Just because its summer it doesn’t mean you don’t have to stop learning and with so many incredible historical locations in the UK, there are plenty of opportunities to visit somewhere to pique the kids and your interest. To make it all a little more exciting though, why not spend some time learning about the myths and legends of the UK by visiting these key places in the story of King Arthur?
We’re starting with the big one…
Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury, Somerset
While you might know Glastonbury for the festival (which, fun fact, is actually in the neighbouring village of Pilton) it is actually a site of great importance to those interested in spirituality. The whole town is set on ancient leylines and everywhere you go has a sort of fairy tale atmosphere to it. The town of Glastonbury is rumoured to be the final resting place of King Arthur, the site of Glastonbury Tor is said to be the Isle of Avalon. While in town you can not only climb the Tor (which has some incredible views), but also visit Glastonbury Abbey and the Chalice Wall Gardens. There is also a very important tree that can be found in Glastonbury so look out for that too.
Cadbury Castle, Somerset
We’re sticking with Somerset for the moment because Cadbury Castle was actually the stronghold of a king called Arthur whether this is the same Arthur as the one in the legend is another story entirely, but many think that this particular castle could actually be Camelot. You can find the castle near Yeovil where there are also the monuments of King Arthur’s Well.
Amesbury Abbey, Wiltshire
Just over the border in Wiltshire is the town of Amesbury which is said to be the oldest occupied settlement in Britain and according to the legends, this is where Guinevere retired after Arthur’s death. Don’t get caught out on your visit though, the abbey where Guinevere became a nun is now known as the Church of St Mary and St Melor, whereas Amesbury Abbey is the name of a nearby stately home. Amesbury is also where you can find that famous stone circle, Stonehenge.
Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
Head back through Somerset towards the south coast to Cornwall for the next stop of this journey, the remains of Tintagel Castle are quite a sight to behold. As well as offering some amazing views across the ocean, it is also so called the birth place of King Arthur. Whether you believe the legends or not, the castle does look like it came straight out of the page of a book, so is well worth the visit. The coast of Tintagel also has an Arthurian statue guarding the cliffs not far from the castle site, so while you’re there see if you can spot it.
Dozmary Pool, Cornwall
For the real Arthurian experience, you need to go to Dozmary Pool, where the story of the Lady in the Lake is said to come from. In the legend, a supernatural entity resembling a black haired woman rose out of the lake to give Arthur his sword, Excalibur. The sword was then said to have been returned to the lake after his death and who knows, maybe it still resides at the bottom while the Lady waits for the next person who is worthy to wield it. Either way, the lake which can be found in the middle of Bodmin Moor is part of an AONB and a site of Special Scientific Interest due to the number of historical relics that have been found washed up on the shore.
The Round Table, Winchester
We’re going on a bit of a detour now across to Winchester where the iconic Round Table can be found. In the story the Round Table was gifted to Arthur and Guinevere after they got married and is where Arthur and his 150 knights planned their various adventures. It is also important in religious iconography as the story of the Holy Grail also centres around the table. The Round Table that can be seen in Winchester’s Great Hall is significantly smaller than the one from the legends, it was commissioned by King Edward 1st and then updated by King Henry 8th and has the names of Arthur and 24 of his knights written around the outside. It’s one of Winchester’s most popular tourist attractions, so if you are looking for something interesting to do this summer, you’ll find it well signposted.
Dinas Emrys, Gwynedd, Wales
Ok, we’re heading back across the country and then over the bridge into Wales for our last stop on a little Arthurian tour of the UK. Dinas Emrys can be found in Gwynedd which is in north west Wales and although it is mostly open land now in the legend it is the birthplace of the wizard Merlin. If you’re into your Welsh history and folklore, this is also the spot where dragons lived and where the red dragon on the Welsh flag comes from. These days, there isn’t much left on the site, you’ll find a 12th century stone tower and some pretty rewarding views out across Snowdonia.
Thinking of visiting any of these places and looking for other events to attend during your trip? Click here to search for events going on all across the UK!
