Living in Glastonbury, Pilton and Beyond: A magical area to call home
If you are considering a move to Somerset, you may want to learn more about what living in Glastonbury, Pilton, or one of the neighbouring villages has to offer.
Set within the tranquil Somerset countryside of Southwest England, Glastonbury and its neighbouring villages offer an exceptional place to call home, where history, legend, agriculture, and cultural expression are beautifully interwoven.
The beautiful landscape is dotted with idyllic villages, each with its own distinct character and appeal.
From the quaint villages of Baltonsborough and Butleigh to the peaceful lanes of West Pennard, East Pennard, and Croscombe, these locations offer magical rural living, all within easy reach of Glastonbury.
Living in Glastonbury or one of the pretty villages in the area provides a lifestyle that feels truly special with a rare blend of ancient heritage, spiritual richness, and unfiltered creative freedom.
Much of the area’s global profile is thanks to the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival, held each summer on the edge of the highly regarded village of Pilton.
For many residents, the Festival is a source of great pride, a celebration of music, art, and collective spirit that transforms the landscape for one extraordinary week each year.
It’s a time when creativity, community, and the timeless magic of the surroundings come together in perfect harmony.
Residents in the area include creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, generational farmers, and families, all drawn by the area’s rhythm, authenticity, and sense of connection.
Whether you’re seeking peace, purpose, or inspiration, this part of Somerset offers a lifestyle that is both grounded and deeply enriching. Let’s find out more about the lifestyle that living in Glastonbury and the surrounding area provides.
Property types in Glastonbury, Pilton, and the surrounding villages?
This area’s property market is as distinctive as the town itself. In the pretty, colourful town centre of Glastonbury, you’ll typically find a wealth of historic architecture, including idyllic stone cottages, beautiful period homes and townhouses, and converted chapels.
The small, beautiful village of Pilton offers a highly desirable blend of architectural heritage and rural tranquillity.
Properties here range from chocolate-box cottages and beautifully preserved Grade II-listed stone houses to elegant barn conversions and grand country residences on large plots.
On its outskirts, large period farmhouses and discreet estates offer space, privacy, and prestige, while sensitively restored dwellings in the heart of the village provide timeless appeal.
While many of the homes in Pilton enjoy proximity to the Glastonbury Festival site, the village still maintains a calm, year-round charm that appeals to homebuyers seeking both cultural connection and a slower pace of life.
In the surrounding hills and hamlets, rural lanes give way to secluded smallholdings, bespoke homes, and stunning converted agricultural buildings.
For families considering living in Glastonbury or nearby, several modern developments combine contemporary design with access to local schools and amenities.
Schools in Glastonbury, Pilton, and the surrounding areas
There are excellent education options in and around the Glastonbury area, with several well-regarded state and independent schools that balance academic standards with personal development and creative learning.
For those seeking further education, University Centre Somerset (UCS) can be found in nearby Street. Or around 1 – 2 hours away are the Universities of both Bath and Plymouth.
Primary schools in and around Glastonbury
- St Benedict’s Junior School;
- West Pennard C of E Primary School;
- Meare Village Primary School;
Secondary schools in and around Glastonbury
- St Dunstan’s School: A well-regarded co-educational school for students aged 11-16;
- Crispin School, Street: A mixed secondary school for pupils aged 11-16;
- Whitstone School, Shepton Mallet: A small, co-educational school, with a focus on Technology, for students aged 11-16;
Independent schools near Glastonbury
- Millfield Prep School, Street: A mixed boarding and day prep school for students aged 7-13;
- Millfield Senior School: One of the UK’s largest co-ed boarding and day school for pupils aged 13-18; renowned for outstanding sports facilities and specialist coaches;
- Wells Cathedral School: An independent, co-educational boarding and day school for 2–18-year-olds set in the city of Wells, providing an all-round education alongside specialist music and chorister training.
Green spaces
Living in Glastonbury, Pilton, and the other surrounding villages provides a true connection to nature in this unique part of Somerset.
With sweeping landscapes, community parks, and beautiful green spaces, you can enjoy a true sense of calm, perspective, and belonging.
