Glastonbury

SOMERSET

As a place of Christian pilgrimage and the New Age centre of the UK, Glastonbury is a unique blend of myth, legend and modern interpretation. Forget the music festival synonymous with it – that happens less than once a year and six miles away; the rest of the time, this tiny West Country town goes about its quiet, quirky business with a charm heightened by the coming of spring.

WHAT TO SEE The ancient Celtic festival of Beltane marks the beginning of summer, and Glastonbury’s celebrations start on 30 April with music and performances in the town. A Druidic ceremony on the Tor at dawn on 1 May marks the line between spring and summer, followed by well blessings, a maypole at Bushey Combe and processions through town from all manner of goddesses, Green Men and gregarious pagans. Those of a more Arthurian bent will enjoy the Medieval Fayre held at Glastonbury Abbey, legendary resting place of the round table King, on 20 and 21 April, offering jousting, archery and a medieval encampment.

WHERE TO STAY Chindit House is a glorious honey-stone mansion full of art and sculpture, just a short walk from the town centre, with double B&B from £150 (chindit-house.co.uk). Stoberry House, nearer Wells, has plush rooms, some with four posters, from £85 B&B (stoberryhouse.co.uk).