Buckfast Abbey
Buckfastleigh, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EE
Member Overview
What is Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey is one of Devon's most iconic visitor destinations, located on the edge of Dartmoor and home to a thriving community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks. Free to enter, the Abbey welcomes visitors from across the UK and beyond to explore its historic church, beautiful gardens, food and drink venues, accommodation, conference facilities and monastic products.
Guided by the Benedictine values of hospitality, craftsmanship and community, Buckfast Abbey offers a unique blend of spirituality, heritage, food, retail and visitor experiences.
What does Buckfast Abbey offer?
Buckfast Abbey is far more than a religious site. Visitors can enjoy:
- Historic Abbey Church and grounds
- Beautiful landscaped gardens
- Restaurants, cafés and cream teas
- Monastic food and drink products
- Farm shop-style gift shop
- Northgate House Hotel
- Self-catering accommodation
- Conference and event facilities
- Seasonal events and exhibitions
- Free parking
- Shopping for local produce, gifts and plants
The Abbey is a popular destination for day visitors, holidaymakers, conference delegates and food lovers looking to experience one of Devon's most distinctive attractions.
Food & Drink at Buckfast Abbey
The Grange Restaurant
Overlooking the beautiful Abbey gardens, The Grange Restaurant is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and offers a relaxed and welcoming dining experience for visitors, families and groups. The menu features freshly prepared lunches, light meals, homemade cakes, snacks and drinks, alongside traditional Devon cream teas, all served in comfortable surroundings within the Abbey grounds.
San Benedetto's
San Benedetto's brings an Italian flavour to Buckfast Abbey, serving a menu inspired by classic Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can enjoy freshly made pizzas, pasta dishes, antipasti platters, Italian desserts, speciality coffees and an extensive selection of wines and liqueurs. The restaurant celebrates quality ingredients and incorporates Abbey-produced products such as Cloister Cheese, Chapter House Cheese and Buckfast Hot Honey into a number of its dishes.
Abbot's Café
Opened in 2026, Abbot's Café provides a contemporary and peaceful space where visitors can relax and enjoy coffee, homemade cakes, light lunches and refreshments. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, it offers an ideal spot to meet friends, take a break while exploring the Abbey grounds or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Buckfast Abbey.
Monks' Kitchen & Abbey Produce
The Abbey's food range reflects traditional Benedictine craftsmanship and includes products sold through the on-site gift shop.
Monks' Kitchen Specialities
- Monks' Nectar Ale
- Cloister Cheese
- Chapter House Cheese
- Seasonal preserves and jams
- Abbey-produced food gifts
Many products use ingredients grown or produced on the Abbey estate and celebrate centuries of monastic food traditions.
Our Specialities
- Buckfast Abbey offers a unique combination of Benedictine hospitality, spiritual heritage and exceptional Devon food and drink experiences. Visitors can enjoy traditional Devon cream teas, artisan cheeses, Monks' Nectar Ale, handmade preserves and a range of monastic produce created in keeping with centuries-old traditions. The Abbey is also home to Italian dining at San Benedetto's, artisan gifts, beautiful Abbey gardens and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects its rich monastic history. Alongside its food and retail offering, Buckfast Abbey provides hotel accommodation, conference catering and event facilities, making it one of Devon's most distinctive visitor destinations and a celebration of local food, craftsmanship and hospitality
Why visit Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey offers a truly unique visitor experience where history, food, hospitality and spirituality come together.
Visitors choose Buckfast Abbey because of its:
- Free admission
- Stunning Abbey Church
- Beautiful Dartmoor setting
- Excellent food and drink venues
- Award-worthy hospitality
- Unique monastic products
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Hotel and self-catering accommodation
- Conference and corporate facilities
- Extensive gardens and grounds
Whether you're looking for lunch, a short break, a conference venue or simply a peaceful day out, Buckfast Abbey provides something for everyone.
Accommodation
Northgate House Hotel
Located within the Abbey grounds, the hotel offers:
- 33 contemporary guest rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- Garden terrace
- Dog-friendly accommodation
- Easy access to Abbey attractions
Self-Catering Accommodation
Ideal for: Families, Groups and Longer stays.
- Holiday visitors exploring Dartmoor and South Devon
Conference & Event Facilities
Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre is one of Devon's leading conference venues.
Facilities include:
- 7 meeting rooms
- Capacity for 4 to 130 delegates
- Newly refurbished Schiller Hall
- Mezzanine and terrace spaces
- Breakout areas
- In-house catering
- Modern AV equipment
- Residential conference packages
All catering is prepared on-site using fresh ingredients by the Abbey's catering team.
Where can you find Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey is in the town of Buckfastleigh.
Opening Hours
Buckfast Abbey Grounds
- Open daily (free admission)
The Grange Restaurant
- Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- San Benedetto's is open every evening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, seven days a week. The restaurant welcomes both Abbey visitors and non-residents, and booking is recommended during busy periods.
For restaurant reservations, accommodation and current opening times, visitors should check the Abbey website.
