The House
Abbey House has a rich history dating back to the 1830's and offers a number of bedrooms and public rooms suitable for a wide variety of uses. It is set in extensive grounds overlooking Glastonbury Abbey and the local facilities of the town are only a short walk away.
Bedrooms
The House has 26 centrally heated rooms altogether - 18 single and 8 twin bedded rooms. Two of the twin rooms have ensuite facilities. Each room has a wash basin - please contact us if the proximity of bathrooms is an issue. Soap and towels are provided; bath robes are available on request.
Public Rooms
| Main Chapel | Sitting Room | Library | Martin Israel Room |
Cellar Chapel |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity * | 50-60 | 40-50 | 20 | 12-15 | 12-15 |
| Hearing Loop | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| TV/DVD | No | No | No | Yes | No |
* Approximate
Meals & Refreshments
Abbey House strives to offer all visitors a high standard of food made with quality ingredients sourced locally.
Downstairs
In the hall there is a Kenco machine offering a range of teas and coffees including decaffeinated.
Upstairs
There are 2 kitchenettes stocked with a range of hot drinks, fresh milk and confectionary. You may store medication or personal items in the fridges here.
Special Diets
We regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten free, wheat free and dairy free diets. Glastonbury has an excellent local health store and therefore we are able to manage most special diets. Please help us by ensuring that any special dietary needs are explained fully at the time of booking.
Bar Service
The House is licensed and a bar trolley is sometimes provided in the hall from 6pm for groups. Individuals can ask for a drink if the bar trolley is not in use. We offer a selection of spirits, wine, sherry, fruit juices, soft drinks and mixers.
Meal Times
| Breakfast | 8.30am |
|---|---|
| Morning Coffee | 11am |
| Lunch | 1pm |
| Afternoon Tea & Cake | 4pm |
| Supper | 6.30pm (7pm on Friday evenings) |
Coffee and tea times can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Packed lunches can be substituted if you are going out for the day. Please book in advance.
The Grounds
Abbey House enjoys a 4 acre garden set on the North East side of the 26 acre site occupied by Glastonbury Abbey. The gardens are very special; with an unusually wide range of trees and shrubs, including a fully grown healthy Elm and a Fortingale Yew. Our gardeners have created quiet seating areas where you can sit undisturbed and watch the wildlife.
In 2011 we introduced a bee hive to the garden and we succeeded in harvesting 30lbs of delicious honey that was awarded a distinction in the annual Flower & Produce Show. We hope to add a second hive in 2012. We have a pair of woodpeckers living in a large cedar tree and a variety of birds regularly come to drink and bathe in the fountain. If you wake early you may catch sight of the badgers returning to the Abbey sets after a night out at Bushy Coombe!
Around the perimeter of the garden there is a Prayer walk with a largely all-weather path.
Shop
In house we have a small selection of Christian/Spiritual books, cards, small gifts, confectionary and basic toiletries.
Locally, within 5 minutes there is a Boots pharmacy, an excellent health food shop, a newsagent and a Co-Op mini supermarket.
Equipment
The following equipment is available to use during your visit/stay:
- Screen
- Projector
- Flip charts
- TV, DVD player
- CD player
- Photocopier
Glastonbury Abbey
Individuals and group staying on retreats enjoy the priviledge of being able to access the Abbey grounds through a private gate. Details of access times will be made available to you on arrival. Regretably we are unable to offer this privilege to Bed & Breakfast guests.
The Abbey request that any group wishing to conduct any form of service or worship within the Abbey grounds should ask permission in advance. Please email the Abbey info@glastonburyabbey.com.
Walking
Abbey House is set in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey with the famous Tor just behind. There are a number of interesting walks, incorporating several sacred sites in Glastonbury, available on our doorstep.
A short drive will take you to one of Britain's best RSPB bird reserves (follow the link and search for "Ham Wall") where you can see or hear the rare Bittern and in winter, watch the amazing dance of the starlings as they come in to roost at sundown. Local wildlife photographer, Lynne Newton, has images taken at the reserve on her website (along with many others). If visiting the reserve we would advise you to bring walking boots and suitable outdoor clothes.