The battalions of rucksacks and wellies gracing the morning commute can mean only one thing. The Glastonbury Festival is upon us again.  Providing the ultimate escape from order and routine, the five-day mud-fest is a reminder of our carefree pre-office days.  But for those who want to experience more than just pongy portaloos and the insides of a battered tent, Glastonbury offers a whole other dimension filled with sacred sites, healing energy and vibrant New Age life.

Nick Glastonbury Village

Swirling in a cauldron of mystical charm, Glastonbury village is home to one of the UK’s largest New Age communities.  Riding the Wiccan wave, the high street is crammed with crystals, shamanic drums and Pagan knick-knacks.  Without a trace of a twee tearoom in sight, you can indulge instead in a spot of angel therapy or find out what the Tarot Cards have in store before piling your plate with chickpeas and aubergines at the trendy vegan cafes.   Those seeking a donner kebab need not apply.  Jugglers, sorcerers, witches and the odd white cloaked figure all form part of the village’s rich street tapestry, casting a spell on all those who visit.

Keith Sellick Glastonbury shops

Brimming with sacred sites, no visit to Glastonbury could be complete with a trip up the Tor.   Described as a magic mountain, a centre for Goddess fertility rituals and even a meeting point for UFO’s, the 500-foot Tor is one of the UK’s most spiritual landmarks. With spurious links to the Holy Grail, the Tor is well worth a climb not least for its spectacular views across Somerset, Wiltshire and across to Wales – guaranteed to leave you feeling on top of the world.

Jans Canon Glastonbury Tor

Also worth a look is the 700 year-old Glastonbury Abbey.   Once the UK’s richest monastery, the striking remains bear testimony to the Abbey’s importance as a place of worship in medieval England.   Jumping on the Arthurian bandwagon, the Abbey lays claim to being the burial site for King Arthur along with another eighty-odd sites across the UK.  Concocted by a group of enterprising 12th century monks, it’s perhaps not surprising that the Abbey’s dramatic backdrop still inspires so much interest in the legend today. (Admission fees £6.00 per adult or £7.00 with Gift Aid.)

Steve Slater Glastonbury Abbey

For a chance to chill out completely at the end of your weekend, a trip to Chalice Well World Peace Garden is a must.   For over two thousand years, travellers have flocked to the Well to sup the famous Chalybeate waters reputed to cure skin conditions, anaemia and in desperate times the plague.   Offering an oasis of tranquillity, the gardens are one of the most relaxing places on earth.  Whether you decide to take a dip in the spa pool, listen to the gentle tinkle of waterfalls or simply sit and ponder under a canopy of Yew Trees, the gardens offer the perfect antidote to the excesses of festival life. (Admission fees: £4.00 per adult, £4.40 with Gift Aid.)

The Mask and Mirror Chalice Well

Offering so much to experience, a post-festival weekend break to Glastonbury is the perfect way to rest and recuperate before heading back to corporate life.  That is unless the lure of New Age life doesn’t cast its spell first.  Vegan café owner anyone?

Also in the area, read about my experiences at the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge and my day trip to the famous Avebury Stones.

Have you experienced Glastonbury village?  I would love to hear your experiences.