A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Buckfast Abbey
Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EE, UK
Retreat Centre Description
Free to enter, the historic monastery of Buckfast Abbey, is home to a working community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks. Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, the Abbey is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
Renowned for its stunning Abbey Church with its Lantern Ceiling, and its extensive grounds, visitors can also enjoy recitals of choral and organ music; as well as delicious lunches and cream teas offered in The Grange Restaurant, there is also a pizzeria on site too. Peruse the gift shop and the recently opened Green Hub. Don’t miss the Monastic Way Exhibition, an immersive experience of life as a monk.
St Petroc’s, retreat house for women and married couples offers 9 bedrooms in a monastic-inspired space with communal kitchen, dining room and lounge. Enjoy breakfast and catered evening meals in the house, plus a lunch voucher for the Grange Restaurant, which overlooks Buckfast Abbey Church. Shared bathrooms, and no TVs for a spiritual detox.
Accommodation on Offer
Discover comfort and timeless tranquillity at Buckfast Abbey, nestled in enchanting gardens on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
There is also a comfortable 33-bedroom Hotel Northgate House with additional self-catering accommodation and a large 50 bed building for groups. For gentlemen seeking retreats we offer monastery accommodation too.
The newly refurbished Conference Centre serves as an inspiring space for events and meetings, accommodating up to 140 delegates. Check website for latest events and save the date for our Christmas Market 28th – 30th November.
Our guided retreats have a choice of accommodation available.
Find out more about a retreat at Buckfast Abbey, your Sanctuary for Spiritual Renewal.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2024 Events
2025 Events
Clergy Retreat - 24/02/25 - 28/02/25
Led by Fr Gregory
When I am weak then I am strong” An opportunity to reflect on catholic priestly ministry in a changing landscape of the church. With reduced numbers of clergy and increasing levels of responsibility how can we prepare to minister in new ways and in new situations. Becoming more self-accepting and aware of the opportunities offered us in ministry today, our few days together at Buckfast will provide a shared experience to listen, to learn and to look forward.
Creation Retreat- 06/05/25 - 10/05/25
Led by Paula Pearce
St Francis spent time at a Benedictine monastery discerning the future direction of his life. Why not do something similar and join us at Buckfast for these few days focusing on Creation in the light of Franciscan thought and mission
Church Musicians’ Retreat - 28/08/25 - 01/09/25
Led by Peter Stevens - Assistant Master of the Music at Westminster Cathedral and a Benedictine Oblate
I will sing praise to Thee in the sight of the angels” (Rule of St Benedict, Chapter 19) — a retreat for church musicians which includes sessions on Gregorian chant and its accompaniment, the use of the organ in the liturgy, and open rehearsals with the Abbey Choir. A unique opportunity to learn more about the role of music in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church, in the tranquillity of a Benedictine monastery on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Women Religious Retreat - 27/10/25 - 31/10/25
Led by: Dom Geoffrey Scott OSB
The role of women religious in the church has often been underestimated and undervalued. Abbot Geoffrey will gently guide us in the beautiful setting of Buckfast Abbey to reflect, reconsider and reorientate ourselves to better serve the church in the bright future that God promises. Do join us for these few days together inspired by the Benedictine monastic liturgy, the spectacular grounds at Buckfast and our shared experiences which will emerge through our conversations.
Retreat Centre Location
Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EE, UK