Buckfastleigh is a small and lively market town on the very south west edge of the Dartmoor National Park, up the River Dart from Dartmouth, and flanked by gorgeous countryside of wild moorland, rolling hills and secluded valleys. Because of its size there are limited accommodation options here, but we've unearthed a couple of goodies. One of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Buckfastleigh is on the River Dart, and one is within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park.

Most visitors here head straight for the famous abbey, which dates back to medieval times, but may be more famous today for its tonic wine — Buckfast. But it’s also fun and family friendly, what with its station on the South Devon Steam Railway (a steam train that puffs along to Totnes), its Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, and Pennywell Farm, a sort of ‘show farm’ for families.

If you're planning to visit the region in the peak summer months and want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay Buckfastleigh, don't forget to book well ahead. It's an incredibly popular part of the UK!

The Best Places to Stay in Buckfastleigh

For a Countryside Retreat

• Mitchelcroft is the perfect retreat, a three room B&B located within the Dartmoor National Park. Each of the rooms are different, but they all have a private deck overlooking the park, and offering a comfortable place to sit and contemplate its vast beauty. The breakfast room has floor to ceiling windows too, and the breakfasts they serve will set you up well for a day of exploring. The hosts will also rustle up packed lunches.

For Great Value

• Kilbury Manor is a charming longhouse manor conversion, set on four acres along the River Dart, and just south of Dartmoor. Now run as a B&B, with four very pleasant rooms, plus a self-catering cottage, Kilbury Manor is a warm and welcoming place — the owner was a finalist in the AA’s Friendliest Landlady of the Year awards. Two of the rooms are in the main house and two are in the barn, and all have lovely views of the pretty gardens.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Buckfastleigh’s closest airport is Exeter Airport, which is about half an hour away by car or taxi. If you’re travelling via London, the journey from there by train takes about three hours, leaving from Paddington, and arriving at Totnes — from there you have to take a ten minute taxi journey.
• If you would like the freedom of your own car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Buckfastleigh’s climate is fairly temperate, and it’s just back far enough from the coast to miss some of Dartmouth’s rain, so it’s drier, and also slightly cooler. Buckfastleigh has four distinct seasons, with the chance of rain thought out the year, but more likely in autumn and winter. Expect temperatures into the 20°Cs during the summer, and around 10°C during winter.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Devon
• Focus your search around the Tamar Valley and Dartmoor National Park
• Consider Buckfastleigh’s neighbours and check out the best places to stay in Dartmouth, the best places to stay in Tavistock or Salcombe
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.