Glastonbury Abbey Yard

Glastonbury, Somerset

Part of the Glastonbury Town Deal, the Abbey Yard redevelopment has transformed the approach to Glastonbury Abbey, enhancing its visibility, accessibility, and connection to the wider town. The project has delivered a new visitor centre and community-focused space that honours the Abbey’s rich cultural and historical significance.

Central to the design was a sensitive reimagining of the existing buildings. Where possible, as much of the structure and stone from demolished sections has been retained or repurposed. These revitalised structures now house an expanded shop and café, a more welcoming reception area, new toilet facilities, and improved back-of-house spaces.

The newly landscaped courtyard creates a vibrant and accessible public piazza, opening up views of St Peter’s Chapel and offering a more inclusive, engaging arrival experience for visitors and locals alike. A carefully designed sustainable drainage system (SuDS) is integrated into the landscape, including a water rill that channels rainwater through planting beds.

A brilliant project that shows exactly how we should be working. Making smarter use of existing buildings, blending landscape and drainage design, and boosting biodiversity along the way.