Somerset Rural Life Museum
Glastonbury, Somerset and Bristol
About Somerset Rural Life Museum
Visit Abbey Farm
Situated just below Glastonbury Tor the Museum is a unique heritage attraction on the site of the former Abbey Farm. Here you can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage. The farmhouse and former farm buildings are home to a series of galleries and a changing exhibition space. Outside spaces, including in the farmyard and orchard, offer interpretation and family trails. The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn is one of the West Country’s finest buildings and the centrepiece of the site.
With the Museum Unlimited annual pass visitors pay once and visit for a whole year free of charge.
Family Activities
During school holidays there are themed family activities and trails. There are also monthly Toddler Explorer sessions during term time. When open, the orchard provides a great place for kids to explore and from mid-May to october there are sheep in the orchard.
Café and shop
The Grain Store Cafe serves delicious locally-sourced food and drink. You are welcome to visit the cafe even if you aren’t visiting the Museum. A small shop offers a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. There are toilets and baby-changing facilities.
Museum Unlimited
With the Museum Unlimited annual pass visitors pay once and visit for a whole year free of charge. Adult £9.35 / Concessions £7.65 / Child (aged 5 – 17) £4.40 / Under 5s FREE
Family tickets also available.
For more information
Visit our website SRLM.org.uk
Free parking onsite and walking distance from Glastonbury Tor.
Abbey Barn
The Abbey Barn is one of the West Country’s finest buildings. It was completed in the 1340s to store produce from the Glastonbury Abbey estates.
The barn’s excellent stonework, fine carvings and magnificent roof reflect the abbey’s great wealth during the middle ages.
Farmyard and Family Activities
In the farmyard there is a striking life-sized sculpture of a horse, made from reclaimed metal, by artist Harriet Mead. The horse is called Punch after one of the real-life working horses at Abbey Farm. Make sure you get your selfie with Punch, with Glastonbury Tor in the background!
During school holidays there are trails around the museum and themed family activities in the museum's learning space overlooking the Abbey Barn and courtyard.
Café & Orchard
Onsite cafe
The Grain Store Cafe serves delicious locally-sourced food and drink. There is an indoor seated area as well as a large courtyard. You are welcome to visit the cafe even if you aren’t visiting the Museum.
Orchard
Somerset is famous for its apple orchards and its cider. The orchard at Abbey Farm grows apples of local origin and helps to preserve some of the old and rare varieties.
In the orchard you’ll see the shepherd’s hut and from mid May to October the Museum’s Exmoor Horn Sheep. The orchard may be closed at certain times due to maintenance. Please check before travelling.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Spring/Summer Opening Times:
Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Easter - 31 October)
Autumn/Winter Opening Times:
Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (31 October - Easter)
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £4.40
- Adult (18+-18+) : £9.35
- Babies and Toddlers (0-5) : Free
Concessions £7.65
Family (2 adults and up to four children aged 5 – 17) £22.00
Family (1 adult and up to four children aged 5 – 17) £13.25
A Museum Unlimited Pass or entry ticket is valid for 12 months, so you can return as many times as you like for free.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Somerset Rural Life Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Chilkwell Street
Glastonbury
Somerset and Bristol
BA6 8DB
England
The entrance to the Museum is on Bere Lane, near to the roundabout adjoining Chilkwell Street. The postal address is Abbey Farm, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, BA6 8DB. Parking for up to 40 cars is available on site. The Museum is located 10 minutes walk from the centre of Glastonbury and Glastonbury Abbey, 5 minutes walk from Chalice Well and 10 minutes walk from the base of Glastonbury Tor.
Tel: 01458831197
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Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 13:05 09/06/2025
Somerset Rural Life Museum Reviews
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