Andy Drozdziak
Buckfast Abbey says that its appearance on a major Channel 4 TV series was ‘a perfect opportunity to showcase what we have to offer.’
The producers of ‘The UK’s National Parks with Caroline Quentin’ chose Buckfast Abbey as a suitable location, recognising its immense historical significance and its location on the southern slopes of Dartmoor National Park.
“We were thrilled to showcase Buckfast Abbey on our series, ‘The UK’s National Parks with Caroline Quentin’”, said Sohail Shah, MD of King of Sunshine Productions, the production company behind the show.
“This location is not only visually stunning, but also carries a profound historical legacy that perfectly encapsulated the theme of our Structures, Sites and Souvenirs episode. It’s a place where the past comes alive as it is an active working monastery, and we were privileged to feature it as the opening to the show.”
Buckfast Abbey is located midway between Exeter and Plymouth, just off the A38. Home to a community of Benedictine monks, the Abbey offers a unique, tranquil ambience, and is open seven days a week to the public.
Buckfast Abbey CEO Philip Arkwright was happy to take part in the series. “We saw this collaboration as a perfect opportunity to showcase what we have to offer, as well as the surrounding countryside,” Mr Arkwright told the Universe.
”By participating in this television series, we hoped to inspire others to visit Buckfast Abbey and Dartmoor to experience their beauty for themselves.”
Men Behaving Badly actress Caroline Quentin described Buckfast Abbey as ‘one of the joys of Dartmoor’ when she visited the Benedictine abbey to film the programme.
With a history spanning over a millennium, many of the abbey’s stories were brought to life during the programme when Caroline Quentin spoke to Abbot David Charlesworth OSB, the Abbot of Buckfast.
After being taught about the Abbey’s history and surroundings by Abbot David, she said: “I’ve met my first ever Father Abbot and he’s an excellent one.” After visiting the Abbey’s Blessed Sacrament chapel and its grounds, she said the place was ‘fascinating’ and ‘beautiful’ and ‘one of the joys of Dartmoor.’
For more information, visit www.buckfast.org.uk