Glastonbury sits on the other side of Salisbury Plain from Stonehenge, in the flat Somerset Levels, and it carries a very different kind of story. The ruined abbey, the tor rising from the landscape and the town's long association with Arthurian legend and spiritual seekers make it one of the most atmospheric places in the south-west. This private tour joins it to Stonehenge in a single day, with a driver-guide taking you between the two in a vehicle just for your group. The combination appeals to travellers who like the mystery as much as the facts, and who would rather linger over a view than keep to a coach timetable. A private format lets you decide how to spend the day. You might arrive at the stones early for fewer people, then drive west through the Wiltshire and Somerset countryside to the abbey, where the ruins and gardens invite a slow walk. Climbing the tor is optional and rewarding on a clear day, but the path is steep, so a guide can help you judge whether it suits your group. Because the day involves a fair amount of driving, a comfortable vehicle and a knowledgeable guide make a real difference, and conversation on the road can cover everything from Neolithic ritual to medieval pilgrimage.
Planning the day
This is a long route, so expect an early start and a late return. Confirm your pickup point, the timing of your Stonehenge visit and whether entry to the abbey is included in the price. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb the tor, and bring a rain jacket, because the exposed summit can be windy and wet. Check the opening times of the abbey, which can vary by season, and ask the guide to suggest where to stop for lunch in Glastonbury, which has many independent cafes and shops.
Who it suits
Couples, friends and small families with a taste for folklore, archaeology and landscape, and travellers who want a personalised day without the constraints of a group. It is a good choice for repeat visitors who have already seen the stones in the standard way. If you prefer to keep costs down, there are shared tours that cover Stonehenge and Bath or Avebury, and Glastonbury can be visited separately as a day trip from Bath or Bristol.
Making the most of it
Tell your guide in advance what you hope to see, whether the stones in good light, the abbey ruins or the views from the tor, so the schedule can be built around your priorities. Allow time for a relaxed lunch, and keep some margin for traffic on the return leg, especially on summer weekends. If you are staying in Salisbury, ask about pickup times that give you the best start, and remember that the plain is often cooler and breezier than the valleys, so bring layers.
This is a private tour, so ask the operator any questions before booking. Pack a small flask for the tor, a hat and gloves for cooler months, and a camera for the sunset light if your return is late. If anyone in the party finds steep paths difficult, agree a plan with the guide for viewing the tor from below while others climb.
What to expect
The experience
A private day tour by vehicle with a local driver-guide, visiting Stonehenge, Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor.
Best time
Clear days from spring to autumn for the views from the tor, though the tour can run in winter.
How long
A full day, usually nine to eleven hours including driving.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes for the tor, confirm what is included and ask the guide to tailor the stops.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who love legend, archaeology and big views and want a tailored day.
- Families
- Flexible timing helps, but the tor climb is steep for small children.
- Couples
- A private, atmospheric day linking ancient stones with Arthurian legend.
- Pair with
- A day in Salisbury for the cathedral and Old Sarum.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Is this a private tour?+
Yes, it is for your own group, so the pace and stops can be adapted.
Do we climb Glastonbury Tor?+
It is optional and the path is steep, so discuss it with your guide.
Is Stonehenge entry included?+
Check the inclusions when you book, and ask if entry tickets are not stated.
How long is the drive?+
The day involves several hours in the vehicle, so expect a long day.
Can the tour start in Salisbury?+
Private tours often arrange a pickup in Salisbury, so confirm the details when you book.
