The Great Barn survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries and still retains its original medieval oak roof timbers.
Sir Francis Drake purchased the abbey in 1581 after his circumnavigation of the globe.
The property contains a rare example of a 16th-century plaster ceiling in the Drawing Room.
The estate once operated as a working farm, and the remnants of its cider-making history are still visible in the orchards.
It is located within the boundary of the Dartmoor National Park, though it sits on the western edge near the Tavy River.
Buckland Abbey is a historic site in Devon that functioned as a Cistercian monastery before being converted into a private residence by Sir Richard Grenville and later Sir Francis Drake. The property features a 13th-century Great Barn, one of the largest of its kind in England. Visitors can explore the abbey's interior, which displays items associated with Drake, including his legendary drum. The estate encompasses extensive grounds, including cider orchards, woodland walks, and a kitchen garden. The architecture reflects its transition from a religious site to a Tudor-era mansion. It is managed by the National Trust and serves as a center for local heritage education. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the rolling hills of the Tavy Valley.
From the lower orchard looking back at the Great Barn and the main abbey building.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the sloping woodland trails and uneven stone flooring in the barn.
Check the National Trust website for seasonal events, as the cider orchard and garden activities change significantly throughout the year.
Allow extra time to walk the perimeter of the estate to view the abbey from the valley floor.
Assuming the site is accessible for those with limited mobility; some historic areas involve steep stairs and uneven ground.
The gardens and estate grounds often operate on different seasonal schedules than the house; check for winter closures.
Respect signage regarding photography in sensitive historical rooms and remain on marked paths in the gardens.
