The best walks and hikes around Street

Rising dramatically out of the Somerset levels, Glastonbury Tor is one of England’s most mystical and iconic landmarks. It is a place where breathtaking natural beauty completely intertwines with centuries of rich folklore, ancient legends, and spiritual history. The Stroll Up: The walk to the summit takes you up a terraced grassy hill. While the climb is a little steep, it rewards every step with sweeping, panoramic views across the rolling countryside, the Mendip Hills, and on clear days, all the way to Wales. The St. Michael’s Tower: At the very top stands the roofless 14th-century St. Michael’s Tower. It is all that remains of a medieval church that once crowned the hill, adding a wonderfully atmospheric, historic touch to the skyline. Myth and Mystery: Steeped in Arthurian legend—often linked with the Isle of Avalon—and ancient pagan lore, the Tor has an undeniable sense of magic. It is a fantastic spot to catch a sunrise, feel the breeze, and just soak in a timeless, peaceful slice of English heritage.

Rising dramatically out of the Somerset levels, Glastonbury Tor is one of England’s most mystical and iconic landmarks. It is a place where breathtaking natural beauty completely intertwines with centuries of rich folklore, ancient legends, and spiritual history. The Stroll Up: The walk to the summit takes you up a terraced grassy hill. While the climb is a little steep, it rewards every step with sweeping, panoramic views across the rolling countryside, the Mendip Hills, and on clear days, all the way to Wales. The St. Michael’s Tower: At the very top stands the roofless 14th-century St. Michael’s Tower. It is all that remains of a medieval church that once crowned the hill, adding a wonderfully atmospheric, historic touch to the skyline. Myth and Mystery: Steeped in Arthurian legend—often linked with the Isle of Avalon—and ancient pagan lore, the Tor has an undeniable sense of magic. It is a fantastic spot to catch a sunrise, feel the breeze, and just soak in a timeless, peaceful slice of English heritage.

While direct physical remains of the original historic turnpike tollgate houses in Shepton Mallet are scarce today, the town's rich historical infrastructure is famously anchored by landmarks like Shepton Mallet Prison. During the 18th and 19th centuries, turnpike trusts transformed travel across Somerset by constructing and maintaining better roads funded by tolls collected at strategic gates. These tollhouses were essential checkpoints regulating commercial wagons, stagecoaches, and travelers moving through the Mendip Hills region. Turnpike roads played a vital role in connecting Shepton Mallet to neighboring market towns like Wells and Glastonbury, supporting the local wool, brewing, and agricultural trades. Although the toll system eventually dissolved with the advent of railways and local government reforms in the late 19th century, the legacy of these transport routes shaped the modern layout of Somerset’s roads. Today, history enthusiasts exploring the area can still uncover fascinating remnants of the town's industrial and penal past, offering a tangible window into how people once journeyed across the English countryside.

Beautiful views, it's worth taking the time to go up there.

Photography is forbidden inside

This group of buildings dates back to around the 11th Century, when Glastonbury was a major pilgrimage destination. It was at first a Hospital for up to 13 sick men with a Chapel (all paid for by Queen Margaret of Scotland). Two rows of Men’s Almshouses replaced the Hospital in the 16th Century, but one row was demolished in the 1960s – its foundations are under the garden. The Mary and Margaret Charity completed a large refurbishment and repair programme in 2012, including a new stone courtyard wall and disabled access WC, and a new West garden. https://www.stmargaretschapel.org.uk/the-history/

Good walk. Plenty of sheep so dogs may need leads if prone to being excited by sheep.

Glastonbury Tor has long since been iconic as a scenic viewpoint. The Tor is a grand tower with outstanding views out over the surrounding countryside. Nowhere is this more prevalent than half way up the Tor, where the steps lead you like a concrete snake up to the Tor. The Tor is ahead of you and Glastonbury is behind you, simply an outstanding viewpoint.