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 diary allows.

A beautifully presented Abbey, just recently renovated. Lovely grounds and gardens to wander round, I imagine would smell divine in the height of summer. Restaurant and teashop also definitely worth a visit. Gift shop is very heartily stocked with produce made by the monks across Europe.

A quiet place of reflection. The place is beautiful and serene, it is not an "in your face" education, seeing the life of the monks in a literal world through the display as you enter is informative. The story of the Abbey and how it was rebuilt by monks who were not skilled in masonry work is remarkable. It costs nothing (apart from what you spend in the shops - which cannot be helped) to go but gives you an appreciation of how life was in the past through to today. Thank you.

The Abbey was very relaxing and peaceful. The gardens were lovely and well cared for. The story of Buckfast Abbey was very informative and inciting. This is one of the few religious places that is still free to visit. All they ask for is a donation if you want to. Inside the Abbey was spotless and the guides were very helpful. There were plenty of alters for reflection. The gift shop shelves were full of momentous at reasonable prices and the cafe food was fresh and tasty. Would definitely recommend for a day out . Thanks again for your hospitality.

Buckfast Abbey is a beautiful location, full of history. The beautiful award-winning gardens are complementing the outstanding Abbey. The ice creams are excellent and there is a café and shop. It is easy to get to with good parking. This is a location I will happily visit again and again.

A lovely picturesque Abbey, with gardens brimming with wonderful different arrays of flowers and statues. The exhibition detailed the history of the Abbey, and its inhabitants. With walls covered with stories and information, it was definitely my favourite part of the experience. I highly recommend visiting (try their cafe as well!) if you're looking for a peaceful place to look around and learn about.

We went on a Sunday. The Abby is stunning, however there are services being held so can only walk round inside between services. Wrong time of the year to visit as the gardens weren't in full bloom. It does however have little different gardens to walk around. None of the shops were open except for tge coffee shop.

WOW. Even if you are not religious definitely worth a visit. Beautiful calming surroundings. Brought us a lot of peace during troubled times. Helped to refresh my soul after a hard few months.

Beautiful Abbey, definitely worth a visit. When we came there was a wedding going on which looked beautiful. The cafe and little shops are nice as well and there is plenty of parking which is great.

What an unexpected treasure this place is. It brings calmness to all that are there, place is full of surprises from free entry and free car parking to a beautiful environment that actually encourages you to walk on the grass. Meticulously maintained, we went on a wet day and still enjoyed wandering around. Garden shop with incredible plants, cafe with stunning food. All staff were lovely, knowledgeable and nothing was too much. Highly recommend.

A very peaceful place. We stopped there for an extended lunch break. Beautiful gardens, great abbey and a very beautiful chapel with stain glass windows. As a bee keeper I was also interested in the history of Friar Adam. He bred the famous Buckfast bee. There is a corner with books about him and bee keeping in the visitor center.

Really enjoyed stopping in on the grounds of the Abbey. Staff in and around the building were so pleasant and helpful. Grounds were in perfect condition and lots of little bits to explore. Plenty in the gift shop for those looking to pick up a memento. Have to say the new. Pizzeria at the mill looked nice but we never went in, in the end.

A place for contemplation or just a good day out - Buckfast abbey is a stunning place to visit, from the Abbey itself to the beautiful grounds and gardens, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Tasty food on offer in the cafe and free entrance and parking ensures this is a popular place to visit! Just dont forget to make a small donation, which helps with the upkeep.

Buckfast Abbey is a fantastic place to visit especially because it's free. Yes, it's free. Make the most of the chance to walk around the grounds and steepe yourself in history and wonder. Absolutely magnificent. The Abbey itself is open to the public and services here can be joined in the rear Chapel. The main Abbey is a sight to behold, even if you're not religious, you will be wowed with is grandeur. There are lots of gardens to enjoy also. Iiked the Millennium Garden the most as the Deer statue was lovely . There is a restaurant onside called The Grange, but I would get a second mortgage if I were you as its very pricey. The restaurant is modern and roomy and is buffet style self serve. There is also veranda outside seating overlooking the Abbey. Overall, a positive and educational experience. Well worth a visit.

