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Glastonbury Tor above a lane with daffodils

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Glastonbury Tor

The Tor is the hill with the tower above Glastonbury. This page covers the walk, the hours, parking, the seasonal Tor Bus and what to bring.

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Glastonbury Tor at a glance

Glastonbury Tor is a hill on the edge of the town. St Michael's Tower stands on the top, and the National Trust looks after the site. A concrete path leads to the summit, and there is a bench halfway up.

Most visitors walk up, look at the tower and walk back down. Plan time for the views too. From the top you see the town on one side and the flat Somerset Levels on the other. The weather on the hill can differ from the weather in town, so bring a layer.

Dawn to duskOpening hours shown by the National Trust
FreeLocal visitor information describes access as free of charge
No car parkThere is no general parking at the Tor itself
St Michael's Tower on Glastonbury Tor

The walk up Glastonbury Tor

What to expect on the path and on the summit.

The path

The way to the summit is a concrete path, with a bench about halfway. Wear shoes with grip, because the grass beside the path can be wet. The climbing time depends on your pace and on how often you stop.

Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs

The path being concrete does not mean the summit is step-free or suitable for wheelchairs. If this matters to you, contact the National Trust before you travel and ask about the route you need.

On the summit

The roofless St Michael's Tower is the main feature. The hilltop is open, so wind and rain reach you. Take photos of the tower from the main path as well, because it looks different on the way up.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the Tor if you keep them under close control.

Glastonbury Tor parking

You cannot drive to the top, and there is no general car park at the foot of the hill.

OptionWhereWhat to knowCost
Blue Badge spacesAt the TorTwo designated spacesโ€“
Draper and Co car parkChilkwell Street, BA6 8DBPay car park. The National Trust gives the walk as 2 minutes in one place and 0.5 miles in another, so allow for the longer oneCharged
Butt Close car parkIn the townPay and display from 09:00 to 18:00, free outside those hours. Walk to the Tor from the town centreยฃ6.80 all day (2026)
Tor BusFrom St Dunstan's Car ParkSeasonal, see belowยฃ5 adult return

Our advice is to park in town and walk or take the bus. Full parking prices and the other town car parks are on the getting there page.

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The Tor Bus

A seasonal bus runs from St Dunstan's Car Park on a loop that includes Magdalene Street and Stonedown Lane. The operator lists it from early April to the end of September, every half hour between 10:00 and 13:00 and between 14:00 and 17:00.

The information centre lists the return fare as ยฃ5 for adults and ยฃ2.50 for children aged 5 to 16. Children under 5 travel free. You can pay by cash or card. A local guide gives the season as April to October, so treat the end of September as the safe date and check the current timetable before you go.

Outside the season, plan to walk from town or use a car park near the hill.

St Michael's Tower seen from the main path

Sunrise, evening and night visits

The opening hours matter more than the view.

Sunrise

The National Trust shows opening hours of dawn to dusk. A walk that starts at first light fits those hours. Do not plan on a night or pre-dawn climb being allowed, because the hours do not promise it. A local guide says access is open at all times, but the two sources differ.

Evening

Leave enough daylight for the walk down. The hours end at dusk, so plan to be off the hill by then.

Special days

Events or works can change arrangements on a given day. Check the National Trust page for the day you want to go.

The Somerset Levels seen from the Tor

Legends of the Tor

Glastonbury is tied to stories about King Arthur and Avalon. These are legends, not proven history. The Abbey explains them as myths and says that reliable evidence for Arthur as a person is very thin. The same goes for the Holy Grail stories that people link to the town.

You can enjoy the Tor without any of this. For the legends in their local setting, read the Glastonbury Abbey page.

Glastonbury Tor: frequently asked questions

Is Glastonbury Tor free?

Local visitor information describes access as free, and the National Trust page shows no entry charge. Parking and the Tor Bus are paid separately.

When is Glastonbury Tor open?

The National Trust shows dawn to dusk. That is the safe way to plan. Do not rely on being able to climb at night.

Where do you park for Glastonbury Tor?

There is no general car park at the Tor. There are two Blue Badge spaces, and a pay car park on Chilkwell Street (BA6 8DB) is the nearest option for most drivers. You can also park in town and walk.

Does the Tor Bus run all year?

No. The operator lists it from early April to the end of September. Check the current timetable before you go.

Can I take my dog up the Tor?

Yes, if the dog stays under close control.

Is Glastonbury Tor accessible for wheelchair users?

The path is concrete and there is a bench halfway, but that alone does not confirm step-free access to the summit. Ask the National Trust about your route before you travel.

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