Glastonbury Abbey Somerset

What makes us a great choice for education?

This is one of England's earliest, most important and most fascinating abbeys, providing sanctuary, tranquility, history and heritage in one special place.

We offer a packed day around your particular requirement, including two activities which enrich your pupils learning and are included in the admission price and you may request worksheets or trails to be printed ready for your group when they arrive. Your group will also have the opportunity to enhance their learning by exploring the ruins and history of the site alongside one of our costumed guides.

Accreditation and Awards

We have held the LOtC Quality badge since it was introduced.

What is typically included on our school trips?

The Education Officer at the Abbey offers a full planning service for your day at the Abbey with agreed timetables and risk assessment. Our full offer can be found on our website https://www.glastonburyabbey.com/education-offer.php. A teacher's pack is available on request with background information on classroom links to our core curriculum.

We offer a free orientation visit and discuss how we can tailor the day to suit the needs of your group. Our activities are designed to enrich your pupil's day and are accessible to all abilities.
We are also able to offer a day for OCR controlled assessment, allowing Year 11 pupils to look at a local study focus and assess its significance.

Group Sizes Catered For

We can cater for any group size from 2 - 90. Undercover lunch space is available for groups of 50 at a time.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

A teacher's pack is available upon request and worksheets are available on our website. We are always happy to listen to requests for projects with a particular focus.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

There are no restrictions on photography and other recording media for study or other personal use.

Risk Assessment Details

We provide risk assessments for all our activities and we are happy to offer a free familiarization visit to teachers planning visits to the Abbey.

Education Officer Information

Deputy Learning Manager: Luke Loader, The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL.

Phone: 01458 832267

Email: learning@glastonburyabbey.com

Pricing Information

Children age 15 and under - £4.75. Students age 16 and over - £6.50. 

We allow 1 free adult for every 10 children. Extra adults £6.50, although 1:1 support staff will also be admitted free of charge.

Please note: Admission charges are not subject to VAT.

In both case the coach driver is also admitted free of charge.

Clothing Requirements

This is a largely outdoor site. Please advise students to wear warm clothes and bring waterproof footwear. Presentations and activities will take place under cover, but tours of the ruins and trails are at the mercy of the elements.

First Aid Information

There is a First Aid post at the Ticket Office as you enter the site. If you have any emergency while on site this is the place to find assistance.

Available Facilities

There is a gift shop on site and an outdoor cafe during the summer months with picnic tables. We also have a pre-bookable covered picnic space.

We have an informative museum covering the history of the Abbey from its foundation in the first century AD up to the current archaeological discoveries.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

We are mostly disability compliant (there are steps to the crypt).

Opening Hours & Information

The Abbey is open from 9.00am every day of the year except Christmas Day.

Closing times:

November to February - 16.00

March to May - 18.00

June - August - 20.00

Sept - October - 18.00

Testimonials

We ask our schools to fill in an evaluation sheet after their visit. When asked what were the highlights of your visit here, these were some of the answers given:

Stanchester KS3: Ruins, Activities

Crispin : KS3 : "Living History is a highlight, especially the journey across to the Abbey from Crispin School and the presentation in the Abbott's kitchen. The experience of being amidst the ruins for learning about the historical context of Glastonbury is brilliant. Our visit coincides with visit to other places in the town."

Stowberry: KS2: "An excellent range of well thought out activities, geared to the age range of the pupils and areas of interest being studied. Re-enactors were very good and definitely a highlight as the children could interact and ask questions, they brought the place to life.
The timings of sessions were also good, allowing the activities to have some depth to them but not too long or having to just listen for too long."

Marlwood (Sixth form Group) "The whole experience of being at the Abbey, getting a sense of history in its local and national context, and making it relevant for these A level Sociologists. Excellent pitch and delivery."

Millfield: (Independent Pre-Prep school) "Children being able to dress as a monk and feel like they are going back in time and having everything explained so clearly to them. A great introduction followed by a tour of the abbey ending in the Abbots kitchen. KS2"

Ashcott: KS2: "We loved doing the brass rubbings and dressing as monks. Any practical activity. The Monks Kitchen was great fun too."

Oaklands: KS2: "The children loved seeing the actors in character/costume."