Tourists flock to this ‘magical’ UK garden believed to have healing powers

In a country rich with history there’s no shortage of spots that transport you back to times gone by, but one in particular is said to be more historic than the rest.

Located in the South West English county of Somerset, there is a destination so special that it’s been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years.

Described as ‘magical’, ‘tranquil’ and a place of great peace, a garden in Glastonbury is home to Chalice Well, also known as the Blood Well.

What is Chalice Well?

Chalice Well is It sits among landscapes gardens, with different areas, each with different plants and qualities.

The total depth of the well is 9ft, and the spring has never been known to run dry.

It dates back about 2.5 million years. When the site was excavated in 1961, ancient yew stump were found, as well as flints from the Palaeolithic or Mesolithic eras. Shards of Iron Age, Roman and Mediaeval pottery were found.

It’s thought to have been in use as a well in its current form from about the 12th century.

The gardens include the well itself, as well as pools fed by its waters.

What makes Chalice Well so special?

Chalice well is considered to be a place of spirituality and many believe its waters have healing properties.

In Christianity, some believe it to be the exact spot where the Holy Grail is buried, the cup Jesus Christ used at the Last Supper.

Legend says that Joseph of Arimathea visited the site, and buried the Grail, in which he collected blood Jesus’ wounds during the crucifixion.

Of course, there are many other locations around the world where the mysterious Holy Grail is also supposedly buried, but the theory is thought to have gained traction because the waters are red in colour, due to the rich iron content. It also maintains an 11C temperature, no matter the time of year, which means it can coagulate, much like haemoglobin.

For others, the well represents the divine female, with nearby Glastonbury Tor representing the divine male, with the waters being a gift from Mother Earth.

And, some believe the well and surrounding gardens are a place where we can glimpse into other worlds. The Chalice Well Trust was created in 1959, and its founder, Wellesley Tudor Pole, said that the well was a ‘geographical centre where the veil is “thinner” than elsewhere.’ He added it was therefore a suitable place for a ‘spiritual and healing oasis’.

Now, the trust aims to help people ‘anchor the positive energies’ of the well, and as such they hold a minutes silence every day 12pm and 3pm ‘as a way of offering our energy together for the highest good.’

How to get to Chalice Well

The Chalice Well is located in Glastonbury, which isn’t just the name of a festival, but also a small town just a three hour and 13 minute drive from London.

Somerset county is home to multiple breathtaking historic attractions, including the Glastonbury Abbey, so it’s recommended that you drive there to tick as many off the list as possible.

However, if a car isn’t possible, never fear. Thanks to the public transport network, you can train or coach to the town and can even get a guided tour when you’re there.

First, you’ll need to train to Bristol and then hop on a bus, which will take approximately three hours and 30 minutes. Prices start from £27 for train services and £16 for coach services.

Once you’re in Glastonbury, the gardens are just a short 16-minute walk from the town centre or a six-minute drive, or if you’re on a guided bus tour, you can sit back, relax and let your guide take care of the rest.

Before making the trip there, though, be sure to double-check the garden opening times, as they differ depending on whether it is summer or winter. No one wants to get all the way there just to turn around again.

And make sure to have your wallet with you as entry to the garden costs a small fee of £5.00 for adults, £4.10 for those over 60 and £2.50 for children.

What are people saying about Chalice Well?

It’s a destination you won’t want to miss, with many tourists taking to Trip Adviser to share how much they loved their own visit.

Isabel said she would ‘highly recommend’ the Chalice Well Gardens if you’re looking for a peaceful day out, adding, ‘Lovely peaceful spot. I’ve been coming to the Chalice Well Gardens for years with my family, especially around the summer solstices.’

‘The well itself was stunning and incredibly spiritual and full of energy. Top tip: pack a small hand towel to dry your feet – we took a tea towel from the kitchen which fitted in my bag nicely,’ Alice G wrote.

Kenneth C said: ‘The Chalice Well and gardens were beautiful and very tranquil.’

Travlin Pixie dubbed it a ‘beautiful garden and magical space’, adding that you have to ‘believe in the magic of this place to really enjoy, otherwise you would walk in and wonder why?’

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