Buckland Abbey's estate
Discover Buckland's ancient woodland on one of three colour coded routes. With abundant wildlife and far reaching views, it's a peaceful and fascinating place to enjoy.
Estate routes closure
Please note that due to significant damage caused by Storm Darragh, the blue route is currently closed for safety. Thank you for your understanding.
Buckland Abbey's ancient woodland
Buckland's woodland has a long and important history. For centuries, the Cistercian monks who lived here were responsible for managing it, and today the Rangers and volunteers follow in their footsteps, working hard to protect and care for the land around the Abbey.
Exploring the woods, you'll spot evidence of historic paths such as Cot Lane, which was the monks' main access route from the Abbey to the river. Features such as the carp pond are lasting reminders of how the estate was once managed, and sheep and cattle grazing the fields echo the estate's agricultural past.
In the woodland you'll see evidence of tree felling, where softwood trees have been cleared to make way for the regeneration of broadleaf varieties and native wildflowers. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of deer, kingfishers or one of the many other species that have made their home in this special place.
To discover more about Buckland Abbey's ambition to plant over 30,000 trees as part of the Community Forest Project, take a look at the article link below.
Woodland trails through the estate
These three circular routes take in the best of the Great North Wood and its wildlife.
- Yellow route – 0.75 miles (1.2km)
- This walk has step-free buggy and Tramper-friendly sections, and lasts about 30–45 minutes. However, please note that it's off-road and follows fields and some woodland tracks. The paths aren’t paved so they can get muddy and there are some slopes and gentle hills
- Red route – 2.5 miles (4km)
- Allow at least one hour to complete this picturesque route that takes in the fields and woodland. Walking boots or wellies are recommended as the paths can be uneven and get quite muddy, especially after heavy rain.
- Blue route – 2.9 miles (4.7km) - currently closed
- For a longer trail, the blue route takes about 1.5–2 hours, heading through the woodlands and has gorgeous views overlooking the river. Walking boots are essential for this walk.
The Natural Play Area
The play area at the start of the red walk on Buckland's estate is a fantastic place for children to explore and let off steam.
Complete with stepping stones, balance beams, climbing logs and more, all of the timber used in creating the playground was reclaimed from fallen trees on the estate, and crafted by Ranger staff and volunteers.
Making the most of your visit
There are several great picnic spots around the estate. Why not pause on one of the benches and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the place, or visit the Higher Paddock play area before heading into the woods?
Dogs are welcome on all of the estate walks. We ask that they are kept on leads at all times due to livestock grazing and sensitive wildlife habitats in the woodlands.
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Bluebell trail at Buckland Abbey
This trail takes you through woodland and fields as you explore Buckland Abbey. With some sloping sections, you'll follow the track to some of the best displays of bluebells and wild garlic on the estate.
Visiting Buckland Abbey and Great Barn
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.
Visiting Buckland Abbey with your dog
Buckland Abbey is a one pawprint rated place. There are plenty of dog-friendly walks through the woodland and countryside to explore and dogs are welcome to relax in the Ox Yard Café.
Buckland Abbey's gardens
From beautiful blooms to bountiful harvests, the gardens at Buckland Abbey are full of colour and seasonal interest. Soak up the history of this special place as you admire the planting, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity as you sit a while on one of the benches.
Countryside and woodland
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
The Community Forest Project at Buckland Abbey
This year we are delighted to be working in partnership with Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, and with grant funding from Defra’s Trees for Climate fund we’ll create, restore and connect around 50 hectares (ha) of new priority habitat – that’s about the same area as 63 football fields. This will include a combination of lowland mixed deciduous woodland, traditional orchard, wood pasture and parkland and hedgerows.
Commemorative giving at Buckland Abbey
Whether you would like to make a gift in celebration of a special event, in memory of a loved one or just because, why not consider donating towards a project here at Buckland Abbey?