Buckfastleigh Travel Guide

Buckfastleigh Travel Guide is your ultimate travel companion to explore Devon's Dartmoor National Park. Discover the best places to visit, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, local culture and customs, safety tips, how to get around, and nearby destinations to explore. Start your adventure now!


Buckfastleigh Travel Guide | Discover the Best of Devon’s Dartmoor National Park

Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfastleigh is a charming town that offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Buckfastleigh has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a trip to explore the town’s best attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety tips, and nearby destinations to visit.

Introduction to Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is a small market town located in West Devon in the South West of England. The town is situated on the southern edge of the Dartmoor National Park and is surrounded by lush green hills, sparkling streams, and meandering rivers. It has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, and it still retains much of its old world charm, with its cobbled streets, ancient architecture, and stunning countryside views.

List of Places to Visit in Buckfastleigh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Buckfastleigh is home to several culturally important attractions that offer a glimpse into the town’s rich past. The town’s most famous landmark is the Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 11th century. Founded by King Canute, the abbey has a fascinating history that spans centuries, and it is still a thriving religious community to this day. Other significant historical sites in the town include the Buckfastleigh Steam Railway, the River Dart Country Park, and the South Devon Railway.

Natural Attractions of Buckfastleigh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Buckfastleigh is blessed with some of the most spectacular natural attractions in England. The town is located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, a stunning landscape of rugged moorland, rolling hills, and pristine forests. The park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering an abundance of wildlife, scenic walks, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking and biking trails, admire the stunning vistas from the hills, and marvel at the beauty of the rivers and waterfalls that dot the landscape. Some of the most popular natural attractions in Buckfastleigh include the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, and the Buckfastleigh Caves.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh offers some of the most stunning hiking and biking routes in England. The town is situated in Dartmoor National Park, which has over 950 square kilometers of open moorland, rocky tors, and river valleys to explore. There are dozens of routes to choose from, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging peak climbs. Some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Buckfastleigh include the Two Moors Way, the Dart Valley Trail, and the Western Greenway.

Best Things to Do in Buckfastleigh: Activities and Tours

Buckfastleigh offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit every taste and budget. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history with a tour of the Buckfast Abbey or the South Devon Railway. They can also indulge in outdoor adventures such as fishing, cycling, and horse riding. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as the River Dart Country Park and the Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.

Week-Long Itinerary for Buckfastleigh

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Buckfastleigh, there are plenty of things to see and do. Here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the town:

Day 1: Visit the Buckfast Abbey and explore the town center.

Day 2: Take a stroll along the Dart Valley Trail and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 3: Visit the Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.

Day 4: Explore the River Dart Country Park and enjoy some outdoor adventures such as kayaking or horse-riding.

Day 5: Take a steam train ride on the South Devon Railway.

Day 6: Hike to the top of one of Dartmoor National Park’s highest peaks, such as Haytor or Hound Tor.

Day 7: Visit the local markets, souvenir shops and try the famous Devon cream tea.

Food and Drink Scene of Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is renowned for its delicious local cuisine. The town has a thriving food and drink scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafes to choose from. Visitors can sample local specialties such as clotted cream, fudge, and cider, and enjoy traditional English fare such as fish and chips, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, making Buckfastleigh a perfect destination for foodies.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of Buckfastleigh’s must-try dishes include:

  • Devonshire cream teas
  • Clotted cream
  • Freshly baked Devonshire scones
  • Fudge
  • Traditional fish and chips
  • Freshly caught local seafood

Local Beverages

Buckfastleigh is known for its local ciders, wines, and ales. Some of the most popular local beverages include:

  • Buckfast Tonic Wine
  • Devonshire cider
  • Real ale from local breweries

Where to Stay in Buckfastleigh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Buckfastleigh has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from cozy guesthouses, traditional bed and breakfasts, and luxurious hotels. Some of the town’s most popular accommodation options include the Dartbridge Inn, The Abbey Inn, and The Abbey Sands Hotel.

What to Buy in Buckfastleigh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Buckfastleigh is home to several specialty shops selling locally produced products and souvenirs. Visitors can buy everything from handmade crafts and pottery to fresh produce and locally brewed beers. Some popular souvenirs include:

  • Fudge from Roly’s Fudge Pantry, a family-run business.
  • Dartmoor honey and local cheeses.
  • Handmade pottery from Buckfast Pottery.
  • Greetings cards from local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is a town steeped in history and tradition. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and culture. Some customs and traditions to keep in mind include:

  • Always greet locals with a friendly “hello”.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites such as the Buckfast Abbey.
  • Do not litter in natural areas and always follow the countryside code.

Best Time to Visit Buckfastleigh

The best time to visit Buckfastleigh is between March and September when the weather is temperate and outdoor activities are in full swing. The town is also popular during the Christmas season, with many festive events and markets taking place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Buckfastleigh

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park.
  • Indulge in local cuisine and drinks.
  • Visit the Buckfast Abbey and other cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the countryside code and litter in natural areas.
  • Dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Be disrespectful of local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is a safe town for visitors. However, visitors should keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Stick to designated hiking and biking routes when exploring the countryside.
  • Be cautious when driving on narrow rural roads.

Health in Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is a healthy town with several medical facilities and pharmacies. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance before traveling.

Getting to Buckfastleigh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Buckfastleigh can be easily accessed via several transportation modes.

Airports Near Buckfastleigh

The nearest airports to Buckfastleigh are Exeter International Airport (28 miles away), Plymouth City Airport (30 miles away), and Bristol Airport (82 miles away).

Bus Stations Near Buckfastleigh

The nearest bus stations to Buckfastleigh are located in Totnes, South Brent, and Ivybridge. There are also several local bus services that operate in and around the town.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Buckfastleigh via the South Devon Railway, a historic steam train line that runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.

How to Get Around in Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. Visitors can also use local bus services, taxis, or hire a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Buckfastleigh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Buckfastleigh is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas and nearby destinations. Visitors can plan excursions to nearby towns and attractions such as:

  • Plymouth, a historic port city with a vibrant arts scene and many cultural attractions.
  • Torquay, a seaside town known for its beaches, nightlife, and outdoor activities.
  • Totnes, a charming medieval town with many historical sites and a thriving cultural scene.

Conclusion

Buckfastleigh is a hidden gem in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a peaceful getaway, Buckfastleigh has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to visit the town and explore all that it has to offer. Start planning your Buckfastleigh adventure today!

Buckfast Abbey Buckfast Abbey Fore Street Fore Street