Overview

I have to thank fellow Euan Guide Ambassador Starling for telling me about St Margaret’s Chapel and Royal Magdalene Almshouses with its garden as they are a hidden gem in Glastonbury. Although they might not sound very accessible this historic site is and it's well worth adding to your Glastonbury itinerary.

Transport & Parking

Glastonbury does not have a train station. I took the 376 bus from Bristol which took about 1.5 hours. The bus is accessible with a ramp at the front of the bus and a wheelchair user space. The nearest bus stops are at Glastonbury Town Hall and from there it is a short, level walk of a couple of minutes to the the buildings.

Access

The buildings are located on Magdalene Street but are not very well signposted. If you are coming from the Town Hall/ Abbey/ High Street you want to be on the opposite side of the road from the Abbey. Walk past Our Lady St Mary's Church and the next 2 buildings Copper Beech and the Old Pump House. Next there is a short wall and then a turning on the right into Magdalene Close, this is the entrance to the church and almshouses. There is a short pedestrian path with a permanent metal ramp which only leads to these buildings. This leads to a garden courtyard with the chapel and almshouses surrounding two sides. The Chapel and the almshouses all a single step into the building. Along one side of the garden is the Chapel has a wide door and inside there are chairs. I didn't take any photos as people were praying. Down the other side is a row of almshouses, all have narrow doors leading to a single room. The first room is laid out it might have looked when it was still used as an almshouse. The second room has chairs and is for meditation. The next one is the shop and the final one a gallery. The garden is beautifully cared for and there is a bench with back support and arms at either end of the garden. There is another strip of land with a paved garden area with an additional seat and a mural.

Toilets

I didn't notice any toilets.

Staff

Staff were really lovely. I asked one if they had a ramp to access the rooms and she went to check but didn't think there was. There is a small gift shop. Both members of staff were friendly and helpful. It's a welcoming space.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The Chapel and Almshouses are very lovely with a fascinating history. It's a little less well known that the Abbey and the Springs so is a nice alternative if you are looking for a quiet space to relax and enjoy. I was delighted to have visited.

Photos