- Buckfast Abbey | The Grange Restaurant | San Benedetto’s Italian Restaurant | Abbot’s Café | Monks’ Kitchen | Buckfast Abbey farm shop | Monastic produce Devon | Benedictine food traditions | Cloister Cheese | Chapter House Cheese | Monks’ Nectar Ale | Buckfast Abbey preserves | Devon dining | Dartmoor food experiences | Buckfast Abbey cafes | Buckfast Abbey restaurants | Devon handmade produce | Buckfast Abbey gift shop | Artisan foods Devon
Contact Buckfast Abbey
Contact Info
Where to find us
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buckfast Abbey free to visit?
Yes. Entry to Buckfast Abbey and its grounds is free, making it one of Devon's most popular visitor attractions.
What food and drink venues are available at Buckfast Abbey?
Visitors can enjoy The Grange Restaurant, San Benedetto's Italian restaurant and the newly opened Abbot's Café.
What is Monks' Kitchen?
Monks' Kitchen is Buckfast Abbey's range of monastic food and drink products, including cheeses, preserves and Monks' Nectar Ale.
Does Buckfast Abbey produce its own food products?
Yes. Several products are created using ingredients grown or produced on the Abbey estate and are available through the Abbey gift shop.
Can I stay at Buckfast Abbey?
Yes. Visitors can stay at Northgate House Hotel or choose self-catering accommodation within the Abbey grounds.
Is Buckfast Abbey dog friendly?
Outdoors: Dogs on short leads are welcome to enjoy the lawns, gardens, and outdoor seating areas.
Indoors: Only registered assistance dogs are allowed inside buildings. This includes the Abbey Church, shops, and exhibition areas.
Dining: Dogs can join you on the covered terrace area outside The Grange Restaurant.
Northgate House Hotel offers dog-friendly accommodation.
Indoors: Only registered assistance dogs are allowed inside buildings. This includes the Abbey Church, shops, and exhibition areas.
Dining: Dogs can join you on the covered terrace area outside The Grange Restaurant.
Northgate House Hotel offers dog-friendly accommodation.
Does Buckfast Abbey have conference facilities?
Yes. The Conference Centre offers flexible meeting and event spaces for 4 to 130 delegates, with on-site catering and accommodation options.
What cheeses are associated with Buckfast Abbey?
The Abbey's food range includes Cloister Cheese and Chapter House Cheese, produced in partnership with Father Gregory and Sharpham Cheese.
Can I buy local food and gifts at Buckfast Abbey?
Yes. The gift shop stocks monastic products, local food, books, gifts, plants and seasonal produce.
What makes Buckfast Abbey unique?
Buckfast Abbey combines spiritual heritage, hospitality, food production, accommodation, gardens and visitor experiences within a working Benedictine monastery in the heart of Devon.
What events take place at Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including a Summer Fair, an Artisan Food Fair, and a Christmas Fair, alongside exhibitions, family activities, and community events that celebrate local food, craftsmanship, and the Abbey's heritage.
What happens at the Buckfast Abbey Summer Fair?
Buckfast Abbey's Summer Fair is a popular three-day celebration of local food, crafts, community and entertainment. Visitors can browse more than 80 artisan stalls showcasing handmade crafts, gifts, local produce and unique creations from makers across the South West. The event also features live music, performances, Morris dancing, choirs, bands and family-friendly entertainment throughout the Abbey grounds.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities including animal attractions, children's inflatables, circus skills, pottery painting and interactive entertainment, while food and drink stalls offer everything from ice cream and hot food to Abbey-produced ales and local specialities. Visitors may also have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Abbey led by the Abbot, adding a unique insight into the history and life of the monastery.
The Summer Fair is free to enter and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Buckfast Abbey at its liveliest, celebrating local creativity, craftsmanship, food, drink and community spirit in a beautiful Dartmoor setting.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities including animal attractions, children's inflatables, circus skills, pottery painting and interactive entertainment, while food and drink stalls offer everything from ice cream and hot food to Abbey-produced ales and local specialities. Visitors may also have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Abbey led by the Abbot, adding a unique insight into the history and life of the monastery.
The Summer Fair is free to enter and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Buckfast Abbey at its liveliest, celebrating local creativity, craftsmanship, food, drink and community spirit in a beautiful Dartmoor setting.
What happens at the Buckfast Abbey Christmas Fair?
Buckfast Abbey's Christmas Fair (Christmas Market) is a festive three-day event that celebrates local craftsmanship, seasonal food and drink, and the magic of Christmas in the Abbey's beautiful surroundings. Visitors can browse a wide variety of beautifully decorated stalls featuring handcrafted gifts, artisan crafts, festive decorations, winter clothing and unique Christmas presents created by local makers and producers.
The event also offers plenty of seasonal refreshments, including mince pies, luxury hot chocolate, mulled wine, brownies, fudge and other festive treats, alongside food from local producers and the Abbey's own venues.
The event also offers plenty of seasonal refreshments, including mince pies, luxury hot chocolate, mulled wine, brownies, fudge and other festive treats, alongside food from local producers and the Abbey's own venues.