St Thomas à Becket's Church

The church sits on the outskirts of Glastonbury, a solid medieval structure that most visitors hurry past on their way to the Tor or the Abbey. That's a shame, because St Thomas à Becket's has genuine presence - the kind of place that makes you pause.

It's a working parish church, which means you'll find real atmosphere rather than museum sterility. The interior is properly ancient, with enough stone arches and worn flagstones to tell you centuries of people have walked here. The dedication to Becket - that martyr archbishop who fell out so spectacularly with Henry II - gives it a bit of edge. You're not just looking at a church; you're standing in a building named for one of medieval England's most dramatic figures.

If you're into church architecture or history, this is worth a slow hour. Kids will get restless unless they're the type interested in graves and old stonework. The churchyard itself is pleasant for a wander, though it's not a major attraction in the Glastonbury tourist trail.

It's free to visit, naturally - it's a church. Opening hours vary as they do with parish churches, so check locally once you're in Glastonbury. If you're staying at Hadspen Glamping, just five miles away, this fits neatly into a morning circuit before heading to the bigger draws. Don't arrive expecting crowds or facilities. Just arrive expecting quiet, proper history.