Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey Set on the southern edge of the Dartmoor National Park surrounded by woods and meadows, the quiet town of Buckfastleigh is best known for the nearby Buckfast Abbey.

Visiting Buckfast Abbey gives you a fascination insight into monastic life.
The Abbey is one of a small number of monasteries still active in Britain today. It was founded in 1018, dedicated to Saint Mary, and run by the Cistercian order from 1147 until it was destroyed under the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In 1882 monks began living there again and today it is a Benedictine foundation. The present building was started in 1907 and was completed in 1937 by just six monks, only one of whom had any prior experience of masonry work - making the Abbey, with its mix of early English and French styles, a wonder of the 20th century. Not all of the Abbey was completely rebuilt as the restored medieval north and south gates survived the centuries of abandonment and decay.

Buckfast Abbey There is a conference and seminar centre, as well as a fully functional restaurant, called The Grange. On the west side of the abbey are two gardens with a variety of plants in them, ranging from herbs used in cooking or medicine to poisonous plants. Behind the public area is an enclosed, mostly landscaped garden for the monks. It consists of several areas with paths winding between them. A spectacular bridge leads over the river so that the monks can reach the Abbey farm. The actual Abbey itself has a courtyard and guest house within it, as well as plenty of room for other things related to the monastery. Towards the top of the abbey (near the entrance) is the local cemetery, which leads out towards the neighbouring streets,

Today the Abbey is financially self-supporting through the various activities of the monks. The Abbey produces works of art in pottery, stained glass and carving. Over 150 churches have had windows designed and made for them by the monks of Buckfast Abbey.

The Abbey also produces Benedictine honey from hives of the disease resistant Buckfast bee. The bees are hived in a special station in the centre of Dartmoor; keeping them away from other bee populations. Buckfast Abbey's most well known product is the Buckfast Tonic Wine, made from a secret formula and sold throughout the Country. The Abbey is open to visitors, though the monastic quarters are of course closed at all times.