Galstonbury

A unique guesthouse for women in Glastonbury

Whether you're visiting Glastonbury to pursue the guidance of your heart, the call of your spirit or historical research, you will find welcome, peace and sanctuary at our guesthouse. After all, this house was once a chapel of the great Abbey where monks welcomed pilgrims. Built around 1480 and probably the oldest private house in Glastonbury, it is known as the Slipper Chapel, because it is thought that pilgrims left their shoes here and walked the last stage of their journey barefoot.

While there is no need for such spectacular devotion these days, the house has kept an aura of calm, beauty and comfort. A medieval chapel is not large, so an extension was added in Edwardian times, overlooking the garden.

Its age is not the only unusual thing, it is also a house run by women for women – men are welcome visitors, but the accommodation is for women only. Since some women come here looking for a break from their own family responsibilities, we have decided not to accept children.

Inside and outside, the atmosphere is conducive to relaxation - there is no television, and the garden is large and on several levels with a Mediterranean patio complete with fish pool and fountain. Further up a terraced mixed flower and vegetable garden has sitting spots here and there including a swing hidden in the foliage. Further up still, a mature fruit and nut orchard and new organic veggie plot give great views over the beautiful Vale of Avalon. 

The house is non-smoking inside.

We offer 1 room in the old chapel space which can be used as single, twin or double: The Retreat is a comfortable double/twin room, part of the medieval chapel with exposed medieval beams complete with original 15th century carpenters' marks.

The house is centrally heated and there is a constant supply of hot water in the shared bathroom and upstairs washroom. All rooms are non smoking. You are also welcome to use our broadband connection to pick up your email.

For shorter stays - up to 14 nights - we offer a simple continental style vegetarian breakfast which consists of fruit juice, fruit, yogurt, choice of several cereals, toast, cheese, jams, honey, savoury spreads and any hot drinks you fancy (within reason!). It is as organic, fairly traded and/or locally produced as possible. Good for you and good for the planet. For longer stays, please contact us and we can negotiate the best formula for you. We are happy to share our fully equipped kitchen for you to prepare lunch or supper, and have a separate fridge to keep your supplies of food.