Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE
Next service Sunday 19 July · 10:30 — Conventual Mass
Quick answer
Buckfast Abbey is a Roman Catholic church at Buckfast in Buckfastleigh, England. Sunday services include Conventual Mass at 10:30 and Vespers & Benediction at 17:00 — times verified 1 July 2026, but confirm with the parish before travelling. Church Near Me lists the address, contact details and what to expect below.
At a Glance
Verified 1 July 2026
- Denomination
- Roman Catholic (catholic)
- Location
- Buckfastleigh, England
- Postcode
- TQ11 0EE
- Diocese
- Diocese of Plymouth
- Main service
- Sunday 10:30 — Conventual Mass
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair access
Service & Mass Times
Service times verified 1 July 2026 — confirm with the parish before travelling.
Conventual Mass
Vespers & Benediction
Conventual Mass
Vespers
Lauds (Morning Prayer)
About Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey was first founded in 1018 and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. The present abbey church was rebuilt from 1907 to 1938 by just six Benedictine monks led by Brother Peter, who taught themselves stonemasonry to complete the work — a feat unique in modern Christian history. Today it is home to an active Benedictine community whose work includes beekeeping (the Buckfast bee is renowned worldwide), honey, tonic wine and stained glass. The abbey welcomes around 600,000 visitors a year.
Notable facts about Buckfast Abbey
- Churches styled "abbey" trace their roots to monastic communities once led by an abbot or abbess, and many are among the oldest and most architecturally significant places of worship in the country.
- The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world and in the UK, tracing its leadership in continuous succession from the Apostle Peter.
- Buckfast Abbey belongs to the Diocese of Plymouth, the regional family of churches through which its tradition organises worship, clergy and community life.
- With 5 regular services listed across 3 days of the week, Buckfast Abbey offers a fuller rhythm of worship than many local churches.
- Buckfast Abbey has made a point of being welcoming to all, with accessibility features including wheelchair access.
What to Expect at a Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic worship centres on the Mass, the celebration of the Eucharist. A typical Mass includes readings from Scripture, a homily, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion, and usually lasts around an hour. Most parishes offer a Saturday evening Vigil Mass as well as Sunday morning Masses, along with regular opportunities for confession (reconciliation). Visitors of any background are welcome to attend.
Facilities & Accessibility
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access
- Working monastery
- Daily monastic offices
- Monastic Way exhibition
- Restaurant and café
- Conference centre
- Free parking
- Beekeeping centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey is located at Buckfast, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EE, England. You can open directions to it using the map link on this page.
What denomination is Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey is a Roman Catholic church, part of the Diocese of Plymouth. You can read more about the Roman Catholic tradition, its beliefs and how it worships on our denomination guide.
What time are services at Buckfast Abbey?
Buckfast Abbey holds regular services on Sunday, Weekdays, Daily; see the full list of service times on this page. Times can change for holidays and special occasions, so it is worth checking with the church before visiting.
How do I contact Buckfast Abbey?
You can contact Buckfast Abbey by phone, by email or through its website using the details in the contact panel on this page.
Can anyone attend Buckfast Abbey?
Yes. Like almost all Christian churches in England, Buckfast Abbey welcomes visitors and newcomers to its public services, whatever your background or experience of church.