Your visit at a glance
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. Confirm the current schedule with the church before travelling. Church Near Me lists the address, contact details and what to expect below.
Worship together
Mass and service times
The usual schedule recorded for this church. Check the official church notice or newsletter for this week’s arrangements. Times are local to the UK.
- Sunday10:30
Conventual Mass
- Sunday17:00
Vespers & Benediction
- Weekdays12:05
Conventual Mass
- Weekdays18:00
Vespers
- Daily07:00
Lauds (Morning Prayer)
The church & its community
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.
- Christian tradition
- Roman Catholic
- Town & country
- Buckfastleigh, England
- Postcode
- TQ11 0EE
- Diocese
- Diocese of Plymouth
A little preparation helps
Planning your first visit
- Choose a service. Check the church’s current notice for changes, especially at Christmas, Easter or on bank holidays.
- Plan your arrival. Use the address below and ask about the entrance, parking or public transport if you need help.
- Let someone welcome you. Tell a steward or welcomer it is your first visit; you can ask where to sit and how to follow the service.
What is worship in this tradition usually like?
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.
This describes the wider tradition. The format at this particular church may vary.
Visit with confidence
Accessibility and facilities
Access information recorded for this church:
- Wheelchair access
Other listed facilities and activities
- Working monastery
- Daily monastic offices
- Monastic Way exhibition
- Restaurant and café
- Conference centre
- Free parking
- Beekeeping centre
Ask the church about your particular requirements, including the route from the entrance to seating and toilets. A listed feature may not describe every part of the building.
Questions to ask about access →Questions about Buckfast Abbey
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?
The listed schedule for Buckfast Abbey is Sunday 10:30 (Conventual Mass); Sunday 17:00 (Vespers & Benediction); Weekdays 12:05 (Conventual Mass); Weekdays 18:00 (Vespers); Daily 07:00 (Lauds (Morning Prayer)). Confirm with the church before travelling, especially on holidays or for special services.
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.