Somerset Rural Life Museum

About the museum

The Somerset Rural Life Museum opened in 1975 on the site of Abbey Farm in Glastonbury. At its centre is the Abbey Barn, a Grade I listed 14th-century building that once stored grain for Glastonbury Abbey. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 the barn passed into private hands, and the Mapstone family later used it as a farm store. They gave it to Somerset County Council in 1974, and it was restored between 1976 and 1978.

The museum tells the story of rural life in Somerset from the 1800s onwards, including food and farming, working life and rural crafts. Displays include farm machinery, the work of willow growers, peat diggers and cider makers, and reconstructed rooms that show domestic life in a Somerset village. A Victorian farmhouse kitchen is used for seasonal activities. Outside there is a cider apple orchard and farm animals.

Today the museum is run by the South West Heritage Trust. Besides its galleries it offers a café with views of Glastonbury Tor, a museum shop, family events through the year and two spaces for hire, the Abbey Barn and a community learning space.

Highlights

• Grade I listed 14th-century Abbey Barn
• Galleries on farming, crafts and everyday rural life from the 1800s
• Victorian farmhouse kitchen with seasonal activities
• Cider apple orchard and views of Glastonbury Tor
• Grain Store Café and museum shop

Permanent exhibitions

• Galleries of rural life – Displays on landscape, food and farming, working life and rural crafts in Somerset from the 1800s onwards, with farm machinery and reconstructed domestic rooms.
• Abbey Barn – The Grade I listed 14th-century barn that once belonged to Glastonbury Abbey, now the museum's landmark building.

Founded

1975

Operated by

South West Heritage Trust

Admission & discounts

A Museum Unlimited Annual Pass is offered: paying for one visit gives unlimited visits for 12 months, and the pass is non-refundable and non-transferable. Children aged 14 and over with a pass may enter unaccompanied.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most buildings are accessible with level access in the accessible areas, and some doors are automatic. There is a lift, and accessible toilets are on the ground floor and near the Community Learning Space. Three dedicated disabled bays in the car park are about 30 metres from the wheelchair-accessible entrance. Dogs are not allowed in the galleries, the orchard or the Abbey Barn except assistance dogs, but they are welcome in the outdoor courtyard.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Family activities include seasonal trails, craft sessions in school holidays and festive events, and the museum has a section for children on its website. Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is on Bere Lane, near the roundabout by Chilkwell Street. The museum is about a 10 minute walk from Glastonbury town centre and the Abbey, 5 minutes from Chalice Well and 10 minutes from the foot of Glastonbury Tor. The what3words location is blitz.cherished.community.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The Grain Store Café serves breakfast, light lunches and afternoon tea with vegan and gluten-free options, indoors or in the farmyard with views of Glastonbury Tor, and it can be used without a museum ticket. The shop on the ground floor sells local gifts, farm-themed items for children and prints and cards. Visitors may bring their own food and picnic in the orchard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

The Community Learning Space (up to 60 standing or 40 seated, from 21 pounds per hour) suits meetings, workshops and training. The 14th-century Abbey Barn (up to 200 standing or 100 seated, from 185 pounds per hour) is available for weddings, celebrations and social events.

Plan your visit