National Trust - Buckland Abbey

About

Discovery, tranquillity and history – Buckland Abbey is an ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape. When you visit Buckland, you follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.

Beginning life as a tranquil monastery with a productive estate, Buckland has been redeveloped, restored and adapted, passing through the hands of famous seafarers and facing a devastating fire. There's no better place to venture on a voyage of discovery.

Founded in 1278, Buckland Abbey was the last of the Cistercian monasteries to be built in medieval England and Wales. For over 250 years, the monks who farmed the vast estate lived in the peaceful solitude of the Tavy valley.

The Dissolution of the Monasteries saw Buckland sold to Sir Roger Grenville, who began to modify the abbey into a house and home, and later it was sold again to privateer Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.

The Abbey is now part museum, part house, and filled with treasures. As you wander through Buckland Abbey, you will discover a wealth of fascinating tales, amazing architecture and over eight centuries of history.

There’s no mistaking the magnificence of the Great Barn, which has remained virtually unchanged since it was built all those centuries ago. The impressive barn was used for the storage and winnowing of corn and is a mark of the monks' wealth and influence. Today it is home to a cider press, a reminder of the 27 acres of orchards that once stretched down to the river.

The gardens at Buckland Abbey are a wonderful place to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that surrounds the beautiful Tavy valley. Find a seat under the shade of a tree, surrounded by colourful borders, stunning views and the sound of bird song.

The Elizabethan garden is a riot of colour, especially in the summer months - you'll see a garden design typical of that which Grenville and Drake may have had in the Tudor era.

The kitchen garden is where home grown fruit and vegetables are produced as it would have been in the time of the monks. The garden now supplys the restaurant with delicious seasonal ingredients. Complimented by beautiful flower borders, this is a lovely spot to sit in the sunshine and relax.

Don't miss the secret garden and its little path which will bring you back to the great barn - ideal for those with a spirit of discovery. At the Cider House, herbaceous borders provide seasonal interest and a secret ‘wild’ garden is a wonderful place for quiet contemplation (or a game of hide and seek).

Our way-marked trails are a riot of colour through the seasons, with an unmissable carpet of bluebells in spring. Follow the three waymarked paths, varying in length from 1 mile to 3 miles, and there are many spots where you can sit and admire the scenery and maybe even spot wildlife such as deer, birds of prey and butterflies. You’ll discover meadows, orchards and woodlands where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley.

Visit the Higher Paddock play area which is just at the beginning of the red and blue walks, and you'll discover balance beams, great places to build a secret den and even a zip wire. This fantastic area has just had more natural play equipment installed by the Ranger team, who worked with local primary school children to design its layout. Suitable for grown ups too.

Dogs are welcome on all of the estate walks, but we would ask that you keep your four legged friend on a lead in areas where there is livestock.

We want to ensure that all visitors get to see as much of Buckland Abbey as possible, so if you find walking very far a bit tricky, ask about hiring our Tramper. It's an off road mobility scooter which can be taken around the gardens and the yellow estate walk.

Buckland's bright and welcoming restaurant is decorated using colours drawn from the buildings and plants found around the abbey. Beautiful photos of the house, gardens and estate adorn the walls, mounted in apple crates - a reminder of the history of apple growing and pressing Buckland has seen. Warm up by the log burner in the colder months or enjoy the sunshine in the Ox Yard with an ice cream.

We try to use as much produce grown in the kitchen garden as possible, so look out for dishes made with seasonal fruit and vegetables throughout the year.

Find your favourite spot and you’ll want to come back to Buckland time and again.

 

 

Have you visited other National Trust properties in Devon?

Arlington Court near Barnstaple, Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton, Greenway House - Dartmouth, Killerton House near Exeter, Saltram - Plymouth, Knightshayes near Tiverton.

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