Glastonbury Tor Hill

Address: Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury, Somerset, England

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor

Hours: Open daily (outdoor site, no set opening hours)

Admission: Free (open-access site managed by the National Trust; donations welcomed)

Glastonbury Tor is a prominent conical hill rising above the town of Glastonbury in Somerset, England, notable for the ruined medieval tower that tops it. The Tor is an important local landmark and a National Trust site.

The top is most noted for the ruined stone bell tower commonly called St Michael’s Tower and for wide views across the surrounding Somerset Levels. The Tor rises to about 158 metres above sea level and is reached by a well-used footpath and steps from the town; the summit area is compact and dominated by the tower ruin.

The Tor’s tower is the remnant of a medieval religious building; the hill has seen successive uses over centuries including religious and defensive functions. The present ruined tower dates to the medieval period and the hill has been a marked feature in local maps and accounts since at least the Middle Ages.

The Tor sits immediately above the town of Glastonbury on the low-lying Somerset Levels in southwestern England. It is within easy reach of the town centre and is part of the wider landscape visible from surrounding lowlands and lanes.

• Access: The site is managed by the National Trust and is reached on foot via clearly marked paths from the town of Glastonbury.
• Elevation: The hill reaches about 158 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views across the Somerset Levels when weather is clear.

Glastonbury Tor stands above the town of Glastonbury in Somerset. By car, approach via the A361/A39 from the M5 motorway (Junctions 23-25 depending on direction); from Bristol it is roughly a 35-45 km drive (about 40-60 minutes). There is a small car park for Tor visitors near the footpath.

From Glastonbury town centre the Tor is a 20-30 minute walk (about 1-1.5 km) following well-marked footpaths up to the summit; the main path from the car park or town is a short 10-20 minute uphill walk.

• Start very early (sunrise) or late afternoon for the best light and far-reaching views across the Somerset Levels; these times are also noticeably quieter than mid-day and bank-holiday crowds.
• Park in Glastonbury town and walk to the Tor rather than trying to drive to the immediate Tor car park on busy days-this reduces parking stress and lets you enjoy the town before or after your climb.
• Avoid major festival dates and summer solstices if you want a peaceful visit: the Tor and surrounding town attract large crowds and organized events on those occasions.