Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre

Located within a peaceful wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Abbey is one of Devon’s most iconic heritage destinations, combining over 1,000 years of history, dramatic monastic architecture and extensive conference facilities within an active Benedictine monastery. Originally founded in 1018 and rebuilt by Benedictine monks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Abbey has evolved into one of the South West’s most unique conference, retreat and cultural event venues.

Set within beautifully maintained gardens beside the River Dart, the estate blends spiritual heritage, modern conferencing infrastructure and landscaped outdoor spaces to create an event environment that feels calm, distinctive and highly memorable. Unlike traditional corporate venues, Buckfast Abbey offers a far more reflective and immersive atmosphere, making it particularly attractive for conferences, leadership retreats, educational gatherings and wellbeing-focused events.

Event Spaces

Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre

At the heart of the venue’s event offering is Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre, a purpose-built contemporary conference facility featuring flexible seminar rooms, breakout spaces and the newly refurbished Schiller Hall. The venue supports conferences, presentations, networking events, dinners and training sessions with integrated AV infrastructure and natural daylight throughout.

Schiller Hall

One of the venue’s standout event spaces, Schiller Hall recently underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment including a new mezzanine level and terrace overlooking the Abbey Church, gardens and River Dart. The hall is designed for conferences, exhibitions, dinners and large-scale hospitality events.

Seminar & Meeting Rooms

Supporting the main conference spaces are a collection of additional seminar and meeting rooms accommodating smaller meetings, workshops and executive gatherings. Most overlook the landscaped Abbey gardens, creating a more relaxed and peaceful meeting environment than many city-centre venues.

Gardens & Abbey Grounds

One of the estate’s defining features is its landscaped gardens and monastic grounds, offering opportunities for outdoor receptions, reflective breaks, networking and wellbeing-focused event experiences.

Residential Conferences & Accommodation

Residential conferences and retreats are supported through the adjacent Northgate House Hotel and Grangehurst House accommodation. This allows Buckfast Abbey to support multi-day conferences, retreats and leadership programmes within the wider estate.

Dining & Hospitality

The conference centre has developed a strong reputation for its in-house catering and hospitality offering, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and freshly prepared food. Homemade biscuits served during delegate breaks are particularly well known amongst returning conference clients.

Facilities & Services

Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre offers integrated AV facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, conference catering, presentation equipment and dedicated event support. The venue’s balance of heritage atmosphere and modern functionality makes it one of Devon’s strongest dedicated conference venues.

Ideal For

• Conferences & Corporate Events

• Leadership Retreats

• Training Events

• Educational Conferences

• Networking Events

• Wellbeing Retreats

• Private Dining

• Residential Conferences

• Presentations

• Workshops

• Cultural Events

• Charity Gatherings

Key Features

• Historic Benedictine Abbey Setting

• Purpose-Built Conference Centre

• Schiller Hall Event Space

• Landscaped Gardens & River Views

• Dartmoor National Park Location

• Modern AV Infrastructure

• Residential Conference Capability

• Peaceful Countryside Environment

• Free On-Site Parking

• Contemporary Seminar Rooms

• Historic Monastic Atmosphere

• Dedicated Event Support

• Over 1,000 Years of History

• One of Devon’s Most Iconic Heritage Venues

Why Hire Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey offers one of the South West’s most distinctive conference and retreat environments, combining historic monastic heritage, modern conference facilities and peaceful countryside surroundings within a nationally recognised landmark setting. Its unique atmosphere creates events that feel calm, reflective and genuinely memorable for delegates.

Whether hosting a conference, leadership retreat, networking event or educational gathering, the venue delivers a highly professional yet tranquil experience supported by excellent facilities and exceptional surroundings.