The Abbey Inn


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The Abbey Inn descritpion


Located in Buckfast, Devon, and nestled inside Dartmoor National Park, The Abbey Inn offers bed and breakfast accommodation, a bar and a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and free private parking is possible on site.
Each of the en suite rooms at The Abbey Inn features a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms also offer a sofa, and all benefit from views to River Dart.
The bar and restaurant offer an open fire, award-winning beer, excellent wines and traditional English dishes. Guests can enjoy homemade meals freshly prepared with locally sourced produce.
The property is set in a 3-storey quarry house from the 18th century, and remains hidden from view of the road.
This bed and breakfast is just 2 minutes off the A38 road, and 30 minutes’ drive away from Plymouth and Torquay. The famous Buckfast Abbey is a mere 5-minute stroll away.

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Facilities of The Abbey Inn

Outdoors :Grounds | Terrace

Pets :Pets are not allowed.

Activities :Fishing | Cycling

Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar

Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking :Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Services :Baggage Storage

General :Non-smoking Rooms | Heating

Reviews for The Abbey Inn

Review 1:We didn't like having breakfast in the public area with the inevitable to-ing and fro-ing of the staff. We were disappointed that the only coffee on offer was instant. Otherwise breakfast OK.

Review 2:We liked our room which was nicely decorated and a good size and comfortable.

Review 3:A beautiful, picturesque location and building/interior. The bedroom was very comfortable and clean and the food, both at dinner and breakfast was super.

Review 4:The family room above us kids made a terrible noise bouncing on the beds banging around until 10 30 at night Which was aa shame

Review 5:The position of the room was great and the food was great

Review 6:Poor lighting in the bedroom. Too many stairs to bedroom. The mattress on one of the beds was well used and needs replacing.

Review 7:Staff were friendly and helpful. Food was good quality and service was good.

Review 8:I had a lovely big room with a really comfortable bed. The en suite was entirely too compact - quite a squeeze to use it. The food was OK but the service slow and not very good

Review 9:I couldn't recommend the fish and chips although the cooked breakfast was very good. Strange growly noises from the bathroom waste system and the elec shower very weak although the radiator was very warm.

Review 10:Scenic riverside location..ok for a convenient one night stop off.

Review 11:Mattress springs on the edge of going. My wife would have appreciated a lamp next to the dressing table mirror.

Review 12:Wonderful location. Spacious room with openable window. Plenty of hot water. Friendly helpful staff. Good breakfast, and satisfactory food in restaurant although vegetables cooked in a traditional English style. Good beer and wine list.

Review 13:Delay / confusion over my dinner order which took over an hour to arrive. Bathroom a bit shabby, shower head holder fell off the wall during shower, & shower tray almost flooded through not draining. A few very loud unidentified bangs and clangs during the night & early hours, presumably plumbing or doors slamming?

Review 14:Gorgeous riverside location. Generally very good service, particularly from the bar maid & manager.

Review 15:We did not have any bad experiences here.

Review 16:The Location and the Car Parking. Nice Room and comfortable bed. Food good and wholesome, large portions. Friendly Staff.

Review 17:Steps were creaky but manageable. We didn't like having to leave!

Review 18:The location beside the Dart River is wonderful - our room looked down on the river and the sound of the water lulled us to sleep each night. Breakfasts are excellent - and we thoroughly enjoyed a couple of evening meals in the restaurant. The separate access to street level avoids carrying luggage up too many steps.

Review 19:Evening Meal service was very slow even though there were not many people there. The Car Park was a long way from the Hotel. Had to carry own bags. Room on 2nd floor and no lift. On a noisy main road and opposite a industrial site.

Review 20:The shower was unusable, first attempt meant scalding hot water, second attempt meant using water from the sink to wash my hair as it was the only way possible without burning my skin. Same in room other family members stayed in.

Review 21:Was suitable for the event we were attending near by.

Review 22:Tiny ensuite with quirky plumbing.

Review 23:Fantastic riverside location. Close to South Devon Railway and Dartington craft shopping centre. Lovely staff and good food, especially breakfast.

Review 24:Window catches did not work to keep windows open . Toilet seat broken. Same menu including specials the same on two successive nights. Nowhere to sit except in crowded bar

Review 25:Friendliness of staff

Review 26:Beds so soft felt like a hammock but didn't wake with backache

Review 27:Lovely old inn with ample parking, restaurant on premises. Situated on the river Dart with garden tables for drink and food.

