Glastonbury is about a 40-minute drive from Bath, roughly 25 miles, making it one of the easier day trips out of the city. Glastonbury Abbey is open 10am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day, with last entry 45 minutes before closing, and the Tor is a mile's walk from the Abbey through the town.
It's a different day out from the Cotswolds villages or Stonehenge: less about picture-postcard streets, more about myth, history and a proper hill climb with a view at the top.
Glastonbury Abbey
The Abbey sits right in the centre of town, accessed through the main gates on Magdalene Street, and its grounds hold the ruins of what was once one of the wealthiest abbeys in England, along with gardens and an on-site cafe. It's open 10am to 6pm daily, closed only on Christmas Day, and last entry to the grounds is always 45 minutes before closing, so allow enough time before you set off if you're visiting late in the day.
There are two cafes on site: the Yard Cafe, open to everyone regardless of whether you've bought Abbey admission, serving lunches, sandwiches and cakes, and a smaller seasonal Garden Cafe inside the grounds that runs April to September. You're also welcome to bring your own picnic, though not into the Great Church or Lady Chapel, which are treated as spiritual spaces. Ticket prices vary and are best checked directly when booking, since the Abbey doesn't publish a fixed year-round rate.
Glastonbury Tor
The Tor, the famous hill with St Michael's Tower on top, is about a mile from the Abbey and a walkable, if fairly steep, climb through the town and out onto open countryside. It's free to visit and the main reason most people come to Glastonbury in the first place, for the view across the Somerset Levels as much as the tower itself.
Wear proper shoes. It's a working hillside path, not a paved route, and it can be muddy and windy at the top regardless of the weather in town.
Getting there from Bath
By car, the drive takes around 40 minutes via the A367 towards Shepton Mallet, then the A361 into Glastonbury. There are pay-and-display car parks in the town, including one on Silver Street, with the nearest accessible parking at St Dunstan's car park on Magdalene Street.
By public transport it takes longer and needs some planning: there's no direct train to Glastonbury, and the nearest station, Castle Cary, only connects onward by taxi. First West of England bus services run to Glastonbury from Bristol, Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil, so check First Bus's current timetables and the best connection from Bath before you travel, since routes and frequencies change. If you don't fancy the logistics, a day tour or a pre-booked taxi transfer is the simplest option, and this site is published by the Tick Taxi group, disclosed here plainly, alongside honest alternatives in our guide to getting a taxi in Bath.
Comparison table
| Glastonbury Abbey | Glastonbury Tor | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Paid admission, check current price | Free |
| Hours | 10am–6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm) | Open access, daylight recommended |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours | 45 minutes to an hour round trip |
| Terrain | Level grounds, paths | Steep hillside path |
Making a day of it
Glastonbury town itself is small and walkable, with independent shops leaning into the crystal-and-mysticism reputation the town has built since the 1960s, alongside more everyday cafes and pubs. Combine the Abbey and the Tor with an hour or two browsing the High Street and you've got a full day without needing a car once you've arrived. If you'd rather stay closer to Bath, our day trips from Bath guide covers the shorter alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Glastonbury from Bath?\nAbout 25 miles and roughly a 40-minute drive. There's no direct train, so public transport takes considerably longer.
Can I visit Glastonbury from Bath without a car?\nYes, but it takes planning. There's no direct train, so you'd either take a bus via Bristol or another connection, or book a taxi transfer or day tour. Check First Bus's current timetables before you travel.
How long does it take to walk from Glastonbury Abbey to the Tor?\nAbout a mile, roughly 20 to 25 minutes each way, mostly uphill on the return leg. Wear shoes suited to a hillside path, not just town streets.
Is Glastonbury Tor free to visit?\nYes, the Tor itself is open access and free. Glastonbury Abbey, in the town centre, charges admission.
What time does Glastonbury Abbey close?\nIt's open 10am to 6pm daily except Christmas Day, with last entry to the grounds 45 minutes before closing.
Is Glastonbury the same as the Glastonbury Festival site?\nNo. The festival is held at Worthy Farm, several miles outside the town, and only during the festival dates. The Abbey and Tor are in the town itself and open year-round.