If you are staying in Somerset with children there is no shortage of things to do but what does Glastonbury have to offer for entertaining the kids?
In this article we present some ideas on things to do if you are staying in Glastonbury with kids.
Things To Do
- Climb Glastonbury Tor
It may only be 158 metres above sea level but the climb up Glastonbury’s own little mountain will be a challenge for little legs. Children will love climbing this iconic landmark, will be fascinated that someone built a church on the top of a hill and that it is the home of Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairies. Weather permitting, little mountaineers will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of an amazing landscape. An engraved plaque on a stone plinth points to lots of famous landmarks in the area – see if you can spot them.
There are two child-friendly routes up the Tor we recommend:
- From 1st April to 30th September take the Glastonbury Tor Community Bus – Service 196 – operates from St Dunstan’s car park at the side of the town hall and climb the 179 steps (this route has 31 metres of ascent over 370 metres distance) from the bus stop at the base of the Tor to the summit.
- All year round drive to, and park (for a small fee) at, the R J Draper factory on Chilkwell Street (W3W: canine.compacts.clerics) and walk from there. Emerging from the car park cross the road (take care of traffic on the busy A361) and turn right and head along Chilkwell Street, turn left up Wellhouse Lane and turn right up the steep ramp and climb the 304 steps (this route has 82 metres of ascent over 750 metres distance) to the summit.
Entry is free.
Location
Glastonbury Tor – North Gate – W3W: zooms.vowed.bandstand
Glastonbury Tor – South Gate – W3W: marmalade.blasted.roof
Glastonbury Tor – South West Gate – W3W: masses.recently.stammer
Glastonbury Tor – St Michael’s Tower – W3W: liquid.invoices.trumpet
- Find the Egg Stone
***Warning do not attempt this with younger children, in wet or windy conditions or wearing high heels!***
Slightly off the summit of the Tor and undiscovered by most people who reach the summit is one of two Glastonbury egg stones. Lots of myths surround these giant eggs but find and touch the egg stone and you can make a wish.
To find the egg stone from the top of the Tor, walk from the tower down the concrete slope towards the town and approximately 65 meters from the tower (the sloping path becomes steps), turn left leaving the concrete path to follow a narrow path through the grass. The muddy path takes a sharp drop to some trees just off the summit where you will find the egg stone and a chance to make a wish!
The other egg stone? Hidden behind the Abbott’s Kitchen in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey – go find!
Entry is free.
Location
W3W: provide.kept.beakers
- Discover Glastonbury Abbey
Set within 36 acres of beautiful parkland, Glastonbury Abbey is one of the earliest, and most fascinating abbeys in England with plenty for the whole family to discover, from the incredible history to the tranquil surroundings.
Things to discover include:
-
- A museum
- King Arthur’s grave
- A wildlife area with a badgers boardwalk
- A herb garden
- An orchard
- Ponds with ducks and fish
If you visit the Abbey between March and October, be sure to look out look out for costumed characters working around the Abbey grounds, especially in the Abbot’s 14th century kitchen. These Living History guides bring history to life as they take you on free short walks around the main attractions within the grounds. Learn about the pilgrims who flocked here to worship, and discover the amazing connections between the Abbey and even tales of King Arthur!
A number of events and hands-on activities take place throughout the year so check the Abbey website to see what’s on when you visit.
The grounds of the Abbey are a great place to chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre even though they are in the town centre! and are a great place to enjoy a picnic or a cup of tea and an ice cream from the on-site cafe.
Dogs are welcome but will need to be kept on a lead due to the number of ducks, badgers, and squirrels within the grounds. The grounds are largely wheelchair accessible.
Entry fee applies.
Location
W3W: forgives.doubts.remake – A: Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, BA6 9EL – WWW: Glastonbury Abbey – T: 01458 832267
- Explore Somerset Rural Life Museum
The Somerset Rural Life Museum is based around the former Abbey Farm with a tithe barn (known as Abbey Barn) built in 1340 and has plenty on offer for families for a fun and enjoyable day out full of adventure and exploration.
This child-friendly museum is a great place to learn about the county’s rural life since the 1800s and the county’s heritage including its landscapes, food and farming, working life and rural crafts.
Galleries in the farmhouse explain how Abbey Farm became a museum and how it was recently refurbished. Two Farmyard Galleries tell the story of working life in rural Somerset. One gallery looks at rural trades, the work carried out in the home and the differing lives of rich and poor. Another gallery explains how Somerset’s varied landscapes have been home to everything from dairy farming to cider making and for willow growing to stock rearing.
As you admire the Abbey Barn imagine what it must have been like during busy harvest times. Wander through the orchard growing apples for cider, visit the shepherd’s hut and spot the museum’s Exmoor Horn sheep.
Activities for kids include Become a Rural Ranger and Museum Trails. Finally, the museum plays host to special events and activities throughout the year such as living history days – check the museum’s website for details.
Dogs not welcome.
Entry fee applies.
Location
W3W: grin.jaundice.speeded – A: Abbey Farm, Chilkwell Street, BA6 8DB – WWW: Somerset Rural Life Museum – South West Heritage Trust – T: 01458 831197
- Have Some Skateboard Lessons at Lost Projects
Lost Projects is an indoor skatepark offering skate lessons and where you can learn new skills, meet new friends and feel accomplished after every lesson. They deliver lessons to the highest standards and understand each and every students needs.
A: Unit 12, Wells Road Trading Estate, Wells Road, BA6 9QU
WWW: Lost Projects
suffice.regret.twist
Play Areas
-
- Abbey Park, Toddler & Junior, Location W3W: mushroom.confining.hillsides
- Chase Close, Toddler. Location W3W: handfuls.motive.scorched
- Cinnamon Lane, Toddler & Junior, Location W3W: access.ordeals.paint
- Palmers Green, Toddler, Location W3W: retrain.bespoke.cringes
- Paradise Estate, Toddler & Junior, Location W3W: presented.onwards.agreement
- Pendragon Park, Toddler, Location W3W: worth.crossword.outwit
- Thorndun Estate, Toddler & Junior, Location W3W: monday.suave.waggled
- Windmill Hill, Toddler & Junior, Location W3W: dabble.everybody.iterative
Open Spaces/Kick-About Areas
-
- Abbey Park, Location W3W: mushroom.confining.hillsides
- Cinnamon Lane, Location W3W: access.ordeals.paint
- Manor House Green, Location W3W: bulletins.clinic.honey
- Paradise Estate, Location W3W: presented.onwards.agreement & gates.lied.factored
- St Brides Close, Toddler, Location W3W: cosmetic.outfitter.hacking
- Windmill Hill, Location W3W: dabble.everybody.iterative
- Wirrall Park Recreation Ground (AKA Tor Sports & Leisure), Location W3W: shifts.shuffle.ruled
Skate Park
-
- Beckery Road, Location W3W: instead.lyricist.selection
Do you have any favourite things to do with kids in Glastonbury?
To book holiday accommodation in the Glastonbury area visit here
