Glastonbury Abbey is extending an invitation to the community to experience the site free as a Member for a Day on Sunday (May 23).

Members of Glastonbury Abbey receive free entry to the abbey throughout the year and also enjoy 10 per cent discount in the abbey's gift shop and cafe for less than £1 per week.

If you haven't been to the abbey before or it has been a long time between visits, Member for a Day is an invitation to you.

Between the hours of 10am and 6pm (last entry 5.15pm) on Sunday, you are invited to stroll the 36 acres of grounds and enjoy the ruins of one of the most important abbeys in England's history, completely free of charge.

The 14th century Abbot's Kitchen is widely accepted as one of the finest examples of a medieval kitchen in Europe and the museum tells the abbey's stories, spanning its long history.

There will be fun, family-friendly self-guided activities available from the ticket office, which come packaged in a souvenir Glastonbury Abbey cotton tote bag.

If you fancy a coffee or an ice cream - or perhaps both - you will receive a 10 per cent discount at the abbey's garden cafe which will be open all day.

Glastonbury Abbey is a dog-friendly site and the cafe will have doggy ice cream direct from Marshfield Farm available on the day. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead while visiting.

You can pre-book your tickets by visiting the abbey website, where you will be asked to choose a time slot for your arrival.

If you do not pre-book you may not gain entry to the site as priority will be given to those who have pre-booked tickets.

If a slot reaches capacity, no further admissions will be possible for that admission slot. For full details and to re-book your tickets visit www.glastonburyabbey.com.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 social distancing requirements capacity is limited and pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Visitors will be asked to submit contact details for NHS Test and Trace.

Kids go free this summer

From today (May 17), Glastonbury Abbey is offering free admission to children under 16 years of age.

Each adult that purchases a day ticket may bring along two children for the visit completely free of charge to explore the abbey's ruins and grounds.

As social restrictions ease the abbey will open up the sections of the site that have had to be closed throughout the national lockdown.

A spokesperson said: "We are looking forward to receiving visitors again in the museum, St Patrick's Chapel, the Lady Chapel and the 14th century Abbot's Kitchen.

"The abbey's costumed characters provide a colourful social history of the abbey and its people and from May half-term there will be family-friendly self-guided activities available from the ticket office, which come packaged in a souvenir Glastonbury Abbey cotton tote bag."

The abbey is now open seven days per week from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5.15pm. Admission can be bought online in advance or at the ticket office upon arrival.

Details of admission costs, the terms of this promotional offer and tickets to a range of special events can be viewed by visiting the abbey's website at www.glastonburyabbey.com.