The ancient and historic market town of Buckfastleigh lies on the southern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, midway between Exeter and Plymouth, and just twelve miles from Torbay. Originally and to this day, two settlements, Buckfast and Buckfastleigh, both are now thought of as one, and dominated by the magnificent Buckfast Abbey, which was first established in 1018. The Abbey itself is self supporting and probably best known for it`s famous Buckfast Tonic Wine and the popular Benedictine Honey, both produced by the monks, alongside a variety of other craft goods such as stained glass and pottery, and all of which are available for purchase by the general public.
Within walking distance of the abbey you will find Buckfastleigh Butterfly Farm and the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, where you can watch the most beautiful tropical butterflies emerging from their cocoons one minute, and then enjoy the playful underwater world of the otters the next. The picturesque South Devon Steam Railway, runs alongside the sanctuary, adding a touch of nostalgia to the holiday perfect day out.
Buckfastleigh`s award winning town centre, brimming with local
folklore, is a haven of tiny craft shops, cafes and mysterious
alleyways, and also boasts a good selection of pubs, inns and
restaurants.
Above the town, the old Holy Trinity Church, harbours the mausoleum of the Cabell family who once dominated Buckfastleigh. Their infamous son Richard was securely laid to rest in the "Penhouse" here, only to be visited, according to legend, by howling black dogs from the moors, breathing fire from their nostrils. It was this eerie legend which inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write his chilling period novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Rather more modern dogs, mainly of the sheep-herding variety, plus a host of other exciting animals and attractions are be found at the award winning Pennywell Farm, just a few minutes drive from Buckfastleigh.
Steeped in history and ghostly Devon tales, there are even still some rather strange but yet enticing "happenings" going in Buckfastleigh - such as Lamb Pie Day, May Fun Day, and Pear Pie Day, to name but a few. The regular Buckfastleigh Farmers Market, held every Thursday is also worthy of mention. Here you will find all manner of fresh farm produce on offer, much of which is now organic. So there is no excuse for going without good healthy food on a Buckfastleigh self catering holiday. Accompanied by a glass of Buckfast Tonic wine, of course!
Buckfastleigh is a truly warm and intriguing town in which to sample some of the famous and less famous delights of Devon.
|
Missed something? |
