Buckfast Abbey Retreat Centre
Announcement: Covid-19 Pandemic. Following the recent Government advice and given the large number of visitors to Buckfast Abbey, with much regret, we have decided that the responsible thing to do is to close the shops, exhibitions, toilets and catering facilities on the site for the foreseeable future. There will be very limited toilet facilities and an attendant will be present to sanitise.
The Abbey church, the grounds, car park and gardens remain open, but visitors enter these at their own risk and are reminded to keep “social distancing” from others. First Aid assistance is not available until further notice.
The monks have developed the Southgate retreat as an extension of the monastic guest quarters, enabling women and couples to stay at Buckfast Abbey on individually guided retreats. This means that guests are able to come here for a few days
or more, to unwind, recharge batteries and have the opportunity to attend monastic services in the Abbey Church.
The word retreat has many nuances. In the monastic context, one basic meaning is to stand back and to take stock of things in order to achieve perspective and insight in to the significance of our everyday lives. This can involve a time to be alone in order to read, think, reflect and pray. There may also be the opportunity to meet other guests and talk in a ‘neutral’ environment.
Southgate is one of the medieval entrances to the outer court of the monastery precinct. The original 13th Century building is thought to have been the Abbey’s Almhouses, providing shelter for the poor. The building is one of the first features to come into view when approaching the Abbey Church and is accessed from the main public car Park.
