Discover more at Buckland Abbey
Find out when Buckland Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Buckland Abbey in Devon’s Tavy Valley is a fantastic place to visit for both school trips and adult group visits. With tailored activities and tours of the building and its treasures, there is something for all ages to discover here.
Part museum, part house, Buckland Abbey is a great place for an educational visit. Whether it's Tudor history, geography, art or even the outdoors, your visit can be tailored to the topic you are studying. Please book in advance.
Download our school visit brochure (PDF)
Most school visits last for about four hours and comprise a tour with one of our Learning Assistants, an activity and time for lunch. There is also the option to visit the shop if you would like to.
If you would prefer to only have a tour, or you want to see about a different activity to those specified below, we can arrange this – just let us know when you book.
You'll be based in the schoolroom for your visit where you can leave your bags safely and have your lunch.
There are several activities we offer as standard – you can choose one of these for your visit:
If you'd like to discuss other ideas for activities for your group, just let us know.
Buckland Abbey is registered with Hyundai's Great British School Trip bursary scheme. To find out more, visit their website at https://greatbritishschooltrip.com/
From university study groups to gardening clubs, groups of all sizes are welcome on visits to Buckland Abbey. As with school groups, please book your visit in advance.
Download our group visit brochure (PDF)
Your group is welcome to conduct their visit on an ad hoc basis, or guided tours of the Abbey can be arranged when you book your visit. If there's something specific you are interested in finding out more about, such as costume making or the gardens, let us know and we'll be happy to work with you to plan your tour, talk or activity. We allow one guide for 15 people and there is a small charge.
If you would like to organise specific catering, or your group wishes to visit the cafe all together, please let us know.
Parties of 15 or more people will benefit from group rates. Payment by cash or card for the whole party should be made by the group leader on the day at Visitor Welcome. National Trust members in your group should come and have their card scanned when payment is made. Group leaders and coach drivers go free.
If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk
Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.
Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.
We strongly advise that you do not use sat nav to get here, as it will take you down narrow lanes unsuitable for large vehicles. Instead, please follow the Buckland Abbey signs from the main A386 Plymouth to Tavistock road.
Parking for coaches and minibuses is available in the main car park, and there is a buggy service for any visitors who would like to be brought down to Visitor Welcome from there. Depending on staff availability, we are sometimes able to offer an introduction on the coach. Please enquire about this when you book.
You can download a PDF of Buckland Abbey's access statement here
Alternatively, this link will take you to Buckland's page on the AccessAble website: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/buckland-abbey-national-trust
You can download a visual guide to Buckland Abbey here
To request further information or make a booking, please email us. We will aim to respond within 5 working days.
Find out when Buckland Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Explore the abbey which is part museum, part house, and filled with treasures. Step inside the medieval Great Barn: a tithe barn unchanged since it was built centuries ago.
Discover Buckland's ancient woodland on one of three colour coded walking routes. With abundant wildlife and far reaching views, it's a peaceful and fascinating place to enjoy a stroll.
See the painting at Buckland Abbey which was revealed as a genuine self-portrait by the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt.
Discover a wealth of history at Buckland Abbey, from its time as a medieval farming monastery to the famous Tudor explorers who called it home.
Take a break at the Ox Yard Café, which serves tea, coffee, light lunches and sweet treats, before finding a special gift or souvenir in the National Trust shop, art galleries and second-hand bookshop.
If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.
If you're planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.
Visiting us with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.