Located within Devon’s verdant valley landscape, you will discover Buckland Abbey as a historical site that extends natural tranquility throughout its entire grounds. These buildings have transcended their status as mere dwelling places to hold threefold virtues of history, natural beauty, and inner tranquility. Before becoming a haven of natural serenity for people seeking tranquility from crowds, Sir Francis Drake made his home in this place.
If you are going to visit southwest England or live in a nearby city, then the gardens of Buckland Abbey are definitely worth visiting this season. There is something special hidden at every turn here—the bloom of flowers, old trees, quiet paths, and the peace that we seem to have lost somewhere in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Top 10 Things to See in Buckland Abbey Gardens
Let us now know about those 10 special reasons due to which the gardens of Buckland Abbey must be seen this season.
1. Herbaceous borders—the magic of colors
As the weather starts to warm up, rows of plants along the garden borders are adorned with colorful flowers. You can find flowers of every color and size here.
What to look for:
- Tall delphiniums in shades of blue and purple
- Yellow rudbeckia and pink-orange echinacea, buzzing with bees
- Tall grasses swaying in the breeze that make the whole garden come alive
A moment for yourself:
Sit on a bench, just close your eyes and feel the fragrance of the flowers and the hum of the bees—believe me, the mind will become calm automatically.
2. Cider House Garden—A hidden treasure
The small garden stands behind its main building, confined by surrounding walls. Your first step in this area transforms your perception into such a peculiar place.
Here you will find:
- Old-fashioned roses, from pale pink to deep red
- Sculptured trees and vines that look straight out of a fairy tale
- Beautiful views of the abbey peeking through the green archways
Best time to take photos:
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening, when the light is dim and the crowds are less—then the true beauty of the place can be captured on camera.
3. Centuries-old trees—silent witnesses of history
The grounds of Buckland Abbey have some trees that have stood for hundreds of years. These are not just trees but witnesses of history.
Trees to see:
- The giant sweet chestnut that stands next to the Great Barn
- Old, gnarled oaks that are fun to sit under and tell stories to children
- Long shadows that the trees cast on the lawn
A personal experience:
Put your hand on the bark of these trees and think—how many generations these trees have seen, how many storms they have weathered, and yet they stand calm.
4. Flower-lined paths to the Great Barn
Although not a formal part of the garden, the path to the Great Barn is lined with flowers, shrubs, and aromatic plants.
Highlights:
- Lavender, rosemary, and other fragrant herbs
- Butterflies and bees hovering over each flower
- Great place for wedding or family photos.
5. Orchards and apple trees
Between summer and autumn, the orchards are full of apple and pear trees, either in flower or in fruit.
In season:
- Apples and pears ripening slowly on trees
- Some trees still in bloom
- Quiet trails that calm your mind as you walk
Tip: If you visit in autumn, you might be able to catch a local apple tasting or cider-making demo.
6. Wildflower Meadow – where flowers bloom freely
Gardens today are often very tidy, but there’s one area at Buckland Abbey where flowers are allowed to bloom at their own pace: Wildflower Meadow.
Features:
- Buttercups, poppies, daisies, cornflowers – all swaying in the breeze
- A haven for butterflies, bees and insects
- Interspersed with trails where you can walk amongst the flowers yourself
A moment of peace:
Lay on the grass, look up at the clouds and feel a light mind. The best therapy for free.
7. Woodland Walk – Relaxing in the woods
Walking the woodland paths that surround the abbey feels like a fairytale.
Enjoy:
- Bluebells blooming in spring
- Mossy trees, fallen trunks – a thrill for the kids
- The occasional squirrel or woodpecker
8. Seasonal planting – something new every month
The gardening team work hard to ensure there is something new to see every season.
Current colour:
- Deep red, orange and purple dahlias
- Sedum and Heuchera that provide texture and colour
- Some beautiful roses blooming even in the cold
9. Water Garden – A feeling of coolness
Buckland Abbey also has a small but very lovely water garden.
Worth seeing:
- Dragonflies flying on the surface
- Reflections of the sky and walls seen in the water
- Best place to sit in the cool shade for a while
10. Art in the gardens – A confluence of nature and creativity
Many a times in the gardens here, you can suddenly see a sculpture or art installation – sometimes hidden behind a bush, sometimes placed among flowers.
Why is it special:
- Gives a new perspective to look at plants
- Supports local artists
- There is something new to see every time
A moment for yourself:
Sit near a sculpture, and just look at it quietly for a while. Sometimes art says what the mind cannot say.
Final Thoughts – It’s not just a garden visit, it’s a spiritual experience
A visit to Buckland Abbey gardens not only gives you colours and fragrance, but also a deep sense of peace. Coming here, it feels like a human being has reconnected with nature – without mobiles, without the rush, just trees, flowers, soil and you.
So this time when you feel that life is going too fast,
just take a day out, wear good shoes, and walk in the gardens of Buckland Abbey.
Maybe there you will not only find flowers, but also meet yourself.
