Glastonbury Abbey

The charity maintains and cares for the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and the surrounding 36 acres/15 hectares of grounds enjoyed by 100,000 visitors a year from all over the world. Our museum explains the history of the abbey, presents its collections and hosts exhibitions and education activities. An events programme includes tours, talks and costumed re-enactors. We are open 364 days a year.

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Activities & Mission

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Local Authority

Somerset

Financial Information

Latest Income

£2,925,940

Latest Expenditure

£2,274,118

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 74.1%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 40% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 344). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 95.3%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 68% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 1.1%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 81% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,515,516

Charitable Activities £1,002,126

Other Trading £326,659

Investments £81,639

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £2,168,048

Raising Funds £6,744

Governance £17,481

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £99,326

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2024	£2,925,940	£2,274,118	£2,168,048	£3,204,004	£1,381,113	41 / 68
2023	£2,024,436	£1,731,391	£1,571,124	£2,632,134	£1,540,002	41 / 56
2022	£1,462,562	£1,390,128	£1,241,800	£2,375,561	£738,962	38 / 35
2021	£1,400,031	£1,036,394	£942,242	£2,289,568	£907,034	35 / 31
2020	£1,156,647	£980,156	£908,452	£1,738,213	£1,113,654	40 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Glastonbury Abbey

What does Glastonbury Abbey do?

How much income did Glastonbury Abbey report in 2024?

Glastonbury Abbey reported total income of £2.93m and reported expenditure of £2.27m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Glastonbury Abbey?

Glastonbury Abbey has a program ratio of 74.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 40% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 344 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Glastonbury Abbey registered as a charity?

Glastonbury Abbey was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 22 April 2009 as charity number 1129263. It has been registered for 17 years.

Who runs Glastonbury Abbey?

Glastonbury Abbey is governed by a board of 12 trustees. The chair of trustees is DAVID ODGERS. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Glastonbury Abbey operate?

Glastonbury Abbey operates in Somerset, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is Glastonbury Abbey a registered charity?

Yes — Glastonbury Abbey is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1129263.