Exeter & Buckfast Gathering

Overview

In the beautiful county of Devon, our Autumn National Gathering 2026, will give an opportunity to visit the beautiful and world-famous Exeter cathedral, built between the 11^th and 14^th centuries, and fascinating Buckfast Abbey, with its active Benedictine monastery near the small town of Buckfastleigh.

The Gathering will begin in Exeter Cathedral on Friday 9 October, with an opportunity to explore the site with experienced guides, looking at the very early misericords, its astronomical clock, its minstrels’ gallery, its magnificent Bishop’s throne, and the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world. Discover its renowned choir, chamber choir, youth and junior choirs, as well as its inspiring outreach programme.  There will also be the unique opportunity to visit the brand-new Treasures exhibition housing 1000 years of Cathedral history, featuring fascinating manuscripts and an organ manual once played by S. S. Wesley.

Following the tours learn more and hear the Grand Organ, followed by a Devon cream tea before attending Choral Evensong. Following Evensong, there will be a drinks reception with an opportunity to meet members of the choir, the music department.

On Saturday morning, visit Buckfast Abbey via coach located in a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Welcomed by the Master of Music in the Schiller Hall followed by a talk on the Abbey and its music before exploring its beautiful gardens.

Attend Choral Mass at lunchtime before enjoying a finger buffet in the Conference Centre. The afternoon will include a tour of the Abbey and a recital and demonstration of the first organ built in the United Kingdom by the renowned Italian organ builder Fratelli Ruffatti followed by tea and a return to Exeter in time for Choral Evensong.  After Evensong, walk across to the nearby Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel for a Gala Dinner in the Seymore Suite. The after-dinner speakers will be former Friends of Cathedral Music Chairman, Professor Peter Toyne and his son, former Exeter chorister and now Cathedral Music Trust Trustee, Simon Toyne, both with many connections to Exeter.

See here for the Dinner Menu options

Sunday 11 October will begin with Choral Eucharist in the Cathedral Nave, followed by refreshments and a Sandwich lunch in the Chapter House.  There will then be time to explore the area in the afternoon, suggestions for activities are: – Exeter Castle and Rougemont Gardens, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, or the Underground Passages.

The gathering will end after attending a final Choral Evensong and heading home at approx 5pm.

Other Important Information

Accommodation in Exeter

The Gala Dinner will be held at the Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel on Southernhay, a short walk from Exeter cathedral.  They are offering us a discount of 10% on their current rate if you book direct and quote code: EVEBB.  The cost is flexible, so will be secured with a card but won’t be charged till your stay.  There is 24-hour cancellation or amendment.  (Tel: 01392 412812)

See here for details about the Mecure Southgate Hotel

Other suggested hotels in the area are: Premier Inn City Centre, Exeter Rougemont Hotel, and Hotel Indigo, all within easy walking distance of the cathedral.

Travel to Exeter

There are two railway stations in Exeter.  Exeter St David’s is at the bottom of a very steep hill, so if you arrive there, it is recommended that you get a taxi, bus or train connection to Exeter Central, which is in the city centre, a short flat walk from the cathedral.

For those arriving by car, there are a number of car parks near the cathedral, at George Street, Smythen Street and Magdalen Street. The Cathedral and Quay car park on Lower Coombe Street is not open 24 hours.