Living in Glastonbury

The community in Glastonbury is open, supportive, and creative, uniting residents around annual events, markets, and a shared appreciation for local history and the arts. The town has a renowned tradition of festivals and fairs, including the Glastonbury Carnival, Medieval Fair, and the spiritual Beltane and Solstice celebrations at the Tor. Independent businesses and shop owners contribute to a spirited High Street atmosphere.

Local groups frequently organise craft fairs, holistic workshops, and talks on mythology or sustainable living at venues like Glastonbury Town Hall, the Red Brick Building, and community centres. Outdoor life is a central part of Glastonbury's identity, with nearby walks around the Tor, the Avalon Marshes, and Abbots Kitchen Gardens offering peaceful green spaces and spectacular Somerset views.

Glastonbury is perceived as a generally safe and peaceful town, characterised by a strong sense of community vigilance. Crime rates in Glastonbury are typically lower than national averages, particularly for violent crime, though like any busy tourist centre, there may be seasonal increases related to festivals and events. Anti-social behaviour such as minor vandalism and late-night noise can spike during peak periods associated with tourism.

Neighbourhood policing teams are active in the area and visible within the town centre, working collaboratively with local councils and community groups to address concerns. Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes and active town wardens have contributed to the town's reputation as a safe and welcoming place. Parts of central Glastonbury, especially near Abbey Park and the High Street, benefit from regular police patrols and community safety events.

Parking in Glastonbury offers a mix of pay-and-display car parks near the town centre, including St John’s, Butt Close, and the Town Hall car park, which are operated by Mendip District Council. On-street parking is available in residential areas but can be limited at busy times, especially during festivals and large events. Resident parking permits are available for some streets close to the centre.

Road access is straightforward via the A39 and A361, linking Glastonbury to the wider Somerset road network. Traffic congestion is usually manageable outside peak tourism periods, but it can increase significantly during the annual Glastonbury Festival and summer holidays. Access to the M5 motorway at Bridgwater is about a 30-minute drive, providing links to larger cities across the South West and Midlands.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Wells – approx. 15 minutes via A39 (6 miles)
• Bath – approx. 55 minutes via A39/A367 (23 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 50 minutes via A39/A37 (28 miles)
• Taunton – approx. 40 minutes via A361/A358 (28 miles)
• Frome – approx. 35 minutes via A361 (22 miles)

Glastonbury is known for its interesting mix of independent cafes, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and traditional British pubs. High Street and Magdalene Street offer a variety of dining, from organic bakeries and international cuisine to hearty pub grub at longstanding inns such as The George & Pilgrims Hotel. The town is also renowned for its health food cafes, herbal tea shops, and creative bistros.

The nightlife in Glastonbury reflects its diverse community, with several pubs hosting live music nights, open mic events, and folk sessions. The King Arthur and The Rifleman's Arms are popular with locals and visitors alike. The Assembly Rooms frequently hosts music, theatre, and community events. While Glastonbury has a relaxed and creative nightlife scene, options for late-night clubs are limited, with more vibrant nightlife found in nearby Wells or Bristol.

School quality: Glastonbury offers several primary and secondary schools with 'Good' Ofsted ratings and a supportive community for learners of all abilities.

Parks and green space: There are parks, open spaces, and easy access to countryside walks on Glastonbury Tor and Avalon Marshes, ideal for family activities.

Childcare: Local nurseries and childminders are available, with community-run playgroups and after-school clubs popular among residents.

Safety: The low crime rates and active neighbourhood policing team help make Glastonbury feel secure for families.

Family activities: Town events, craft fairs, youth sports clubs, and the town's mythic attractions provide a varied range of things to do for children and teenagers.

Glastonbury is a welcoming setting for pets, especially for dog owners, with numerous walking routes around the Tor, Wearyall Hill, and into the Mendip countryside. The town features green spaces, riverbank paths, and nearby woods perfect for everyday exercise. Local vets and pet shops are present, offering essential services and supplies.

Several cafes and pubs in Glastonbury are dog-friendly, and public attitudes towards pets are generally positive. Rental housing is often open to pets, and community groups organise regular pet events and meet-ups, reflecting the town's inclusive ethos towards animal companions.

Glastonbury is well connected by road and bus, serving as a gateway to Somerset’s countryside and nearby towns. While the town does not have its own rail station, Castle Cary and Bridgwater stations are accessible within a 30-minute drive, offering regular services to London, Bristol, and Exeter.

Regular bus services link Glastonbury to Wells, Street, Taunton, and Bath, with daily express routes for commuters and shoppers. The A39 and A361 provide straightforward connections to the M5 motorway for those travelling by car.

For air travel, Bristol Airport is approximately 23 miles (45 minutes) away, making UK and international flights easily accessible. Cycling and walking are popular means of local travel, particularly into the countryside and Avalon Marshes Reserve.

• Bath – approx. 55 minutes by car (23 miles), direct bus service available
• Bristol – approx. 50 minutes by car (28 miles)
• Wells – approx. 15 minutes by car (6 miles), regular buses
• London – 2.5 hours via Castle Cary or Bridgwater rail stations

Primary Schools in Glastonbury

Glastonbury offers several options for primary education. St Benedict's Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior School (Ofsted rated 'Good', November 2022) is centrally located and known for its inclusive ethos. St John's Church of England Infant School is also rated 'Good' (March 2022) and provides a nurturing early education. St Dunstan’s Primary School additionally serves local families, with modern facilities and a focus on community engagement.

Secondary Schools in Glastonbury

The main secondary option is St Dunstan's School, which received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in November 2022 and is popular among local families. Many older children in the area also attend secondary schools in neighbouring Street, notably Crispin School (Ofsted 'Good', January 2020), just two miles away, known for strong academic and extracurricular offerings.

Sixth Form & Colleges

For post-16 education, Strode College in Street is a leading institution in Somerset, offering A-Levels, vocational subjects, and adult learning courses.

Universities

There are no universities in Glastonbury itself. However, the University of Bath and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) can both be reached within approximately an hour’s drive, making Glastonbury practical for commuting students or those seeking a quieter place to live near major academic centres.