Information for Visiting Glastonbury

Euan’s Guide supplied the following information relating to the disabled access of some of Glastonbury’s best know tourist destinations.

Glastonbury does not have a train station. The 376 bus from Bristol takes approx 1.5 hours. The bus is accessible with a ramp at the front of the bus and a wheelchair user space. The nearest bus stops are at Glastonbury Town Hall and from there it is a short, level walk of a couple of minutes to the the buildings.

Attractions

Glastonbury is a small town and many of its attractions are located a short walking distance from each other.

Glastonbury Abbey

The area is very accessible, with only two places that do not have step free access, and an accessible toilet. 

The Goddess Temple

The Goddess Temple is in the ‘Glastonbury Experience’, a pedestrianised courtyard just off the High Street. It is located on the first floor and only accessible via an external staircase.

St Margaret’s Chapel

There is a short pedestrian path with a permanent metal ramp which only leads to these buildings.

Chalice Well

There are step free paths that slope up toward the Well Head.

On entering from the step free, accessible entrance (which is also the exit) you are at the bottom of the garden. Here are the toilet block and the shop. While the shop is step free and all on the ground floor, it is quite narrow and it might be tricky for wheelchair users.

At the bottom of the garden is the Vesica Pool, which has a small waterfall. It is surrounded by benches with back support and arms.

The rest of the garden is on a hillside and involves an upward journey, but this can be done in stages, as there is plenty to see on your way through the gardens, and there are plenty of benches with back support, and most with arms, dotted throughout the gardens. The paths would be quite slippery when wet and also be aware of fallen leaves, etc, so if you visit you might want to plan it round the weather.

On the left hand side of the Vesica Pool is a set of steps without a handrail. In King Arthur’s Court and Healing Pool, there is a square shallow paddling pool with two sets of 2 or 3 steps with a handrail from the pavement into the pool. The area here is paved and there is some seating. There is a short flight of stairs in the Courtyard with a handrail on one side to continue up. Alternatively you can return to the path for the step free route.

The next section is the Lion’s Head. This is the only place in the garden when the spring water can be drunk. Please be aware that the water contains iron.

The path continues upwards and at some point it has become a paved path. From here there is a gentle slope which takes you past the Holy Thorn, and the Angel Seat to the Well Head.

The Well Head and Sanctuary is at the top most point of the garden. While there is a step free option to view it from above, to get close to the Well Head involves some steps. There are 3 short staircases, none of which have a handrail.  There is the option to sit on a small wall next to the Well Head.

Close to the Well Head is the Meadow which is quite steep Please be aware that the spring water runs from the Well Head to the bottom of the garden and thought out the garden there are grids and a narrow, open running water stream, which you can either step over or avoid.

The White Springs

There is a step free entrance and very helpful volunteers.

Shops and Places to Eat

The town centre focuses around the Glastonbury Market Cross and its radiating streets, High Street (which is on a hill with a steady incline), Magdalene Street and Northload Street. The shops, cafes, pubs, etc are housed in old buildings. Some have step free access and their venue is on the ground floor. Other buildings have one or a couple of steps at the entrance. There are no ramps or grab rails to enable people with mobility disabilities entering these premises. The shops that are accessible are The Goddess and The Green Man, Goddess Temple Gifts, both step free, and Star Child, which has a single step.

On Tuesdays there is a small, local market in St Dustan’s Car Park next to the Tourist Information Office, which also sells a variety of locally made gifts.

Accessible Toilets

There are two accessible public toilets. One is in St Dustan’s Car Park, near the Tourist Information Office. They are open between 8.30am – 6.00pm. The other accessible toilet is in St John’s Square Car Park, behind the High Street. This is kept unlocked during the daytime but is accessible 24 hours with a RADAR key. Please note that The Gauntlet, High Street, has a sign pointing to the accessible toilet, however, this route is not step free as there are three steps to reach it.

Getting There and About on Public Transport

The number 376 bus runs daily from Bristol, via Glastonbury and onto Street. The service runs twice an hour Mondays to Saturdays, and once an hour on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The bus has step free access, via a ramp at the front of the bus and has a wheelchair space. The bus starts from the Bristol Bus and Coach Station. It uses Coach Bay 18, which is opposite an accessible toilet, which opens with a RADAR key.

The Glastonbury Town Hall stop is next to Glastonbury Abbey, the Tourist Information Centre and the High Street. Stay on the bus for a couple more minutes, if you want the Travelodge and get off at Wirral Park Roundabout and for the Premier Inn exit at Moorlands Factory.

Opposite Glastonbury Abbey, on Magdalene Street, is a taxi rank.

Accommodation

On the south-west side of Glastonbury, only a five-minute bus ride, are two modern chain hotels, The Premier Inn and the Travelodge, both having accessible bedrooms. The Travelodge has two accessible rooms, both with wheels in shower.