Review 28:There was a lot of hurrying us up at the end of our meal. We sat down at 8.30 and went straight to a main course. The staff weren't interested in offering us pudding and when we asked for coffee we were told the machine had been switched off! Similarly at checkout time my friend needed extra time in her room because of a medical issue; despite telling the manager this the staff hustled my friend incessantly. Not good customer care considering we'd spent on two rooms, dinner and drinks!

Review 29:Beautiful setting by the river Dart, clean rooms and generally friendly staff. Food was decent and breakfast was fine.

Review 30:only concern was how hot room was though an electric fan had been thoughtfully provided

Review 31:everyone very friendly,i left a dress behind in wardrobe which Abbey Inn is kindly posting to me.

Review 32:The ensuite was like being in a cupboard. Toilet seat loose, nowhere to hang clothes or shelving for sponge bag items.Lighting in the room was poor, insufficient for reading or close work. Overall décor of room and other areas tired and shabby

Review 33:Bedding was clean and food was good

Review 34:Bar decor back in the seventies! Smell of food rather pervasive in bar and rooms too much microwave,.

Review 35:Clean room, comfortable bed, lovely river sounds out of the window, good location, friendly staff, helpful. Peace and independence and trusting staff.

Review 36:The room was very jaded and in need of an upgrade, but never the less, comfortable. Also right next to the main road which was noisy.

Review 37:The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the breakfast was excellent. The room was lovely and clean and although we did not get the opportunity to have dinner their it looked very popular and reasonable.

Review 38:We didn't know what to expect. We asked for a view of the river. And received a magnificent position overlooking the river. The hotel is old, the setting is old. The staff few, but the service excellent and friendly. We came to see the Abbey but found so much more of interest. Very much a country local pub with accommodation. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Review 39:Quite a few stairs, may be worth asking for 1st floor room.

Review 40:Helpful & friendly staff, good food in Restaurant ( booking recommended ) would definitely stay again.

Review 41:En-suite was somewhat bijou but everything worked fine.

Review 42:Location was perfect, food and beer was good. Plenty of parking. Wifi worked very well. Nice and clean. Always plenty of hot water and heating on tap if needed.Would not hesitate to stay here again.

Review 43:The bed was really hard. I still was able to sleep but it wasn't really comfortable. I had trouble getting hot water in the morning but it was fine at night. The plumbing is old and the toilets make a huge noise as they flush.

Review 44:My room was overlooking the river. I opened my upper window a crack and all night I slept to the sound - so restful. The owners were terrific hosts and I felt at home immediately. They knew who I was immediately! I loved the look of my room and the size. The food was fabulous and the portions enormous. I had a whole trout for dinner!

Review 45:Bathroom very small. Nowhere to hang towels. In need of refurbishment

Review 46:Staff were friendly and helpful. Meals were well served and tasty. Great location next to River Dart

Review 47:shower had seen better eras but don't let put you off it was a minor inconvenience the rest made up for it

Review 48:Friendly helpful staff Excellent food, staff went out of their way to cater vegan offering a choice of 3 starters and 3 mains not on menu-very rare especially as not arranged in advance. wonderful view, overlooked river, room had seats to sit and relax whilst enjoying view also a modern 4-poster bed. great location, short walk from Buckfast Abbey also close to Otter sanctuary Given key to main door into resident area from outside so you could avoid pub area if you wished. Building itself has character including real fire-cosy :) wonderful location-doesn't look it at first but walk a short distance in either direction and you will find the local attractions, perfect for wandering

Review 49:Immediate welcome from the proprietor before I got to the bar to check in Interesting and quirky building in an attractive location beside the river Dart Excellent food

Review 50:Nothing!

Review 51:The range of draft beers, the composition of the evening menu, the quality of the food and the excellent breakfast. The room was a good size and was entirely satisfactory for our one night stay.

Review 52:The restaurant decor could be refreshed - old building with lots of character but could do with being brightened up as quite dingy without losing the character.

Review 53:The sound of the river was so relaxing. Staff were courteous, friendly and efficient and the food was delicious

Review 54:Nothing

Review 55:Surroundings Very large rooms with very comfortable beds Excellent friendly staff Excellent value for money - got something excellent for a very good/cheap rice Food/menu was excellent - he burgers were to die for Best place i have ever stayed on my business trips, will be back and recommend this place to others 10/10 all round no faults very very clean well done all.

Review 56:Said there was a sofa in the room on booking form but there was only 2 hard chairs. Breakfast only served up until 9am which when you are up early all week was not very restful for a weekend away.

Review 57:Good cooked breakfast.

Review 58:Mattresses not brilliant, too soft for us, but that's a personal preference.

Review 59:right next to the river. Very relaxing location. Nice full English breakfast.

Review 60:No residence lounge.

Review 61:Very attractive location close to the river.Very comfortable bed .The room was warm and comfortable .The food was good and offered very good value for money.

Review 62:It was clean, spacious with lots of added extras (bottles of water, hot chocolate, tissues on the table to name a few). Beautiful view with a river running alongside. Lovely food.

Review 63:Bathroom a bit pokey, but very unforgivable in a charming old building.

Review 64:Great friendly service from all staff from arrival to departure, gorgeous riverside location. Comfortable, spacious room overlooking river. Very good value.

Review 65:Ensuite bathroom was a bit tired in Dipper room, needs bit of a spruce up.

Review 66:Fantastic food, lovely ales and really friendly hosts and staff. Such a relaxing weekend.

Review 67:Dinner and breakfast was excellent on both days which together with friendly service made our stay very enjoyable. A simple business lunch on day two was also enjoyed by our two guests. As the current owners have only been there for 18 months they have probably not had the time to improve the bedroom and bathroom fittings which are dated.

Review 68:the Wi fi was poor at times , even in the pub. The staff were a bit unreliable at doing the room.

Review 69:the location, the pub and the quae stafflity of meals

Review 70:Having to be down for breakfast by 9 00 am but that's personal preference.

Review 71:Lovely view overlooking the river Bed excellent - very good night's sleep, double glazing excellent, didn't hear storm in night, staff willing to help and friendly.

Review 72:From the moment we arrived we felt totally relaxed and welcome. The view over the river is superb. We had a room overlooking the river and kept the windows open all night so we could listen to the river bubbling by. We ate in the restaurant both evening and the food was great, particularly the steak and the roast beef. Breakfast was very good, lovely sausages. It's was all cooked to order. We had a lovely big room, although the bed was a little too soft for our liking. The bathroom was tiny, but really, how long do you spend in there anyway. Tea and coffee making facilities in room, bottled water was a nice touch. We'd definately stay here again

Review 73:Having to leave.

Review 74:Clean. comfortable room with a four poster bed, overlooking the river Dart. Friendly staff & excellent food. A very pleasant stay.

Review 75:We felt the hotel was a little dated and could do with new carpet and several licks of paint. Most of the pictures should go - but this is just our opinion. Having said that we would stay again, the hotel is a gem with lots of potential.

Review 76:We stayed here for two nights at the end of August. The staff were very welcoming. The bed (Kingfisher room) was very comfortable and the pillows were good but the bed is only a double. The only sound (and I am not exaggerating) was the sound of the River Dart. Absolutely gorgeous location and pretty views from the Kingfisher room. It is on the top floor (about 3 flights) but worth the climb. The hotel was quiet - no slamming doors, for instance. Wifi was strong and reliable. We had one meal and 2 breakfasts. Our steak was perfection! The breakfast was quite big enough for me and the bacon was excellent! Easy to find and lots of parking. Ask for a room at the back is my recommendation.

Review 77:You can catch some road noise in the morning. But my real regret is that I elected to only stay one evening - it really deserved a better longer visit.

Review 78:We arrived late - hoping there would be food - and it felt a little like coming to an Inn, to a den to a place we'd been many times before. The setting along the stream just begged for Robin Hood to come whistling out of the trees. A pleasant wee room over looking the stream; its perfectly located to explore Dartmoor National Park. The staff were lovely. Their beer even more so. I can't say enough, nor well enough.

Review 79:dirty shower with broken tiles dusty curtains and light shades "ensuite" was a cupboard 4 x 4 no hot water in the morning kettle on an extn lead on windowsill

Review 80:location good food

Review 81:The beds were rather soft but many people may find this a plus rather than a minus! Not much room in the bar but we had a drink at the table as we were eating.

Review 82:Very quiet location. Spacious room. Good food. Friendly service and staff.

Review 83:Not so good. I reserved two rooms. The one chosen by my dad was very nice; the remaining one I did not like. Call it personal preference but several things irritated me. First, the room smelt oldish or dampish, my dad's was fine. To counter this smell I left the windows open all the time, including when I slept (more on this later). Second, I had en-suite facilities but there was a latrine smell in the toilet (more than I have encountered before in any other hotel) that permeated into the room. I spoke to the management and they could not smell damp or the latrine smell. Anyway, the smell got me down and with no other room available nor being able to move to another hotel as my father is elderly and may have had 'problems' during the stay, I ended up sleeping on the floor and as far away from the toilet as possible. When I opened my bag containing some aftershave, the smell was a very welcome relief. The evening meal was ok according to my dad. Morning breakfast was all right although miscommunication between my father and the waiter over his order seemed to be met with annoyance. If you find climbing stairs difficult make sure you ask for a first floor room as there is no lift. The corridors and stairs looked decoratively tired. The management gave me a 25% discount for the inconvenience although a room that did not smell would have been better. Third, the (intermittent) flow of traffic can sound quite busy on the main road side so be aware that apart from hearing cars and buses travelling by from about sevenish, what sounds like large lorries also contribute to noise. Fourth, beds in rooms booked had no headboard. If you like a headboard with your bed this may be an irritant as well. One final matter, why oh why do rooms have tvs that are level or only a few feet above bed level. They should be on the wall at least four/five feet above bed level.

Review 84:Good. My dad's room overlooked the river. It was clean, no smell and overlooked the countryside. Loads of parking space. No latrine smell, unlike mine.

Review 85:Was a bit steep from car park to pub but if you used door on main road okay.

Review 86:Was right on the river, saw a kingfisher on a few occasions.Would go again.

Review 87:The barman who dealt with my late-night request for a cup of tea, was a bit grumpy and terse, but it was late and he was an older man, so I suppose it's understandable. :)

Review 88:Lovely place, not showy but very comfortable. The young man who greeted me, Xander, was courteous, friendly and very welcoming - he made me feel right at home from the very beginning of my stay

Review 89:Lovely old Inn and welcoming owners. Just needed a bit more tlc in the room.

Review 90:Location good for seaside beaches/Torbay and Paignton and for harbour towns /Brixham and Dartmouth. Breakfast wonderful!

Review 91:Communal areas very dingy. Expensive for what was on offer. Re this review, none of the options offered about identity (solo traveller etc) applied to my situation. Needs an option of 'other'.

Review 92:Bedrooms clean and comfortable. Easy parking.

Review 93:When used to a 1.5 tog duvet, summer and winter, anything heavier is too much, so duvets off.

Review 94:The setting was superb, the rippling waters send you off to sleep, breakfast moorish. Convenient stopover for the Railway and Abbey.

Review 95:From the website description I thought the room and en suite would be really nice and worth the £59 per night. But they were terrible...In the same week my Mum and I stayed in 2 fantastic B&B's in Devon. One for £40 and the other £48 per night, both were ten times better, nicer, cleaner, bigger, more comfortable rooms and en suites. than the Abbey. The Abbey in comparison was worth £30 per night at the most. I was not at all happy,

Review 96:the host and hostess and staff were terrific...river dart along side the inn was lovely...food was good.

Review 97:friendly welcome and good breakfast

Review 98:Location, food, friendly.

Review 99:Friendly staff, excellent location.

Review 100:Room was lovely - fantastic view over the river, four poster bed was great and the building has a lot of character and overall run by lovely people

Review 101:Comfy matress but four poster inappropriate for room

Review 102:Shower did not have much water coming out

Review 103:Friendly and clean

Review 104:It all

Review 105:Excellent and fantastic. .very sympathetic. .highly recommended and have booked again!! Food excellent and fantastic value..xx

Review 106:towels need updating

Review 107:friendly staff and great food

Review 108:Everything was just what I needed. An absolute bargain.

Review 109:Log burner. River Dart outside bedroom window. Good beer. Good food.

Review 110:Bed was a bit soft for my liking.

Review 111:Very relaxed and accommodating. Good food.

Review 112:Not much, possibly a bit tired and lots of steps!

Review 113:Location to the A38

Review 114:Soothing sounds of River dart outside my window Excellent dinner and breakfast.

Review 115:beds / pillows/

Review 116:staff/ food/ hotel

Review 117:Top draw accommodation, Excellent Food & Decent Bar with some rather good St Austell beers on. Would strongly recommend.

Review 118:nothing

Review 119:Location

Review 120:Just about everything. It's a quiet country inn placed right next to the river. The food was great.

Review 121:We loved the room -the Dart -small but lovely. Good straight forward meals -unpretentious but good.

Review 122:Stairs to rooms

Review 123:Very good food

Review 124:Facilities a bit dated....

Review 125:great location by River Dart. Welcoming staff/ proprietors. Tasty and good-sized breakfast

Review 126:Poor shower.

Review 127:Lovely location. Good food. Great nights sleep.

Review 128:The only thing I could say is that the WiFi is not brilliant

Review 129:Everything could not really it,we have stayed there several times.

The Fine Print

Please inform The Abbey Inn of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details provided in your confirmation.