Finding Sanctuary at Glastonbury’s Chalice Well

I’ve always felt a gap in my story. As an adoptee, heritage isn’t something I can easily trace, and I’ve spent much of my life searching for a history that feels like mine. That search led me to Glastonbury’s Chalice Well and the wild coasts of Cornwall — places shaped by Celtic stories, folklore, and sacred springs where people have gone looking for meaning for centuries.

When I entered the Chalice Well gardens, it didn’t feel like just another stop along the way. The air felt softer, the greenery alive with color, and the sound of running water quieted everything around me. People spoke in hushed voices, as if the garden itself asked for reverence. Out of all the places I visited in Glastonbury — even the famous Tor — none felt more sacred than this one. This was what it feels like to step into a true sanctuary.

The Spirit of Chalice Well, Glastonbury

The Chalice Well in Glastonbury is one of the oldest continuously flowing wells in Britain. Archaeological evidence suggests it has been considered sacred since Mesolithic times, with its written history appearing as early as the 13th century (Glastonbury Conservation). The water, rich with iron, flows reddish-brown, which has fueled centuries of legend and spiritual meaning.

Over time, myths and traditions have grown around it. Some believe the well is tied to Arthurian legend and the Holy Grail, hidden beneath its waters. Others view it as a gateway between worlds — a place where the veil thins. Different traditions have found their own meaning here: many pagans see the Well as the life force of the earth, while Christians have linked its red waters to the sacrifice of Christ.

In the modern era, the site was safeguarded through the creation of the Chalice Well Trust in 1959. Founded by Wellesley Tudor Pole, the Trust ensures the gardens remain a living sanctuary open to all, regardless of faith or tradition.

My Experience in the Chalice Well Gardens

The Chalice Well envelopes you with spirit and calm from the moment you step inside. Pathways wind through lush greenery, the Red Spring sings beneath iron-rich stone, and the air carries the gentle mix of birdsong and wind chimes. Visitors moved softly, settling into quiet corners or meditation, as if the garden itself asked for reverence.

I began at the shallow pool of the Red Spring, stepping barefoot into the cool water that slid over stone. It was bracing and grounding, a reminder of how alive the earth feels when you let it touch you directly. From there, I followed the stream as it trickled down through the gardens, a constant song of movement.

Near the well head itself, I paused. The round cover marked with its Vesica Piscis design seemed to hum with a quiet energy. Sitting nearby, I felt the pull of centuries — so many people before me must have come to this same spot, carrying their own questions, hopes, and burdens.

I wandered further through the gardens, letting the pathways guide me. Eventually, I found a shaded seat, where I sat for a while just listening to the layered sounds of wind in the trees, water moving, and birds trilling. Finally, I slipped off my shoes again and sank my feet into the soft grass. With my eyes closed, I let myself settle into meditation, breathing slowly, feeling connected not only to the space around me but to something deeper, steadier, and older than myself.

Why The Chalice Well in Glastonbury Feels Like a Small Sanctuary

What I carried away from the Chalice Well is what I try to share through Small Sanctuaries: the truth that you don’t need a grand retreat or spend thousands to find peace. Sanctuary can be small, intentional, and profoundly personal. A bench beneath a tree, the sound of water, or the simple ritual of walking barefoot on grass can restore you in powerful ways. The Chalice Well in Glastonbury is proof that the simplest spaces often hold the deepest sense of magic.

Sanctuary doesn’t always shout for our attention. Sometimes it flows quietly, waiting for us to notice.

If you’d like to read more of my reflections and travels, you can find me at Small Sanctuaries.