Best things to do in Glastonbury

Glastonbury Tor stands as one of the UK's most spiritually and historically significant landmarks. Artifacts on this prominent hill date back to the Iron Age and Roman era, and the site makes appearances in Celtic mythology. Today the remains of a large 15th-century church tower help give the Tor its commanding presence over Glastonbury, while seven symmetrical and unexplained terraces lend it a sense of mystery. Head to the top of the hill for expansive views of the surrounding countryside, and enjoy a picnic when you return to the bottom. Follow the concrete path for a less steep route to the top that also helps prevent walker-induced erosion.

See how ancient Romans bathed at The Roman Baths. Hot springs have bubbled up in Bath since time immemorial, and the Romans began developing a temple and public bathhouse here around 60 CE. Today, you can tour the various sections of the incredibly well-preserved complex, including the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, and the Roman Bath House. The main area of interest is the open-air, column-lined Great Bath. When you enter the site, make sure to take the audio guide that's included in the ticket price. After touring the different areas, enter the museum to see artifacts collected from the original bath. As tempting as it might be to bathe yourself where ancient Romans once did, the site does not permit you to enter the water.

Hidden in a small alley, St. Margaret's Chapel & Magdalene Almshouses offer a respite from the city bustle. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, this historic chapel takes you back in time, exhibiting architectural features from 13th and 15th centuries. Notice the remains of a medieval archway that once led into a dining room to the left of the chapel. You can go inside the partially furnished almshouse, which once provided a shelter to people suffering from leprosy.

See what remains of what was once possibly the most magnificent monks' residence in England, Glastonbury Abbey. Dating back to the 7th century, the Abbey was even larger than St. Peter's Church in Rome before the ascendancy of Protestantism in England initiated its decline. If you visit between March and October, listen to the costumed guides' stories of the monks who once resided here and legends of the Abbey's association with King Arthur's Court. Head into the visitors' center for historical interpretation of the site and enjoy the 14.6 hectares (36 acres) of parkland surrounding the ruins. The venue stages events and exhibitions throughout the year, so check the schedule before visiting.

An active well for over 2000 years, Chalice Well embodies the peace and solace of its unique location in the Vale of Avalon. The well and its surrounding meditation garden offer visitors a chance to reflect and drink in (literally) the area's fabled history. The well cover, designed by church architect and archaeologist Frederick Bligh Bond, represents the overlap between inner and outer worlds and symbolizes the atmosphere here. Quiet your thoughts in one of the sitting areas or take a relaxed stroll through the grounds. Don't forget to bring a bottle so you can sample the waters from this famous source. On summer evenings, enjoy poetry, music, and other performances in the candlelit gardens. If you're interested in delving further, look at the schedule of workshops and retreats.

Dating back to the 12th century, Wells Cathedral stands as a fine example of Gothic architecture. Take one of the daily tours to see the most significant details and to hear a colorful history of the building. If specific areas of the cathedral interest you, opt for one of the themed tours. Take one to the top of the tower, where you'll earn expansive views of Wells and the surrounding countryside if the weather's clear. Venture into the library, which contains many books from the 16th and 17th centuries. And view one of Britain's most significant arrays of stained-glass windows. However you choose to visit the cathedral, make sure you head to the north transept to watch knights joust on the 14th-century astronomical clock. Check the schedule of services before you visit, because some areas close when the congregation meets.

Stonehenge is one of the world's most impressive prehistoric monuments. The construction of the ditch and surrounding embankment dates to 3100 BCE, and radiocarbon dating indicates that placement of the standing stones took place between 2400 and 2200 BCE. Spend time in the visitor's center before viewing the site. The interpretive displays and exhibits here tell stories about the monument and explain the popular debates about its possible prehistoric uses. These will help give you context to appreciate its significance--though the age-old question of how the giant standing stones got there remains unanswered. The cafe by the entrance provides a place to grab snacks before you proceed to the site by shuttle bus. Buy your tickets online before visiting to avoid waiting in line at the ticket kiosk, and check the weather forecast so that you can dress appropriately.

Experience the splendor of over 150 birds of prey at Hawk Conservancy Trust. Set on 9 hectares (22 acres) of open meadow, the conservancy boasts a large visitor’s center, research facilities, and a hospital, all dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of large birds. Get up close to one of the birds at an interactive handling session, or attend a heron and red kite feed to learn more about their eating habits. Stop by the restaurant for a cup of coffee or a lunch made from locally sourced goods.

Visit a retail studio gallery and see artworks of knitted wire jewelry and painted silks at Facets of Avalon. Come and see the work in process--the two owners and artists make their pieces on the premises. Besides their work, you can admire selected ceramics and photography made by local artists on display. Rachel has been working with the stylish interwoven wire technique for 20 years with various color combinations, while Jan studied printed and woven textiles. Order a commission or express your wishes to the artists, who will realize them for reasonable prices.

Situated on the grounds of an Elizabethan mansion, Longleat features a collection of over 500 animals, sheltered on 3,642 hectares (9,000 acres) of Wiltshire countryside. Opened in 1966, this site was the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa. Unlike most other wildlife sanctuaries, at this location the animals roam freely, while the visitors stay within the comfort and safety of their cars. Drive through the park’s various reserves to observe wallabies, giraffes, camels, vultures, wildebeests, rhinos, elephants, pelicans, gorillas, tigers, lions, and Canadian wolves. The estate offers various special events and attractions, such as short cruises around the park’s lake, which houses a large family of sea lions. Check online for discounts and special offers.

England's oldest complete human skeleton, affectionately nicknamed Cheddar Man, was found in the caves at Cheddar Gorge in 1903. These caves are still a popular point of interest in the area. In fact, scientists continue to study the physical environment of the caves in an area called the Cheddar Complex, where there are biological phenomenon unique to its location. It has been suggested that Cox's and Gough's caves were both sites of prehistoric cheese making. Cheddar cheese is still made in the lower part of the gorge, so be sure to stop by a local shop to taste a few bites. Before your shopping trip, work up an appetite by rock climbing or by walking along Jacob's Ladder on the gorge's upper crest, where you'll find the best views. A visit to the Cheddar Man Museum will yield a comprehensive explanation of the prehistoric activity in the Gorge, the history of Cheddar Man's discovery, and views of remains found inside the caves.

A new, unique Arts & Crafts Centre that is exclusively stocked with Somerset’s finest, hand-crafted creations - perfect for finding original gifts to treasure or collect. Somerset Crafts is located at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, the ideal environment to nurture and view artistic inspiration and creativity