Buckfast Abbey’s Education Centre has recently experienced a busy few weeks, welcoming over 1,000 visitors from local schools to take part in its immersive programme of Easter workshops. This year’s sessions explored the meaning of Lent, and recollected the powerful events of Holy Week and Easter, considering their significance for Christians. For younger children, the journey unfolded through the eyes of Benedict the donkey, helping them to connect with the story in a creative and accessible way. Older pupils were invited to deepen their understanding through a guided trail around the Abbey church, experiencing the narrative within the inspiring surroundings of the Abbey itself.

Across all sessions, pupils were encouraged to reflect, discuss, and explore, by visiting the Abbey church, taking part in craft activities, and exploring an interactive trail around the Abbey grounds. Our feedback following the sessions has been overwhelmingly positive:

‘The best trip ever!’
‘Very knowledgeable and helpful staff.’ ‘Really well organised.’
‘All the children absolutely loved their visit and were really engaged.’
As we move into the summer term, our regular programme for schools resumes, with just a limited number of dates still available (although we are also taking bookings for the Autumn term 2026 and beyond). We invite groups from nursery age through to college level, and our programmes are carefully designed to inspire curiosity, reflection, and engagement with faith, history, and place.

To find out more, please visit www.buckfast.org.uk/education/introduction/