The Magic & the Merch: My Spiritual Journey Through Glastonbury

The Good Stuff: Soulful Shops Worth Visiting

When I say this is a spiritual persons haven, I truly mean it. There are so many shops and sacred sites to explore that you feel that you need and open heart and maybe a full wallet to truly explore all the little cozy corners that Glastonbury has to offer. Having driven into town, I was able to spot some “must sees” before walking to the town center. 

Yes, I was that person , I stepped into nearly every shop I passed because I genuinely wanted to take it all in. My husband, daughter, and dog came along for the journey, and to our delight, about 99% of the places were incredibly dog-friendly. Most shops simply asked that children be supervised, which makes perfect sense.

After exploring the historic sites , each pulsing with energy, peace, and a deeply grounding presence ,  it quickly became clear that while Glastonbury holds powerful spiritual significance, much of the town leans heavily into the commercial side of the experience, which can feel a bit at odds with what many seekers come hoping to find. If I’m honest, it feels really weird. 

While there is a lot to see, these are the sites and shops that felt genuine and aligned without making you feel icky afterwards. These were my absolute favorites that I recommend:

• Glastonbury Abbey: This one was probably one of my favorite places, probably because of my upbringing, but being able to sit and explore a space that was a haven for many and a final resting place for others was incredible. 
• Glastonbury Tor: Definitely a hike but dripping with legend, she welcomes you as you drive into town. Wear comfy shoes.
• White Spring: While I wanted to go visit Chalice Wells (I may have to go back), they are not a dog friendly spot, but right across the street is White Spring. It’s completely free and run by volunteers. Two natural springs pour into beautiful fountains where you can bless yourself with what are believed to be blessed waters. Note: I do want to make a quick note that parking to visit the White Spring is basically none existent and you have to walk to the location. Next to the fountains there is a sanctuary where no pictures or any time of technology is allowed and a meditative spirit is highly encouraged. I went in to explore this very large dimly lit space. At the center was a large stone pool that runs with the same waters. It’s energy is alluring.  A word of warning for families, while the sign out front asking for no nudity (something I found interesting upon entering), there were plenty of people walking and dipping themselves fully nude in the waters. This may not be an issue to many but it completely caught me off guard, especially as parents walked in with young children and then quickly ran out again. Just giving you a heads up. 
• Courtyard Books: Holy Geez I could stay here all day! I found some books that I have been looking for for years at such an incredible price, plus other niche books that I’ve never seen else where. The lady at the counter was so kind and knowledgeable and just an overall incredible experience. Even the other customers that were walking in there were just the vibe. I wish I could remember the lady at the counters name but she brought down a Santa Muerte book I was curious about and let me explore it while humbly letting me know that the price of the book was 550 Pounds (that $732.13 for us Americans). I every so gently handed the book back and stepped away. She did however recommend another book on the same topic at a much more affordable price which I ended up purchasing. Prices on books ranges from $5 to, you know, $732.13!

  

• Star Child Apothecary: If herbs or incenses are not generally a part of your practice, I still encourage you to visit. It’s a feast for your olfactory system and just the way this shop is laid out, it’s any witches dream. The pricing seems fair for the area with some slightly higher markup compared to other smaller businesses you may find, say on Etsy or locally, but the way the shop is designed, down to the knowledgeable clerks, I say it’s absolutely worth it. 
• Charity Shops: There are a few charity shops in the main street of Glastonbury and I say they are worth the visit. Not only are they helping a good cause, I was surprised to see stones and even tarot cards for sale and of course, at a cheaper price than the shops. 
• Portals: This is an honorable mention simply because they items that this store had was unlike the anything else you found in Glastonbury. Portals focuses primarily sacred geometry, sacred symbols  and crystals and the pieces that I found there were beyond anything I’ve ever seen. If this is something you are exploring and are interested in their pieces, you can find them online. One piece I found that I was really into was about $500.00, but it looks so worth it.
• Psychics, Healers, Mediums: While I personally didn’t visit, there are more than plenty to go around. I would recommend doing some light research first and find one that fits your vibe, then make an appt. There were several who had clients and were not taking walk-ins. Do your homework.