Glastonbury Tor
The Tor is the spiritual and geographic heart of the town. Dominating the skyline, the Tor is the subject of legends due to its status as a magnet for both Pagans and Christians.
A walk to the summit, where you can find the solitary tower of St Michael’s Church, offers moments of reflection paired with panoramic views overlooking the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury, and Somerset.
The Avalon Marshes
The Avalon Marshes are a network of wetland nature reserves offering a rare and captivating landscape.
With regular sightings of kingfishers, bitterns, and elegant egrets at key reserves such as Ham Wall, Shapwick Heath, and Westhay Moor, this nature-rich area is a haven for wildlife lovers.
Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey, set within 36 acres of serene parkland, captivates visitors from around the world, not only for its majestic ruins and extraordinary history, but for its enduring spiritual presence.
Few abbeys in England are as steeped in legend as Glastonbury Abbey. Revered since the medieval period, it is traditionally considered the earliest Christian foundation in Britain.
Rich in myth and symbolism, it is famously linked to Joseph of Arimathea and widely believed to be the final resting place of King Arthur.
Glastonbury and Pilton transport links
This part of Somerset enjoys a peaceful, semi-rural setting, but remains well connected. Castle Cary railway station offers direct trains to London Paddington in under two hours.
Major road links, including the A39 and A361, connect the area to Wells, Bath, and the M5 motorway. Regular bus services link Glastonbury with nearby towns such as Street and Bridgwater.
For air travel, Bristol Airport is less than an hour away, offering domestic and international travel.
Places to eat and drink in and around Glastonbury and Pilton
Somerset’s vibrant food scene thrives around Glastonbury. From award-winning supper clubs and seasonal vineyards to innovative farm-to-table feasts and gastropubs led by celebrated chefs, here are some standout spots to savour.
Queen of Cups, Glastonbury
Led by MasterChef semi-finalist Ayesha Kalaji, Queen of Cups is a much-celebrated gastropub offering vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with a seasonal and sustainable focus.
Root, Wells
Following the acclaim of its original Bristol site, Root has brought its award-winning concept of seasonal, veg-forward small plates to Wells.
Set in a beautifully restored building, this second outpost continues to champion local produce and a relaxed but cultured approach to modern dining.
The Farm Caff at Higher Farm, Castle Cary
For a truly immersive rural dining experience, the Farm Caff offers farm-to-table feasts in a stunning countryside setting.
Guests can enjoy summer long-table suppers, a wild swimming lake, and even a lakeside sauna, ideal for slow living and unforgettable food moments under the Somerset sky.
Horrell & Horrell, Sparkford
Approximately 15 miles from Pilton, this rising culinary gem, hosted on a family farm by a dynamic young couple, has garnered national attention for its intimate, atmospheric supper clubs.
Pennard Hill Farm, Shepton Mallet
Pennard Hill Farm is a luxurious rural retreat near Glastonbury, known for its stylish cottages, holistic treatments, and spectacular views.
It hosts high-end glamping during the festival, as well as seasonal supper clubs and weddings. It is a true testament to Somerset’s flourishing food and drink scene and creative countryside culture.
Wraxall Vineyard, Shepton Mallet
The wonderful Wraxall Vineyard pairs award-winning English wines with a locally sourced, delicious, seasonal menu. Wraxall’s regular supper clubs offer a unique dining experience set against the rolling backdrop of the Somerset hills.
Why consider living in Glastonbury, Pilton, and the surrounding villages?
Living in and around Glastonbury offers an experience quite unlike anywhere else in the UK. It combines rural tranquillity and natural beauty with excellent amenities.
Whether you’re looking to raise a family, pursue a more mindful way of life, or invest in a vibrant, values-led community, Glastonbury and its surrounds hold enduring appeal.
If you’re considering living in Glastonbury, Pilton, or the wider Somerset area, we would be delighted to assist you.
With extensive experience in the local property market, a discreet service and privileged access to off-market opportunities, Garrington Property Finders can help you secure your ideal home with confidence. Contact us today to begin your search.
