The revitalized Glastonbury Abbey Yard is poised to welcome the public this week. The completed attraction boasts a rejuvenated visitor entrance, café, and gift shop and will be unveiled on Thursday, April 10.
From 10 am, visitors can explore the newly transformed Glastonbury Abbey Yard, which includes the Yard Café, gift shop, and admissions, all centered around an inviting open-air meeting space.
The 16th-century St. Patrick’s Chapel will also be accessible to all visitors free of charge. A private launch event on the afternoon of April 10 will mark the official opening of the Glastonbury Abbey Yard, featuring speeches from representatives of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Glastonbury Abbey.
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Lynne Sedgmore, speaking on behalf of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, commented, “The Abbey Yard is a beautiful new space in the center of town. Do come and experience it for yourself. I thank everyone involved in creating such a successful outcome and look forward to the opening day. This is the second Town Deal project to complete on time.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, expressed excitement about celebrating the completion of the newly-named Glastonbury Abbey Yard. He mentioned that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the space has been transformed for the local community and serves as a gateway for people to immerse themselves in the heritage of Glastonbury Abbey.
Janet Bell MBE, the Glastonbury Abbey’s Director and project lead, eagerly anticipates unveiling the Glastonbury Abbey Yard. She hopes that the space will foster a stronger connection between the abbey and the people of Glastonbury, as well as visitors from around the world.
The Glastonbury Abbey Yard, located in the medieval Inner Court (or Broad Court) where pilgrims once received charity and hospitality, has undergone various uses before being restored to its original purpose in 1909. In October 2023, the Town Deal project began its transformation, revitalizing the abbey’s entrance and creating a visitor experience befitting the abbey’s international significance as an archaeological, spiritual, and cultural site.
The Glastonbury Abbey’s opening hours will be adjusted as it prepares for the official opening of the Yard. It will close to visitors from 3:15 pm on Tuesday, April 8, and remain closed on Wednesday, April 9, reopening at 10 am on Thursday, April 10, before closing at 3 pm for the official opening ceremony.
Part of the Glastonbury Town Deal, the Glastonbury Abbey Yard project is funded by the UK Government and has been made possible through additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Headley Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and Benefact Trust.