Gog and Magog Oaks
Last of the ancient Avalon Oaks, these venerable trees connect you to Druidic past and medieval history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh air, fewer crowds
Gog and Magog Oaks
Best Time
Fresh air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Last of the ancient Avalon Oaks, these venerable trees connect you to Druidic past and medieval history.
"Magnificent ancient trees, a living link to our medieval past and Druidic reverence."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The walk can be strenuous; comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for exploring the site. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Respect the Trees
One oak was damaged by fire. Be mindful of fencing and avoid any open flames. :evergreen_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Magog Oak
Wick, Glastonbury
The surviving ancient oak, a living link to medieval times and Druidic reverence. Feel its immense presence.
Gog Oak (Remains)
Wick, Glastonbury
The charred remains of the once-mighty oak, a poignant reminder of its history and vulnerability.
The Avenue of Oaks (Historical)
Glastonbury
Imagine the Druidic avenue of over 2000 ancient oaks that once graced this land.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Ancient Giants
The Journey to Avalon's Oaks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The walk can be strenuous; comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for exploring the site. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Respect the Trees
One oak was damaged by fire. Be mindful of fencing and avoid any open flames. :evergreen_tree:
📜 Learn the History
Understanding their Druidic and medieval past enhances the experience. :scroll:
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Plan accordingly. :car:
Places to explore in the South East?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The walk can be strenuous; comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for exploring the site. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Respect the Trees
One oak was damaged by fire. Be mindful of fencing and avoid any open flames. :evergreen_tree:
📜 Learn the History
Understanding their Druidic and medieval past enhances the experience. :scroll:
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Plan accordingly. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Gog and Magog Oaks to be impressive and historically significant, offering a tangible link to ancient Britain. The surviving Magog oak is particularly awe-inspiring, though the damaged state of Gog is a somber reminder. The walk to reach the trees can be challenging, and the lack of facilities is noted.
"Gog And Magog, Glastonbury Way
Gog and Magog are the only surviving examples of the Avalon Oaks. Their sizes and circumferences suggests an age of at least one thousand years. Gog is now expired having been damaged by fire in 2017. Magog survives and provides a living link with our medieval past.
The oak is known as the king of British trees. It is very robust and was the favoured construction material for timber-framed houses and ships in medieval times. By the time of Elizabeth I laws had to be passed to protect the tree. The later demands of the navy led to extensive pak planting in royal forests. The acorn was a valued resource for feeding livestock. The oak is a keystone species woodland ecology and supports a multitude of other species of flora and fauna. These two individuals may have witnessed 1,000 years of history, originating from times when the wolf and the bear were still top predators.
In Celtic Britain oak trees were considered sacred by the Druids who gathered mistletoe from its boughs for ceremony.
(Information taken from Notice board at the site)"
Zobo 75
"Pretty impressive to see, especially once you know the history behind them."
Jon Simpson
"Old Oaks of Avalon, how magnificent you are!"
Tom A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gog and Magog Oaks are located in Wick, near Glastonbury. Access involves a walk, which can be strenuous. It's recommended to check local signage for the best approach and parking, as it's part of the historical landscape of Avalon.
Public transport options directly to the site are limited. It's best to travel to Glastonbury and then consider local taxi services or a dedicated walk.
The approach can be a bit of a hike. Many visitors enjoy the walk as part of the experience, connecting with the ancient landscape.
Drivers should navigate towards Wick, Glastonbury. Parking availability can vary, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.
The terrain can be challenging due to the natural landscape and the walk involved. It may not be suitable for all individuals with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees to visit the Gog and Magog Oaks. They are part of the natural landscape and accessible to the public.
As an outdoor natural site, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit them during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee. The site is freely accessible to all visitors.
Yes, you can visit them during daylight hours. It's advisable to go when there's sufficient light for safety and enjoyment.
The main restriction is to be respectful of the trees and the environment. Avoid bringing open flames due to past incidents.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the surviving Magog oak and the remains of the Gog oak. The site offers a glimpse into ancient history and the significance of these trees to Druidic culture.
Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes, depending on how much they enjoy the walk and the historical context.
There are no facilities directly at the oak site. You'll need to visit Glastonbury town for restrooms and dining options.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Capture the majesty of Magog and the poignant story of Gog. 
These oaks are believed to be the last remnants of an ancient Druidic avenue. They are steeped in legend and have witnessed centuries of history.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the ancient trees. Early mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Focus on the scale of the trees, the textures of the bark, and the surrounding landscape. Shots that convey their age and resilience are impactful.
The main viewpoints are around the trees themselves. Experiment with different angles to capture their grandeur.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Use a wider aperture for portraits of the trees to create a sense of depth. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
✨ Spiritual Seekers
As remnants of a Druidic avenue, these ancient trees are considered sacred by many. Take time to meditate, reflect, and absorb the ancient energy of the site. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient History of the Avalon Oaks
It's estimated that the original avenue comprised over 2000 trees, with some dating back an astonishing 2000 years. The sheer age and scale of these trees, particularly Magog, connect us to a time when wolves and bears roamed Britain and the Druids considered oak trees sacred, harvesting mistletoe for their ceremonies. Sadly, one of the oaks, Gog, was severely damaged by fire in 2017.
This event led to protective fencing being erected around it, a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of these ancient giants. Magog, however, continues to stand, a testament to the resilience of nature and a vital link to our medieval past. Visiting the Oaks: Practicalities and Etiquette
There are no facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at the oak site. Visitors will need to make use of amenities in the nearby town of Glastonbury.
+1 The best times for photography are often during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, when the light casts a magical glow on the ancient trees. Remember to check local regulations if you plan to use a drone for aerial shots. Ultimately, a visit to the Gog and Magog Oaks is about connecting with nature and history in a respectful and mindful way.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit