Buckland Abbey

The National Trust say: "Tucked away in its own secluded valley above the River Tavy, Buckland was originally a small but influential Cistercian monastery. The house, which incorporates the remains of the 13th-century abbey church, has rich associations with Sir Francis Drake and his seafaring rival, Sir Richard Grenville, containing much interesting memorabilia from their time. There are exhibitions on Buckland’s 700-year history as well as a magnificent monastic barn, an unusual herb garden, delightful estate walks and craft workshops. Recent developments include a hand-crafted plasterwork ceiling in the Drake Chamber, the Cot Lane rural crafts area and a new Elizabethan garden. The Abbey is managed jointly by the National Trust and Plymouth City Museum."