Glastonbury Abbey, Medieval monastic ruins in Glastonbury, England.
Glastonbury Abbey is a ruined medieval monastery in Glastonbury, England, with stone walls rising from grass lawns and flower beds across about 36 acres. The abbot's kitchen still stands complete near the visitor center, its four-sided stone roof visible from several paths.
The community formed in the 8th century and grew larger with royal donations through the early 16th century. Henry VIII ordered the closure of all English monasteries in 1539, leading to abandonment and partial dismantling of the buildings.
Locals often call the place a source of Arthurian legend, though most historians consider the claims about royal burials more marketing than truth. Visitors will find open lawns with scattered stone fragments where pilgrims once gathered in large numbers.
The grounds open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM in autumn and winter, with slightly later closing in summer months. Wheelchair access covers much of the site, though grass paths may turn muddy in wet weather.
The abbot's kitchen is one of only three preserved medieval monastic kitchens worldwide, showing advanced 14th-century cooking methods. Four fireplaces with separate chimneys allowed different dishes to be prepared at the same time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
