Retreats at Buckfast Abbey
‘O God, you are my God, for you I long.’ (Psalm 62)
Monastery Retreat Quarters
Monks and nuns have welcomed travellers for 1500 years. They still do today at Buckfast. The remains of the great medieval Guest Hall bear witness to our predecessors’ commitment to this duty in past centuries.
Gentlemen are welcome to stay for a few days in the Monastery Retreat Quarters. Accommodation in the Retreat Quarters is offered for a maximum of 7 days and is intended for those wishing to attend a quiet spiritual retreat. For guests wishing to enjoy more of a holiday-style stay, Northgate House Hotel is more appropriate. Ladies and married couples are to contact accommodation@buckfast.org.uk to enquire about taking a retreat in the separate facilities.
Guests are able to attend the Daily Office and Conventual Mass of the Monastic Community.
The Retreat Quarters are accessed by several flights of stairs, as is the Abbey Church from the Retreat Quarters. There is no lift in the Monastery for access to the Retreat Quarters.
Guests may leave a donation for their stay. Donations should cover the costs of the stay.
Please note that we have no availability in the Monastery Guest quarters on the following dates:
18th to the 29th of August
1st to the 8th September
11th to the 15th of September
18th to the 29th of September
Roman Catholic Clergy should read the attached policy if engaging in any form of public active ministry within the territory of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Safeguarding is an integral part of Buckfast Abbey please see our Safeguarding policy on our web site, if you any safeguarding concerns please tell the guest master.
Clergy Retreat – 02/02/26 – 06/02/26
Led by Mgr. Keith Barltrop
He will grant your heart’s desire (Ps. 37:4)
Literary Retreat – 13/04/26 – 17/04/26
Led by Dr Andrew Kaethler
Join us as we explore the complementary spirituality of Chesterton and Lewis.
Vocations Retreat- 05/06/26 – 07/06/26
Led by Fr Andrew Robinson
Join the monastic community over the Corpus Christi weekend for daily Mass, the Divine Office and guided talks.
Prayer Retreat – 12/10/26 – 16/10/26
Led by: Sue Price
An opportunity to explore the importance of prayer in the Christian life.
If you would like to attend one of our retreats, please complete our Guided Retreat Enquiry form:
Notice Board:
Public transport: There are mainline train stations at Newton Abbot and Totnes, with the number 88 bus connecting all three places. Unfortunately, this service does not run on Sundays and Bank Holidays, but our local taxi companies are used to providing transfers to and from the Abbey. For a truly unique experience, during the busier months, it may be possible to travel by steam train from Totnes to Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway!
