Let me tell you about Glastonbury and how it's come to be my favourite place in the UK to visit, in case you're looking at the possibility of a UK staycation this Summer. If you follow my blog, chances are you might be a smidgen spiritual, so this will be right up your street.
Glastonbury Tor is my highlight of Glastonbury. It's run by the National Trust so is a serious place, for ramblers and heritage site followers to go to, as well as a sought after destination for the discerning spiritual hippy! The world and his wife are to be found up there; all with children, dogs or both it would seem. Sadly in 2010 the Holy Thorn Tree was cut down in an act of vandalism. That article mentions Joseph of Arimathea going to Glastonbury but no mention of Jesus. However, there's a film: "And Did Those Feet" all about Jesus' trip to England, including amongst other places: Glastonbury.
My fascination with Glastonbury does NOT begin or end with the Jesus connection, although it's something I've been aware of for over 20 years. I have celebrated Summer Solstice in Glastonbury several times as a yogi; lots of special memories.
It's not that steep an upward climb, but does have approximately 300 shallow meandering steps, but unfit me, I'll be honest, finds it hard exercise indeed. It's windier and cooler at the top than you'd expect! Bring a rug and picnic, as once you've feasted your eyes on the views you won't want to leave!
Did you know?
that the famous song Jerusalem (often held up as England's unofficial National Anthem) is based upon a poem by William Blake, which is all about the fact that Jesus is believed to have set foot on English soil - the first line of the poem is "And Did Those Feet" which lends itself to the name of the movie I mentioned above. The poem was not even called Jerusalem, but rather: "Prelude to Milton". I have heard the hymn Jerusalem countless times over the years, and only just read the lyrics tonight, when researching this post. I almost had my belief by osmosis without understanding why - but I know more now! When I know something to be true at a cellular level, I sometimes don't question it.
Today Glastonbury Abbey presents itself as "traditionally the oldest above-ground Christian church in the world," which according to the legend was built at Joseph's behest to house the Holy Grail, 65 or so years after the death of Jesus.[46]The legend also says that as a child, Jesus had visited Glastonbury along with Joseph. The legend probably was encouraged during the medieval period when religious relics and pilgrimages were profitable business for abbeys. William Blake mentioned the legend in a poem that became a popular hymn, "Jerusalem" (see And did those feet in ancient time). SOURCE: Wikipedia Glastonbury
This videos below will show you how very beautiful Glastonbury Abbey is:
UK Break Aways has compiled a list of their top 6 weekends away/short breaks. Currently in that list is Weston Super Mare, which is only a 45 minute drive from Glastonbury! They are currently advertising weekend and mid week breaks for August, which are very reasonably priced!
If you enjoyed this post and would also like to blog about your favourite place to visit, then enter UK Break Away's competition here: Win 250 pounds in cash as the top prize. See link for how to enter and details of the other prizes. This post is my entry. Good luck with yours.
