Short Tours:
the sacred sites
of south west Britain

Half-day and full day short tours

Half-day tours

Glastonbury
Tor Labyrinth
Avebury Henge
Cadbury/Camelot
Stonehenge

Full-day tours

Stonehenge, Avebury and Silbury Hill
Tintagel and St Nectan's Glen

Extendable to two days
Scroll down for details

Tours start
from Glastonbury

Tours are led by Jamie George

Specially-designed tours
are possible too

Half day tours

Glastonbury:
the Ancient Isle of Avalon

Come and enjoy the special atmosphere of Glastonbury, the Ancient Avalon, the New Jerusalem and England's 'Holyest Earthe'. Glastonbury is a place of magical and natural enchantment.

Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill seen from the Holy Thorn on Wearyall Hill

One reason for its appeal is immediately obvious, in the quality of light and unusual landscape in the area. We offer tours to the hills, holy wells and ruins of this ancient and sacred Isle of Avalon.

On our journey we explore and discover the immense prehistory of the area: the ancient Goddess, the megalith builders, the Glastonbury Zodiac, the Celts and Druids, the early Christians, the Arthurian traditions and the flowering of medieval art and architecture.

• Glastonbury Tor • Wearyall Hill • Chalice Well •
• Gog & Magog ancient oaks • Glastonbury Abbey •

For further details about the Glastonbury/Avalon tour, click here

For pictures of the Isle of Avalon, click here

Glastonbury Tor Labyrinth

This special walking tour involves threading the labyrinth on Glastonbury Tor.

The labyrinth dates back probably to the megalithic era - the same time as the building of Stonehenge and Avebury - and it is understood to be a classical Cretan labyrinth built for ceremonial purposes.

Glastonbury Tor Labyrinth (photo Kevin Redpath)

Threading this labyrinth involves walking along the sculpted sides of Glastonbury Tor in a particular pattern, outlining the classical labyrinth. It is an experience in mindfulness and an opportunity to dwell on and resolve deep issues as one walks the labyrinth pathways.

For more about the Tor Labyrinth tour, click here

For pictures of the Isle of Avalon, click here

Cadbury/Camelot

Cadbury Castle has the distinction of being the most likely site of King Arthur's citadel Camelot.

Jamie George recounting Cadbury's history

Here is an impressive Celtic iron-age hilltop fort set in 21 acres of land, with spectacular stone and earth ramparts and commanding views to four surrounding counties.

It is said there once was a causeway that led across the Vale of Avalon to Glastonbury and that on Midsummer's Eve the sound of horses' hoofs and clanking armour can be heard as they ride out of the castle.

Stonehenge or Avebury Henge

Inside Stonehenge

Stonehenge

England's most famous monument and a testament to the scientific and engineering skills of our bronze age ancestors. This enigmatic site remains one of the great mysteries of the ancient world. Here we explore the many theories behind its construction and purpose, and take in the feeling of the place. Private access subject to availability.

Avebury

The world's largest stone circle, built 5000 years ago. The megalithic capital of Britain, with its awesome bank and ditch (henge), its inner circles and avenue, and the massive Silbury Hill. Avebury is a whole prehistoric complex. Here we explore the world of the Neolithic period and the possible uses of this magnificent place.

Full day Tours

Stonehenge and Avebury

See and feel both of these spectacular, atmospheric and contrasting giant megalithic temples together in one day.

Silbury Hill, Avebury

These two ancient sites are one hour's drive apart, yet from a global perspective they resonate together. They are also both very different - Stonehenge is dramatic, a celestial temple, while Avebury is more friendly, a place of the Earth Mother.

Both are set in the remarkable wide-open, rather un-earthly landscapes of the chalk downs of Wiltshire. This is a memorable trip.

Private access to Stonehenge is subject to availability.

Click here for pictures of Avebury and Stonehenge

Tintagel and St Nectan's Fairy Glen

Tintagel Island is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. Set on the wild and rugged coastline of North Cornwall, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is a magical place full of history and legend.

St Nectan's Glen

We visit the 12th Century ruins of the castle and the Celtic remains of chapels and houses. We descend to the legendary Merlin's Cave where it is said the spirit of the great sage still resides. And in a sense he does.

Then we visit the nearby St Nectan's Fairy Glen, set in an enchanted valley with its huge waterfall, its hermitage and Celtic chapel. A beautiful, rather moving place to visit.

NEXT:

Glastonbury tour itinerary

Tor Labyrinth tour

Glastonbury pictures

Stonehenge & Avebury pictures

How to get to Glastonbury

or click a link on the left to see another tour

     Glastonbury Abbey

Gothic Image Tours
7 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DP, UK
tel: +44 (0)1458 831281  fax: +44 (0)1458 833385
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