It’s perhaps no surprise that the town of Glastonbury has become synonymous with the music festival of the same name. Having hosted everyone from Metallica to Beyoncé, its one of the biggest and best festivals in the world. But it’s not for everyone, and sometimes, you’re after a different kind of trip. Fortunately, the area around the festival site of Worthy Farm is home to all manner of things to do – many of which are located close to MICHELIN-approved restaurants to satisfy your palate.
What remains of Glastonbury Abbey, one of the town's biggest attractions. © makasana/iStock
1. See the Sights in Glastonbury Itself
Located around 8 miles from the festival, the town of Glastonbury is well worth a visit in itself – mostly for its stunning historical relics. One of these is Glastonbury Abbey, located surprisingly close to the dynamic town centre. A medieval monastery whose ruins provide a gorgeously well-preserved glimpse into an age gone by, the various parts are of different vintages, with some sections dating back as far as the 13th century.Another medieval marvel can be found at Glastonbury Tor. This renowned hill is well worth the hike to the top, not just for its breathtaking views over Somerset, but for the 14th-century church that sits atop it. Today, only a solitary tower of St Michael’s remains, providing a striking landmark within the countryside vistas. At the foot of the hill is Chalice Well, an ancient sacred well that, like Glastonbury Tor itself, is known as a destination of spiritual pilgrimage.
Back in the town centre, cap off your day trip with dinner at Queen of Cups, a former 17th-century inn that’s holder of a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for its well-priced dishes. Chef-Owner Ayesha Kalaji draws on her Jordanian heritage for a menu that fuses local produce with Middle Eastern flavours to delectable effect.
The Gothic West Front of Wells Cathedral. © irisphoto2/iStock
2. Bask in the Glory of Wells Cathedral
A little north of Glastonbury, you will find one of Britain’s smallest cities. With its village-style centre and picturesque streets, Wells feels worlds away from your usual urban metropolises. In fact, eagle-eyed film fans might recognise its quaint streets as the filming location of action-comedy Hot Fuzz, whose writer-director Edgar Wright grew up in Wells.Of course, a big part of why Wells is categorised as a city is the magnificent Wells Cathedral. Every corner is dripping in historical significance and architectural splendour, but the most iconic part – the bit you won’t be able to stop photographing – is the West Front. As the first cathedral in England to be built in the Gothic style, from afar this façade has a vast, imposing grandeur. Look closer and you will see the 300+ carved stone figures taking up residence and forming one of the world’s biggest collections of medieval sculpture.
When you’ve finished this essential bit of sightseeing, take the short walk to Root Wells, another Bib Gourmand. Sibling to Root in Bristol, it’s best described as “vegetable-led”, with its mostly vegetarian menu putting an overdue focus on the delights of plant produce. Asparagus, tomato, hispi cabbage… take your pick, the team here will make it into a flavoursome treat. And if you come for lunch, you’ll still have time afterwards to drive the seven minutes to Wookey Hole Caves, an enchanting underground experience ideal for families.
A playful dish from Osip, the MICHELIN-Star restaurant just outside Bruton. © Dave Watts
3. Ignite the Tastebuds in Somerset’s Culinary Capital
For food lovers, Somerset offers a bounty of brilliant produce and MICHELIN-recommended restaurants. A number of top eateries can be found in Bath, the county’s largest city – but if you’re looking for a foodie hub of much smaller scale, with a greater culinary reputation than it has any right to, then you must get yourself to Bruton. This pretty little town, nestled amidst flourishing countryside, has become a buzzword in celebrity circles despite only having a population of around 3,000 people.The jewel in Bruton’s crown has long been Osip, the MICHELIN-Starred restaurant from Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson. Known for a produce-led and often original approach, Osip also holds a MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to local and homegrown ingredients. Each dish is beautifully presented, while the flavours have a welcome purity. Formerly located in the town centre, Osip is now a couple of miles down the road in a gorgeously renovated building.
If you’d rather stay within walking distance of central Bruton, then consider either DA COSTA or Briar. The latter is another terrifically priced Bib Gourmand spot where, along with the fresh and flavoursome sharing plates, you can expect warm hospitality from the genuinely enthusiastic team. DA COSTA, meanwhile, is a stylish Italian restaurant forming part of the beautiful Art Farm development backed by Hauser & Wirth.
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A dish from Farm Caff, which utilises a bounty of homegrown produce. © Dave Watts
4. Get Back to Nature at Higher Farm
‘Farm-to-table’ is a phrase you hear a lot these days – and with good reason. As people become more aware of ultra-processed foods and restaurants become more conscious of their impact on the planet, there’s been a spike in eateries serving fresh, organic and locally grown produce that lets diners feel more connected to what’s on their plate.A key player in the movement right now is Higher Farm, which just so happens to be located only a few miles from Glastonbury Festival. Far more than just a farm, you could spend a whole summer’s day here exploring the various activities they have to offer. Take a stroll around the grounds to see the farm in action; go wild swimming in their lake; let off some steam in the wood-fired, lakeside sauna; and try locally brewed beer or cider in the Courtyard Bar.
Perhaps the crowning glory of a visit to Higher Farm is the Farm Caff. Despite its knowingly low-key name, this Inspector-approved spot is a thoroughly enjoyable – and wallet-friendly – showcase for the farm’s produce and local suppliers. Sharing is the best way to try a range of dishes whose simple appearance belies the skill that goes into them.
Hadspen House, the Georgian manor at the heart of The Newt, a Three-MICHELIN-Key hotel. © The Newt in Somerset
5. Stay the Night at One of Britain’s Best Hotels
It would be remiss of us to talk about glorious Somerset and not mention The Newt. Holder of Three MICHELIN Keys, this lavish hotel is one of the best in the business for country house splendour. Located just a 20-minute drive from Worthy Farm, it’s the ideal place for a romantic weekend in the country, especially if the idea of camping in a muddy field has you breaking out in hives.The truth is, The Newt isn’t really a hotel – it’s an entire estate. Within it, you can wander the immaculately kept gardens; explore this summer’s oh-so-stylish collaboration with Burberry; join a cider tour and tasting to see the journey from orchard to glass; unwind in the spa; and, of course, kick back in one of the bedrooms spread across the Georgian Hadspen House and various outbuildings. If all that isn’t enough, make the brief journey to The Creamery and enjoy afternoon tea at The Maid of Somerset, a restored British Pullman train carriage with a sense of old-school glamour.
For foodies, The Botanical Rooms offers a celebration of produce grown and reared around the estate, from fresh vegetables to beef, lamb and venison. These are fashioned into clean, bright dishes that do the ingredients justice. Adding to the appeal is the stunningly designed dining room, befitting of a hotel like this.
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Hero Image: Glastonbury Tor, one of the best things to do near Glastonbury Festival. © Alexey_Fedoren iStock
