Glastonbury White Spring and Red Spring, Glastonbury, Somerset, United Kingdom

## Overview The Glastonbury White Spring and Red Spring (also known as Chalice Well) are two of England's most celebrated natural water sources, located at the foot of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. These ancient springs have flowed continuously for over two thousand years and hold deep archaeological, spiritual, and cultural significance. The site has long been a place of pilgrimage, meditation, and healing — drawing visitors from around the world who come to experience the waters and the powerful sense of history that permeates this sacred landscape. The two springs emerge just metres apart yet carry strikingly different mineral signatures. The **Red Spring** (Chalice Well) is rich in iron, which gives the water a distinctive reddish hue and leaves rust-coloured deposits along its channels. The **White Spring** is high in calcium, producing pale, chalky mineral traces. Together, the springs have a combined flow rate of approximately 25,000 imperial gallons (around 113,600 litres) per day — a flow that has reportedly never failed, even during severe drought. The springs have been associated with legends of the Holy Grail, Arthurian mythology, and pre-Christian goddess worship. The Chalice Well gardens, which surround the Red Spring, are maintained as a contemplative retreat, while the White Spring is housed in a Victorian-era wellhouse on Wellhouse Lane. Both sites are cherished by spiritual seekers, historians, and lovers of the natural world alike. Visitors have historically used the water from both springs for drinking and bathing, and many report that the water tastes clean and refreshing. However, as with any natural water source, water quality can vary and independent testing is always advisable before consumption. ## Directions The springs are located on Wellhouse Lane, Glastonbury BA6 8BL, United Kingdom — approximately 0.8 miles south of Glastonbury Abbey. **From Glastonbury Abbey:** 1. Head south on Magdalene Street toward Heritage Court for approximately 0.2 miles. 2. At the roundabout, continue straight onto Fisher's Hill (A361) for about 0.1 miles. 3. Turn left onto Bere Lane and follow it for roughly 0.3 miles. 4. At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Chilkwell Street and continue for 0.2 miles. 5. Turn left onto Wellhouse Lane and drive approximately 250 feet (75 metres). 6. The springs will be on your right — the Red Spring pipe is on the left side of the building, and the White Spring flows from a pipe in the wall of the White Spring wellhouse on the right. **GPS Coordinates:** 51.14433, -2.70559 ## What to Expect On arrival, you'll find two distinct water sources side by side. The **Red Spring** flows from a pipe on the left side of the building, while the **White Spring** emerges from a pipe set into the wall of the White Spring wellhouse on the right. Many visitors bring bottles or containers to collect water from both springs. The **White Spring wellhouse** is an atmospheric, dimly lit sanctuary. It is advisable to pause and let your eyes adjust to the low light before exploring inside. The interior is often adorned with candles and offerings left by visitors, creating a contemplative atmosphere well-suited to meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection. Immersion in the spring water is also possible within the wellhouse. The **Chalice Well Gardens**, which surround the Red Spring, are beautifully maintained and offer peaceful paths, seating areas, and the famous Vesica Piscis well cover designed by Frederick Bligh Bond. There is no fee for collecting water from the wellhouse, but an entrance fee may be charged to enter the Chalice Well Gardens. Both sites are run largely by volunteers and supported by donations. Opening hours are generally **10:00 am to 5:30 pm in summer** and **10:00 am to 4:00 pm in winter**, though times may vary — it's worth checking ahead of your visit, especially on holidays or during special events. The springs are an easy walk from the centre of Glastonbury and can be combined with a visit to Glastonbury Abbey, a climb up Glastonbury Tor, or exploration of the town's many independent shops and cafés. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk up to the Tor afterwards, and bring containers if you'd like to take some spring water home with you.