their colourful alternative clothing. Glastonbury is the place to come to find books about ley lines, the 'real' meaning of life and visionaries. The high street is full of shops in the vein, with names that appeal to the subconscious and imagination; Whispered Wishes, Natural Earthling, Enlightenment.
A Christian Church is also open to the public; somehow flower festivals do not hold quite the same appeal. It is worth taking a tour of the church, even if it is to admire the intricately carved pulpit and stained glass windows. Visitors also walk the tercentenial labyrinth, carved out of the grass, in the spirit of reconciliation and harmony, which somehow feels very right in Glastonbury.
The town centre and streets leading off from the market square are nicely adorned with hanging baskets during the summer, creating pretty places for visitors to sit and eat at the various pavement cafes and pubs. There is a wide choice of eateries including vegetarian, a tea shop and the much acclaimed pub with the unusual name of the 'Who'd A Thought It'.
South of Glastonbury near adjoining Street is a Clark's Shopping Village which provide all the big chain stores selling goods with reduced prices (items they have failed to successfully sell, in the main stores). The best thing about the shopping village is the concept of creating an attractive location with numerous eateries and the sense of an enjoyable day out.
To the north of Glastonbury is the north Somerset coast, the lovely beaches of Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead. To the west are the Quantock Hills, a very pretty rural area of gentle hills and farmland.
To enjoy a relaxing and interesting holiday near Glastonbury in a cottage, house or apartment, take a look at the self catering accommodation listed below:
Book a Glastonbury cottage and look forward to discovering some of the best of Somerset on holiday.
