Why Stay In Glastonbury, Somerset, England?

By Merv Baggs

Is it because of the Myths and Legends associated with the town?
Is it because of the oldest above ground Christian Church in the world - Glastonbury Abbey?
Is it due to the fact that Glastonbury Tor has stunning views of the Somerset Levels?

Or because of the famous Glastonbury Festival that attracts performing artists like Sir Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey, David Bowie, Artic Monkeys, Radiohead and R.E.M?

Read on to be inspired and find more interesting facts to stay and visit Glastonbury Town in Somerset, England.

Glastonbury is a Town in Somerset, near to vibrant and historic Bristol and Bath. It has a population of over 8000, which is ever increasing. Glastonbury has always been a tourist honey pot attracting visitors from England, Wales and Scotland but also many worldwide visitors from America, France, Italy, Spain and further a field, Australia.

Tourist attractions include:

Glastonbury Abbey
The oldest traditional above ground Christian Church in the world. Can be found in the magical Avalon. Many myths surround the Abbey including the visit of Joseph of Arimathea who could have brought the Holy Grail to rest at the Abbey and the plantation of the Glastonbury Thorn. Other Myths include King Arthur's remains and Pilgrims visits. The Abbey is a grade I listed building owned by the Church of England.

Glastonbury Tor
Managed by the National Trust, a teardrop shaped hill with St Michaels Tower situated on top, over looking the Mendips and Somerset Levels. It is believed to be the Avalon of Arthurian Legend. Some believe the Tor was occupied throughout human prehistory as many artifacts have been discovered. Famous Glastonbury Tor - The Tor has been mentioned in many fictional pieces including Stargate SG-1, The Da Vinci Code, Camelot 3000, Conquests of Camelot (Computer Game) and many more.

Glastonbury Lake Village
An Iron Age Village on the Somerset levels (Population 100), just miles from Glastonbury. Many artifacts have been recovered including fragments of pottery, bones and jewellery of the finest craftsmanship. After it was abandoned in 100AD due to the increasing water levels of the local area.

Glastonbury Festival
Also know as 'Glasto' a famous festival of contemporary performing artists. It is the largest Greenfield music festival in the world boasting an average of 150,000 people in 2005 including over 385 live performances. The festival is organised by Michael Eavis, the festival takes place east of Glastonbury at Worthy Farm between Pilton and Pylle. Shepton Mallet is the nearest Town. Volunteers are paid to run the festival with free entry, transport and food. Glastonbury Festival runs every year except the fifth year in the last weekend of June for three days. Many famous acts include T REX, Massive Attack, Carl Cox, Blur, Pulp, Robbie Williams, R.E.M, Fun Loving Criminals, Al Green, David Bowie, Lily Allen, Cold Play, Rod Stuart and Sir Paul McCartney and controversial artist Jay-Z for 2008.

There are many reasons to stay and visit Glastonbury whether your 16 or 70 years old. The mystical magic of Glastonbury Town awaits.

Bellevue Glastonbury Modern friendly Glastonbury Bed and Breakfast