Planning a visit to Glastonbury Abbey soon? Brace yourself for some temporary but significant alterations in your visitor experience at this esteemed Somerset attraction.

From Wednesday, 18th October, the abbey will revamp its entrance due to the initiation of the Glastonbury Abbey Town Deal Project.

This construction scheme aims to enhance various facets of the abbey's grounds and promises to elevate the visitor experience in line with the abbey's historical, cultural, and international importance. Among the changes are a year-round calendar of free community events, upgraded entrance facilities, improved shop, café, and toilets, along with free access to St. Patrick's Chapel.

Building contractors Melhuish and Saunders will spearhead the construction activities, kicking off from Friday, 13th October.

For a brief period between 18th and 20th October, entry to the abbey will shift to a special gate at the northeast corner of St. Dunstan's Car Park, right behind Glastonbury Town Hall. Staff and clear signs will be in place to guide visitors through black double gates into the abbey. Membership card holders can scan their cards at this point, whereas day visitors will go to the museum to get admission tickets.

If you're part of a group, the admission procedure varies slightly. Tour guides and group leaders will go to the museum for group processing, while the rest of the group waits at the temporary entrance within the abbey's perimeter.

The first phase of the works focuses on stabilising pathways and securing the Magdalene Street gate's surrounding walls. Subsequently, scaffolding will envelop the current ticket office and toilet block from 18th to 20th October. An ecologist will supervise these activities, aimed at the safe removal of roof tiles and to discourage local bats from nesting during construction.

Additional changes include the temporary shuttering of the abbey shop from 18th October, although a pop-up shop is set to open later. A one-day closure of the toilet block is also scheduled, but an accessible toilet will remain operational.

Lastly, a temporary road closure on Magdalene Street is slated for Friday, 20th October, to place the new ticket office, which is expected to be functional by Monday, 23rd October.