About
Buckland Abbey is one of England's most historically layered houses, occupying a building that began life in 1278 as a Cistercian monastery, was transformed into a private house following the Dissolution, and became the home of one of the most famous Englishmen who ever lived — Sir Francis Drake. Now owned and managed by the National Trust, it stands in a serene valley above the River Tavy on the southern edge of Dartmoor, surrounded by landscaped gardens and ancient farm buildings.
The abbey was founded by Amicia, Countess of Devon, as a house of the Cistercian order, and the monks of Buckland farmed the fertile Devon valleys for nearly three centuries before Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries swept away the religious community in 1539. The monastic buildings were subsequently purchased and converted into a private house, an extraordinary architectural transformation that saw the great medieval church adapted into a residence while preserving many of its original features.
In 1581, Sir Francis Drake — privateer, circumnavigator, Vice Admiral, and England's most celebrated sea captain — purchased Buckland Abbey and made it his home. Drake had recently completed his epoch-making voyage around the world (1577–1580), the first English circumnavigation of the globe, and was at the height of his fame and fortune. At Buckland he entertained lavishly, organised the defence of Plymouth against the Spanish Armada, and spent the last years of his life between the house and the sea.
The house now contains rich collections relating to Drake's life and seafaring career, including the world-famous Drake's Drum — the drum reputedly beaten during the circumnavigation and still preserved at Buckland today. Legend holds that the drum will beat of its own accord when England is in danger. The collections also encompass medieval monastic artefacts, Tudor furnishings, paintings, and maps that together tell the story of this extraordinary place.
The surrounding estate includes a working farm courtyard with historic outbuildings, a tithe barn of exceptional size, beautiful walled gardens, and peaceful woodland walks. The combination of monastic architecture, Tudor history, Drake's legacy, and the timeless Devon landscape makes Buckland Abbey an exceptional day out.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Don't miss Drake's Drum — it's one of the most famous objects in English history and the emotional heart of the house.
- National Trust members enter free. The property is well worth a dedicated visit rather than a brief stop.
- Allow at least half a day — the house, barn, gardens, and grounds all merit proper exploration. Arrive early to beat summer afternoon crowds.
- Car is by far the most practical way to get here. Parking is free with admission.
- Children are captivated by Drake's Drum and the legends attached to it. Ask the room guides about the drum's role in English folklore — the stories are vivid and memorable.
- Combine with a visit to Morwellham Quay on the Tamar — both offer complementary views of Devon's Tudor and Victorian heritage in a single day.
- The Devon cream teas in the tea room are exceptional — the true Devonshire style with jam below the clotted cream is vigorously defended here.
- The medieval building means some areas have uneven floors — wear stable, comfortable footwear. The ground floor and farm buildings are largely accessible.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The collections at Buckland Abbey are held by the National Trust and encompass medieval stonework, Tudor portraits and furnishings, Drake family memorabilia, navigational instruments, maps, arms and armour, and domestic objects spanning the monastic, Tudor, and later periods. Drake's Drum is the most significant single object.
Drake's Story
Collections relating to Sir Francis Drake's life, his circumnavigation, the Spanish Armada, and Drake's Drum.
The Medieval Abbey
Displays exploring the Cistercian monastic history of Buckland and the dramatic conversion of the abbey into a private house.
The Great Hall
Elizabethan state rooms with portraits, furnishings, and decorative arts from the Drake period.
The Tithe Barn
One of the largest medieval barns in Devon, with agricultural and estate history displays.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.