Places to View the Moon in Glastonbury
Glastonbury is known as the Isle of Avalon (“Isle of Apples”), the legendary resting place of King Arthur. Its landscape is steeped in myth, and when the moon rises over the Somerset Levels, the modern world fades, leaving you with the ancient “Isle of Glass.” Here are the top spots to capture that magic:
Glastonbury Tor (St. Michael’s Tower)
The absolute #1 viewpoint and a site of ancient power. Myth holds that the Tor is the gateway to Annwn (the Celtic underworld) and the home of Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairies.
- The View: A steep climb (~158 m) rewards you with a 360° panorama. The moon rises over the Mendip Hills, illuminating the tower that sits on the Michael and Mary ley lines.
- Note: It is often windy and atmospheric; perfect for feeling the “veil is thin” energy that Glastonbury is famous for.
Wearyall Hill
Famous as the site where Joseph of Arimathea supposedly planted his staff, which bloomed into the Holy Thorn.
- The View: This lower hill offers the classic photographer’s profile of the Tor. From here, you can align the moon rising directly behind St. Michael’s Tower, creating a silhouette that looks like a beacon in the night sky.
- Access: Easy walk from the town centre; no steep climbing required.
The Somerset Levels (Ham Wall / Avalon Marshes)
To truly see why this is called the “Isle of Avalon,” head to the marshes.
- The View: In ancient times, the Levels were flooded, leaving the Tor as an island. On misty moonlit nights, the fog reclaims the fields, and the Tor appears to float above a sea of white mist—a ghostly, Arthurian image that is a favourite among landscape photographers.
- Access: A short drive west; car park fees apply (~£3).
Walton Hill (Polden Hills)
A favourite for locals and serious photographers.
- The View: This elevated ridge runs parallel to the Tor. It offers a “compression” shot where a telephoto lens makes the moon look massive as it hangs right next to the Tor. It captures the rolling landscape of the Vale of Avalon beautifully.
Best Times for Moon Photography
- Full Moon: The “classic” Avalon shot. The bright lunar light interacts beautifully with the pale limestone of the Tor tower.
- The “Avalon Mist” Season (Oct–Feb): Cold, clear nights often bring low-lying fog (inversions) over the marshes. Capturing the moon above the mist with the Tor peaking through is the holy grail of Glastonbury photography.
- Beltane (May 1st) or Summer Solstice: While crowds are larger, the energy is electric. You will likely share the moonrise with drummers, fires, and celebrants, adding a human, tribal element to your shots.
Moonrise & Timezone
Glastonbury operates on GMT (UTC+0) in winter and BST (UTC+1) in summer. Use apps like PhotoPills to check the specific alignment; the moon shifts along the horizon, so you need to know exactly where it will pop up relative to the Tower.
Quick Photography Tips
- Telephoto Lens: Essential if shooting from Wearyall or Walton Hill to make the moon look massive relative to the Tor.
- Prepare for Mud: The paths up the Tor and surrounding fields get very slippery/muddy; wear boots.
- Exposure: The Tower is unlit at night (unless there are people with torches), so expose for the moon to keep texture, and let the tower become a silhouette.
- Atmosphere: Don’t pack up if it’s misty; the glow of the moon through the Somerset fog is a signature Glastonbury shot.
Enjoy the moon over Avalon — ancient history and mists under the lunar glow!