Nestled in the heart of Glastonbury, Chalice Well is one of Britain’s most sacred and historic sites, renowned for its peace, beauty and spiritual significance. As described on their website:
“Chalice Well is Britain’s oldest holy well surrounded by a beautiful garden. It has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years. We are a World Peace Garden and the sacred waters with their unique vibration, flow through the tranquil garden. We invite all people whatever their spiritual path, religious belief, age or gender, to honour and celebrate nature and our part in the continuing evolution of this unique and beautiful planet; in peace, unity and co-creation with all life on Earth.”
Earlier this year, the team at The Chalice Well gardens reached out to Unique Mobility after securing funding to introduce a powered wheelchair for visitors with disabilities — furthering their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Finding the Right Powerchair for a Unique Setting
The gardens feature a range of surfaces and gradients, with tree roots, uneven paths and a variety of tranquil “garden rooms” to explore. The team wanted to ensure that as much of the site as possible could be accessed safely and comfortably.
Our Product Specialist, Tim, visited Glastonbury to conduct a site assessment, taking along the Magic 360 all-terrain powerchair — a compact yet powerful solution designed for both indoor and outdoor environments. The Magic 360’s advanced suspension, mid-wheel drive and rugged tyres make it ideal for navigating challenging terrain while supporting stability and comfort.
Adaptable Design for Shared Use
Unlike most powerchairs, which are tailored for an individual’s specific needs, this chair needed to accommodate multiple users with differing requirements. Tim worked closely with the Chalice Well team to specify a configuration that would offer flexibility and safety for all.
The chair includes:
- Adjustable headrest and footplate (with simple Allen key adjustment) to suit different users.
- Powered tilt function to aid postural support, pressure management and comfort on slopes.
- Lap belt and 4-point harness for secure seating and safety.
- Dual control options, allowing both individual and attendant operation.
Delivering Access to All
Tim returned in the summer to deliver the Magic 360 to the Chalice Well team and demonstrate its features. During testing, their Head Gardener was able to explore the garden using the chair — inspiring plans to make further improvements to paths and shelters to enhance accessibility even more.
The Chalice Well Trust also intends to continue developing access to the gift shop and other parts of the gardens, ensuring the space can be enjoyed by all visitors regardless of mobility needs.
Community Collaboration in Somerset
In October, Tim and Hannah from our team were delighted to attend a special open day hosted by Chalice Well, highlighting the Magic 360 to local care groups, hospices and community organisations across Somerset and the Southwest. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet representatives from the community and learn more about how the equipment will support those who may otherwise struggle to access the gardens.
Visitors wishing to use the powerchair will need to pre-book by contacting the Chalice Well office www.chalicewell.org.uk who will be able to provide further information.
Partnering for Greater Accessibility
At Unique Mobility, we are incredibly proud to have partnered with Chalice Well Gardens to deliver this project — helping to make one of Somerset’s most beautiful and spiritually significant locations more accessible for everyone.
We look forward to hearing how the Magic 360 all-terrain powerchair continues to enhance the experience of visitors to this sacred site in Glastonbury.