Such a Beautiful place. So much to see around the whole site. Free parking. Fantastic food in the Grange restaurant. There is a Hotel next to the Abbey, called the Northgate Hotel. Very clean. Excellent Breakfast and very friendly Staff. Nothing is to much trouble.

Wonderful historic Abbey. Site dates from 1018. Current Abbey constructed between 1906 and 1932. Bright and warm interior. Spectacular stained glass i. 1960s Chapel. Free to visit. Home to a working, live-in community of Monks who lead daily acts of worship. Extensive grounds and gardens to walk around; superb Cafe/ restaurant. Historic Methodist Chapel within grounds.

It's so lovely here, there's plenty to do and see, the gardens are really pretty, the restaurant is lovely and the church is so beautiful and peaceful, the Chapel is stunning, it's definitely worth visiting. The staff are really lovely as well. You won't be disappointed if you do visit here.

I highly recommend visiting Buckfast Abbey, England's youngest Abbey, built in the early 1900s by just a handful of monks. The exhibition, The Monastic Way, currently open to the public (only £2 admission) is definitely worth a visit. Wonderfully presented, professional to the nth degree, visually and audiologically lovely. I found it very moving and shed a tear or two. The atmosphere inside and outside the Abbey is beautifully calm. The gardens are immaculate, the Abbey is immaculate and superbly constructed. The restaurant served the most delicious hand prepared food of great quality. Highly recommended, I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

Beautiful estate with free entry to the abbey (except for service times) and gardens. The restaurant provides a very good selection of extremely tasty food both hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks served by very friendly staff. A very peaceful atmosphere. The abbey itself is just stunning in its architecture and furnishings and the more modern chapel at the far end is beyond words. A wonderful day out.

Lovely Abbey, beautiful gardens and grounds. More to see than expected with free parking and entry. Was raining when we visited, but it didn't spoil the experience

Beautiful abbey and grounds. Stained Glass church was amazing - quiet contemplation - spiritual. Lovely gardens and powerful rose perfume. Great service at cafe with inspired outdoor seating

Was taken here has one of our in included trips on our coach holiday. Beautiful place to visit, inside the Abbey is really serene, walk around and wonder at the architecture, sit and contemplate in the quiet. It really is a wonderful place. After admiring the inside, take a stroll around the grounds and then pop into the tea room for refreshments.

A beautiful place to visit and it’s free to explore. The architecture is outstanding and very detailed. Staff are friendly and helpful. Nice cafe to stop and have a drink and slice of cake. Beautiful gardens and little shops within. Easy parking.

What a tranquil and beautiful place to visit. Go round the museum it is only £2 and you get to know all the history. Signs tell you to walk on the grass! Gorgeous Abbey and well worth the visit.

Given what it is, it's a nice quiet place to visit with mightily impressive grounds and buildings. The restaurant does a good scone and hot chocolate, and served the biggest tea pot I've ever seen, got 9 cups of tea out of it, and they gave more water too. The Abbey is as impressive as many cathedrals, the two shops have an array of items you might like to buy at prices that aren't too expensive. I enjoyed wondering the gardens, the aromas and colours grabbed the senses.

Originally built by the Normans and destroyed by Henry the 8th in the 1500s, the foundations were uncovered in the 1900s and a new Abbey built in the following decades. A lovely interior with some beautiful stained glass windows. Entry to the site, which also includes gardens, a restaurant and some historic buildings is free, including parking. Well worth a visit.

It is an excellent day out, very well preserved Abbey with brilliant exhibition to learn the history of the church. We'll kept and maintained ground. I couldn't believe there was no entrance fee considering how well managed the site was. You can however volunteer to donate in the church. Lots of help on hand. The choice inside was amazing and the effort that has gone in particularly the glass art was emense. The quiet prayer hall was out of this world. The gardens were very well maintained and had different themes. The cafe was excellent as well. Brilliant place and day out for the whole family.