The Tor, Glastonbury, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Glastonbury Tor is a steep, conical hill rising above the Somerset Levels at Glastonbury, topped by the roofless St Michael's Tower. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in southwest England, and it has long been tied to the legends of Avalon and King Arthur.

The story behind it

The Tor stands roughly 160 metres (about 520 feet) above sea level. In the past the low ground around it was often flooded, so the hill looked like an island rising from the water. That setting helped link Glastonbury to Avalon, the legendary isle of apples, and to the Arthurian tales that grew around the town. Local lore also ties the hill to Celtic stories of an otherworld, which adds to its reputation as a place of myth.

The tower you see today is what remains of the medieval church of St Michael, which stood on the summit. Its last remains are a tower with open doorways and no roof. The Tor also has a darker chapter: in 1539 Richard Whiting, the last abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, was put to death on the hill during the dissolution of the monasteries.

What to look for

• St Michael's Tower itself, with its tall open archways that frame the sky and the countryside beyond.
• The ridged terraces on the slopes of the hill, whose origin is still debated, with theories ranging from medieval farming to ritual use.
• The wide view from the summit across the flat Somerset Levels, where you can see why the hill once seemed like an island.
• The rooftops and ruins of Glastonbury town below, with the abbey grounds among them.

Tips for your visit

• Allow about an hour for the climb, the summit and the walk back down. The path is steep in places, so wear shoes with a good grip.
• Go early or near sunset for softer light and fewer people. The top is exposed, so bring a layer even on a mild day.
• The tower is open to the sky and you can walk up to it, but check current access details with the National Trust, which looks after the hill.
• Chalice Well and its gardens lie at the foot of the Tor, and Glastonbury Abbey is a short walk away, so the hill fits well into a longer wander through town.

See it on a quest

The Tor is one of the places on Scavenger Hunt Glastonbury: Trivia Trail, a self-guided walk through the area played on your phone. You reach the hill on foot as part of a longer route, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle based on what is in front of you. There is no guide and no fixed start time, and one ticket covers the whole group.