With over 200,000 attendees expected across five days, Glastonbury Festival can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-timers. The sheer scale of the event means that at times, the mass of revellers can feel intense. Thankfully, the organisers have thoughtfully created a variety of peaceful retreats to help visitors find moments of calm amid the excitement.
If you need a break from the main stages and crowded zones, here are some hidden gems around the festival site where you can unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy unique art and atmospheres:
1. The Dragon’s Tail
Nestled between Shangri-La and the Unfairground, The Dragon’s Tail offers a sheltered spot with ample seating. By day, admire the stunning giant dragon sculpture that gives the area its name. As night falls, relax at the Wyvern’s Watch bar where chilled Carnival vibes play through authentic Notting Hill Carnival Sound Systems, creating a serene refuge from the festival buzz.
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2. Hilltop Views at Tipi Field and Beyond
Take a peaceful detour to the Tipi Field, where you can join communal singalongs around Strummerville’s campfire — a cozy area dedicated to the memory of Joe Strummer. Nearby, the CasBar ensures you won’t run short of refreshments or friendly company. For breathtaking panoramic views, climb beyond the Ribbon Tower to the southern edge of the site near the iconic Glastonbury sign. Watch the sunset, moon rise, or simply observe the festival unfolding below in quiet contemplation.
3. Green Fields Retreats
Once the main stages come alive, the Green Fields offer a calmer, market-style environment with a relaxed vibe. Visit the Permaculture Garden to explore sustainable living and enjoy organic treats. Wander through Green Futures for engaging eco-themed talks before heading to the Healing Fields and Peace Garden, some of the festival’s most tranquil spots. Nearby, at King’s Meadow, skip the Stone Circle and instead find the majestic dragon resting by a cool spring.
4. The Wood – A Canopied Sanctuary
Located on the site’s north side, The Wood is a lush, shaded haven featuring the ambient Tree Stage. Climb aboard a ship-shaped platform nestled high in an ash tree — a charming homage to Michael Eavis’s seafaring past — and stroll along canopy bridges with views of Glastonbury Tor in the distance. As night descends, enchanting illuminations transform the foliage, enhancing the magical atmosphere.
5. South East Corner and Silver Hayes by Day
While these areas burst with energy at night — including Block9, Unfairground, The Common, Shangri-La, and the neon-lit Silver Hayes stages — daytime brings a more laid-back mood. Explore these creatively designed spaces at your own pace to fully appreciate their artistic details and the messages behind their campaign-led themes.
6. Theatre, Circus & Walkabouts
Don’t miss the captivating street performances by Glastonbury’s famed Walkabouts, founded by Arabella Churchill. These mesmerizing acts wander the fields, offering unexpected, delightful encounters that add a touch of wonder to quieter moments.
7. Festival Welfare Support
If the crowds become too intense or you just need to talk, welfare services are readily available. Worthy Welfare is located near the Big Ground medical centre, while Green Welfare in the Green Fields and Worthy Rest hubs at the Park and Silver Hayes provide counselling support from Safer Spaces Now and iThink teams to ensure your wellbeing throughout the festival.
These peaceful pockets provide perfect escapes to recharge, reflect, and reconnect during Glastonbury Festival 2025 — making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.