Buckfast Abbey — Attraction in Teignbridge

We've passed by on many an occasion on route to Plymouth, but my diary has never yet yielded the time to visit Buckfast Abbey until today. We arrived about 10 minutes before the gardens and shop opened and found the disabled parking easily accessible right outside the main gate.

We made our way in, there was no charge for entry unlike some ecclesiastical establishments, there is a suggested donation minimum of £2 instead. Once inside the gatehouse, you are greeted by the fantastic vista of the wide-open green spaces and the domineering presence of the church. We made our way down the gentle slope towards what I called the lavender garden as it was full of English and ornamental lavender plants, where we stopped to take a few images of the church before many people could photobomb themselves in (unknowingly).

Inside the church was just amazing, we were the only people in there and we were able to walk around in total silence and take our time to explore. We both marvelled at the huge organ at the rear of the church, with what looked like trumpets pointing out. Don't forget to look up.... or you'll miss the totally awesome gold mural/painting in the middle of the church (I've included an image here).

Facilities wise, the restaurant was busy changing over from breakfast to lunch menu when we arrived, there were some pastry products available and a nice selection of sandwiches and rolls. The toilets were lovely and clean, the disabled facilities were easy to access and immaculate, I did like the automatic courtesy air spray as I entered, nice touch.

On the way out we had to pass the shop, so it would be rude not to pop in and check out the wares, which I must say were very reasonable. We bought some pewter stag head pins for only £32.99.

If you enjoy the peace and quiet and nothing but the sound of songbirds, then this is definitely the place for you to visit. We really enjoyed our morning visit and hope to return when my...

Visited here today with my Husband and 2 children aged 10 and 15. I last visited with my own Mom back in 1998 and had such wonderful memories on how Buckfast Abbey was back then.

There's certainly been lot's of changes and my feelings were that these are not changes for the better. The arrival of the pizza restaurant that wasn't there when I last came, I think before this housed some shops selling soaps, candles etc and I think housed a display. It felt back then that there was alot more appeal and charm to the area as a whole where as now in feels very commercialised which made me feel very sad and disappointed.

The visitor exhibition was closed which was a disappointment too as both of my children commented that there was absolutely nothing for children to do. It's such a shame as I'd have liked them to experience the same magic I did back in the 90's.

The food in the restaurant was lovely though which I've given 2 stars for. Back in the 90s there was the most beautiful treacle tart with custard which is no longer served but a good selection available.

It didn't feel very child friendly so I would not recommend for children under 10. We were asked to put our carton of juice away in the Abbey , no drinks inside. I actually wish I'd not returned because I prefer the memories I had from 1998, it was much better and more...

Stunning grounds and buildings reborn some three hundred years post Henry VIII's dissolution. There is a calmness and serenity here, and the world's problems appear to dissolve. They of course don't, and the monks have a hand in providing various philanthropic activities and support, both locally and internationally. My favourite parts of the abbey are the upstairs veranda of the coffee shop nearest the conference centre, giving a wonderful view of the grounds; the herb garden including the pond with advanced tadpoles swimming, not far off losing their tails; the modern stained glass image of Christ in the church itself: It was moving and humbling to be in its presence. Dogs are welcomed throughout the grounds, but are barred from the buildings, apart from assistance dogs. You are welcomed onto the grass, with a variety of signs telling of this fact. Good parking, and most areas are accessible by wheelchair (I can't vouch for all) and there are wheelchair lifts in buildings to access the higher levels. Food looks gorgeous in the cafes! Well stocked shop, with some great finds, including books, and beeswax candles from the bee hives they attend. Overall, a very wonderful day spent here, one I wish to repeat in the not too...