Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey forms part of an active Benedictine monastery. Dedicated to Saint Mary, it was founded in 1018 and run by the Cistercian order from 1147 until it was destroyed under the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In 1882 monks began living there again, and today it is a Benedictine foundation.
The Abbey is self-supporting, with a farm where vegetables are grown and bees, pigs and cattle are kept, a shop which sells wine, honey beeswax, fudge and other items made by religious communities throughout the world, and a gift shop, book shop, and restaurant.
The South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway is the longest established steam railway in the south west. It is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Running steam trains with heritage rolling stock.
http://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/
Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies
Wander around the otter sanctuary and butterfly farm and see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings. See the otters swimming underwater in specially built glass enclosures.
http://www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk/
The Valiant Soldier
The Valiant Soldier was an active pub in Buckfastleigh which closed in the late 1960’s and never re-opened. Everything was literally left as it was and today, it’s open as a museum, giving visitors a glimpse of the past.
http://www.valiantsoldier.org.uk/
The Eden Project
The Eden Project close to St Austell in Cornwall is also within easy reach.