Buckland Abbey
A 13th-century Cistercian abbey converted into a residence, where Sir Francis Drake once lived. It houses the legendary 'Drake's Drum'.
After the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey was converted into a house by the Grenville family. In 1581, after Drake returned from his circumnavigation of the globe, he bought the abbey and lived there. The house displays Drake's life story, the legendary Drake's Drum, which is said to sound by itself when the country is in danger, and an early self-portrait by Rembrandt on rotating display. Outside are a giant medieval tithe barn, gardens and woodland trails. It is managed by the National Trust, with entry around £18. It is about a 20-minute drive from Plymouth, on the western edge of Dartmoor.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Burrator Reservoir
- Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement
- Church of St Michael de Rupe, Brentor
- Princetown & Dartmoor Prison Museum
- Lydford Gorge
- Wistman's Wood
- Postbridge Clapper Bridge
- Bellever Forest & Tor