Terms and conditions of entry

Visitors must follow staff instructions at all times. Staff have full authority to enforce these terms and address any additional requirements as needed. Staff may take necessary actions beyond these terms to ensure safety, security, and the smooth operation of the site.

Special events will have their own terms and conditions which will be enforced in addition to these terms of entry.

Damaging or removing any items from a scheduled monument is a criminal offence that can result in imprisonment, a fine or both.

Harassment

Glastonbury Abbey will not tolerate discriminatory, aggressive or abusive behaviour or harassment (including sexual harassment) directed towards members of our team or other visitors.  Further action will be taken where appropriate.

Health & Safety

• Instructions given by Glastonbury Abbey staff must be followed at all times. Failure to do so will result in you being required to leave the abbey site (including the Abbey Yard).
• Glastonbury Abbey staff, volunteers, trustees and contractors are here to perform their roles. Verbal or physical abuse, harassment or intimidation in any form will not be tolerated.
• For yours and their safety, staff using machinery, tools or operating vehicles must not be approached and a safe distance must be maintained at all times.
• Glastonbury Abbey will contact any relevant authority if we perceive a visitor to be a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others, committing an offence, breaching the peace, or raising safeguarding concerns. 
• All visitors must enter the site dressed respectfully and remain clothed at all times.
• Caution must be exercised when exploring the site. Archaeological and natural features can be extremely hazardous if not treated with care and respect.
• Children must always be under close supervision.
• Dogs are welcome in the grounds, but must at all times be kept on a lead not exceeding 3 metres. Dogs are permitted in the Abbey Yard Café & Gift Shop only while owners are ordering (except for registered guide dogs). 
• Climbing the ruins or any other infrastructure within the abbey is not permitted.
• Plants and wildlife must not be disturbed. This extends to feeding wildlife; this can make them unwell or worse. The fish and ducks already have everything they need.
• Flowers, plants and trees form an essential role in the conservation of wildlife. Visitors must not pick or remove flowers, plants or branches in the grounds. 
• Swimming in the ponds is prohibited for safety reasons and to protect wildlife.
• Personal belongings cannot be left unattended under any circumstance. Glastonbury Abbey does not offer luggage or personal effects storage

Use of Facilities

• All visitors are welcome to picnic in the grounds, apart from in the Great Church, Lady Chapel, the Crypt and Abbot’s Kitchen.
• Recycling bins are located near the Abbey Garden Café and within the Abbey Yard; we request all visitors dispose of their waste responsibly. If facilities are unavailable visitors are requested to take their waste with them.
• Dog waste bins and general waste bins are also available across the site; visitors must use these as required or if possible, take your litter home with you. Do not place dog waste in a general waste or recycling bin.

For the enjoyment of all

• Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and considerate of others while exploring the site. Please avoid blocking pathways or access points to ensure a smooth experience for both fellow visitors and staff.
• Visitors must not engage in activities that may affect the enjoyment of other guests.
• Ceremonies, ceremonial or ritualistic behaviours of any sort are not allowed without written permission from the Director of Glastonbury Abbey. Enquiries of this nature must be made in writing, in advance of the visit. Glastonbury Abbey staff reserve the right to decide what dictates a ceremony.
• The altars must be respected; visitors are not permitted to place items, leave offerings, or sit, stand, lie down or any similar behaviour in these places.
• Please keep noise to a conversational level and ensure children are supervised to prevent shouting or yelling.
• Metal detecting and the removal of objects are criminal offences and not permitted.
• Tripods may be used but only for personal photography and not left unattended. Be mindful of the enjoyment of others when using photographic equipment.
• Commercial photography or filming is not permitted without prior arrangement. Commercial can be defined as that which is either for income or for promotional purposes. Images of the abbey can not be sold on stock photography sites or used in products for commercial gain or promotional purposes.
• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards or similar devices are not permitted within the site. There is a bike rack near the entrance where bikes may be left at owner’s risk.
• The abbey site is not a park. Ball games and sports are not permitted within the grounds. 
• Tickets and membership only grant access during opening hours. These must be respected, and all visitors must be off site by the closing time.
• The collection, its artefacts and living history displays are provided for the enjoyment and education of visitors. Do not touch any object or display unless invited to (by staff or notice). 
• The flying of model aircraft or kites is not permitted. 
• The flying of drones is not permitted. While the abbey is not a registered no-fly-zone our visitors must be able to enjoy their visit without the interruption of the noise of a drone or the invasion of their privacy.
• The playing of musical instruments or recorded music or media is not permitted.
• Gazebos and wind break structures are not permitted.

Last Updated: March 27th, 2026

Janet Bell

Director