The Tor is a landmark not to be missed when visiting Glastonbury and by climbing the holy hill you’ll get a fabulous view of the town, Isle of Avalon and out towards Wales, Dorset and Wiltshire. Many myths and legends are associated with the Tor, but it also has a more human, gristly past too. Today, it’s very much regarded as one of the most spiritual locations in Britain.
Steeped in history and legend, this iconic landmark has a vast history. Recent excavations have revealed a monk’s retreat and at least two previous sites of churches, one of which was the location of the beheading of Abbot Richard Whiting on the orders of Thomas Cromwell in 1549.
But its heritage goes much further back than its Christian past. So far, archaeologists have found graves dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries – the Dark Ages. Beloved by pagans, Celts and Druids, there are a plethora of myths associated with this magnificent mound, from it being the home for faery folk, the entrance to the land of the dead and even the fort where Queen Guinevere was held captive, only to be rescued by King Arthur.
The Tor is also deeply associated with the Goddess and as a place of rebirth and initiation, and it is said that the paths that circle the hill form a massive three-dimensional labyrinth.
Today, the Tor is owned by the National Trust and is a short walk from the centre of the town or there is a Park and Ride service which links the Tor with the town and the other important sites at Glastonbury. It’s free to access and is open dawn to dusk, with a reasonably steep climb leading to the top.
The views here are just astonishing, and it’s clear why this magical spot has and continues to be a place of spiritual significance – it’s a beautiful place to walk, unwind and relax – and maybe connect to that unique, magical energy that lives here.
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01278 741 874 | glastonburytor@nationaltrust.org.uk | www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor
