Buckfast Abbey - Buckfastleigh

mjdenness

We stopped at Buckfast Abbey after collecting our youngest son from a sailing trip in Brixham. We were looking for somewhere interesting (and free!) to enjoy our picnic lunch—and we’re so glad we chose to visit.

Parking and entry were both free, though donations are welcomed. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with immaculate lawns, colourful gardens, and plenty of benches and picnic tables. There are lots of clear and informative signs explaining the features of the gardens and the history of the buildings.

The Abbey itself is stunning, with impressive architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The vibrant stained glass window was a real highlight. We ended our visit in the gift shop, which had a great selection of items to browse and buy.

Well worth a visit—we’re really glad we made the decision to stop here!

Beccy M.

Beautifully presented and accessible to all. There is a wonderful restaurant and some small gardens to walk around. The Abbey is free to enter and walk around. A modern building with lots of character. Parking is free too which makes it an altogether cheap trip out

Victoria K.

Fab place full of interesting architecture. Lots of information around. The staff are incredibly polite and helpful and if you want some buckfast wine then head to the gift shop. The gardens are pretty and the manicured lawns are plentiful for the kids to run some energy off. Its all free too.

Georg S.

If you are in the area make sure to visit this Abbey!
It is such a nice place to spend some time.
At the time we visited this Abbey it was a coincidence that a food festival was ongoing.
On the ground of this Abbey they had different choices of food to choose from.
It was great to feel the vibe of different cultures coming together on the ground of this Abbey.

Kate D.

Very calm, beautiful space. Worth a visit. Lovely cafe with a good range of food very generous portions and you can sit on a lovely terrace overlooking the Abbey. Gardens are sweet and really good gift shop make this a definite place to call in on if you are making an itinerary.

Avoid the pizza place opposite "Bernedettos"... we waited for at least 10 minutes and no one came out even though we heard lots of teenage giggling in the kitchen. Bit of a weird sales strategy at lunchtime.

vrukesh P.

Charming and majestic !
Even the garden outside is well-maintained.

When we visited, there was choir practice ongoing. It was surreal experience!

It has very convenient, huge parking lot too.
It is must-see, if you are around in Buckfastsleigh.

John H.

This is a special place if you want peace and quiet, we were there on a beautiful sunny day which made all the difference. You can have a picnic on the grass as well. The Abbey is an outstanding example of what restoration can be achieved, the first Abbey I have visited that has been fully restored back. The good thing about this visit is it's FREE...even the car park....worth a visit.

Hayley S.

Well worth a visit. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I was blown away by the stained glass window. Nice gardens to walk around. The restaurant is clean too.
Staff are friendly and helpful throughout the abbey and it's shop and restaurant.
Toilets are clean.