Holy Trinity Church Ruins and Cabell Mausoleum
Hauntingly beautiful 13th-century church ruins and the legendary Cabell Mausoleum, inspiration for 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Safer exploration
Holy Trinity Church Ruins and Cabell Mausoleum
Best Time
Safer exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hauntingly beautiful 13th-century church ruins and the legendary Cabell Mausoleum, inspiration for 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.
"It is an eerie place at night and definitely haunted!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The climb can be steep and steps slippery. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the ruins and mausoleum.
🚗 Top Car Park Access
For an easier approach, use the top car park. It reduces the number of steps needed to reach the ruins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holy Trinity Church Ruins
Buckfastleigh
A stunning 13th-century church, now a picturesque ruin with intact exterior walls and a graveyard.
Cabell Mausoleum
Graveyard adjacent to church ruins
The tomb of Richard Cabell, rumored to be a portal to 'hell hounds' and a site for dark rituals.
Inspiration for 'Hound of the Baskervilles'
General area
The dark history and eerie atmosphere of this site inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's famous Sherlock Holmes novel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie Atmosphere
Plan Your Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The climb can be steep and steps slippery. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the ruins and mausoleum.
🚗 Top Car Park Access
For an easier approach, use the top car park. It reduces the number of steps needed to reach the ruins.
Anyone know any abandoned/haunted places
👻 Embrace the Eerie
The site has a dark history and is rumored to be haunted. Visit during the day for a less intense experience.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer dramatic photo opportunities, especially with the surrounding Devon hills.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The climb can be steep and steps slippery. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the ruins and mausoleum.
🚗 Top Car Park Access
For an easier approach, use the top car park. It reduces the number of steps needed to reach the ruins.
👻 Embrace the Eerie
The site has a dark history and is rumored to be haunted. Visit during the day for a less intense experience.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer dramatic photo opportunities, especially with the surrounding Devon hills.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Holy Trinity Church Ruins to be a beautifully atmospheric and historically significant site, often described as 'eerie' and 'haunting.' The connection to 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' and the legends surrounding the Cabell Mausoleum are major draws, though the climb can be challenging. It's a well-kept location offering a unique glimpse into the past.
"We visited the ruins of the holy trinity church on Remembrance Sunday and joined in with the 2 minute silence to remember those brave loved ones. We didn’t venture up the steps due to looked very slippery. So we drove up to the top car park & went into ruins, they are well worth a look if you are in the area."
Lem Chamberlain
"Lovely place to visit if you are in the area, not a great deal left of the church, but with the huge pillars around you can get a feel of what it was like when in use, it has a very dark history and the man who created this history, squire Richard, is buried in a tomb house in the graveyard, the book, the hounds of the baskerville was actually based on the history of the church. It is an eerie place at night and definitely haunted!"
Lost souls paranormal Dorset
"This 13th-century parish church was severely damaged by fire in 1992 and now no longer in use, so all you will find there - the ruins.
It is located on the high hill, away from near by Backfastleigh town and over looking picturesque hills of Devon.
The place is very well kept and has very peaceful atmosphere there.
The place was the inspiration for one to the most famous pieces of horror fiction of all time - "Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles".
Near the church you can see the tomb, which was built in 1656 by the third Richard Cabell, Lord of the Manor of Backfastleigh.
Apparently, the tomb said to be a portal to the 'hell hounds of Dartmoor' and to date is a Halloween place of pilgrimage for devil worshippers, satanists and black magic followers."
Irina Springate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the ruins from Buckfastleigh town via a long set of steps. Alternatively, there's a top car park for a shorter uphill path. Be prepared for a climb!
Yes, there is a top car park available, which offers a more direct route to the ruins compared to the steps from town.
While specific public transport routes directly to the ruins might be limited, you can likely reach Buckfastleigh town by bus and then proceed with the climb. Check local bus schedules.
The ruins themselves are generally safe during daylight hours, but the climb can be challenging. The historical 'dark history' adds to the atmosphere, but there are no specific safety concerns reported for daytime visits.
The Cabell Mausoleum is located in the graveyard adjacent to the Holy Trinity Church Ruins. Access it by following the paths within the graveyard area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Holy Trinity Church Ruins and the surrounding graveyard, including the Cabell Mausoleum, is free.
The ruins are an open-air site and do not have set opening hours. You can visit them at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee for the Cabell Mausoleum. It is part of the church ruins and graveyard, which are freely accessible.
The ruins have been used for events like weddings, suggesting they can be booked for private functions. Check local listings or contact relevant authorities if you're interested in attending or booking an event.
While generally open, it's advisable to be respectful of the site as it is a historical and graveyard area. Avoid disturbing any structures or leaving litter.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Holy Trinity Church Ruins and the Cabell Mausoleum. It's a popular spot for atmospheric photos.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer dramatic lighting for capturing the ruins. Overcast days can also enhance the eerie atmosphere.
The large pillars of the church, the Cabell Mausoleum, and the panoramic views from the hilltop are all excellent subjects for photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over the site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the mausoleum. A tripod can help with low-light photography.
🎫 👻 History & Lore
This 13th-century parish church was severely damaged by fire in 1992 and is no longer in use, leaving only the exterior walls and graveyard.
Built in 1656 by Richard Cabell, the tomb is rumored to be a portal to 'hell hounds' and is a site for devil worshippers and black magic followers.
The dark history and eerie atmosphere of the church ruins and the Cabell Mausoleum served as inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's famous Sherlock Holmes novel.
Yes, the site is widely considered to be haunted due to its dark history and the legends surrounding the Cabell Mausoleum.
The church ceased being a place of worship after a fire in 1992, which left it in ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for older children interested in history, mysteries, or the 'Hound of the Baskervilles.' Pack snacks and water, and ensure they wear appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain. The open space of the graveyard can be fun for them to explore, but always supervise them closely.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
Many visitors report feeling an intense atmosphere, especially around the mausoleum and during twilight hours. The history of the church fire and the legends of spectral hounds add to its reputation as a haunted location. Be prepared for an eerie and potentially unsettling visit.
📸 Photographers & Artists
Experiment with different lighting conditions – golden hour can create magical shots, while overcast days enhance the gothic mood. The Cabell Mausoleum, with its intriguing history, is a particularly compelling subject. Don't forget to capture the scale of the ruins and the details of the stonework.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Cabell Mausoleum
Travelers often describe the mausoleum as particularly chilling, especially when viewed at dusk or in poor weather. The stories surrounding it are a major draw for those seeking a more adventurous or spooky experience. It's a stark reminder of the historical beliefs and superstitions that have shaped the local folklore of Dartmoor.
While the legends are captivating, it's important to approach the site with respect. Remember that this is a historical graveyard, and any exploration should be done responsibly. The mausoleum itself is a significant piece of local history, regardless of the supernatural claims.
Architectural Significance and Fire Damage
Despite the damage, the ruins are remarkably well-kept, with the graveyard also being a significant feature. The juxtaposition of the ancient stone structures against the natural Devon landscape creates a visually striking scene. Visitors often comment on how the remaining architecture allows them to imagine the church in its prime.
The fire that destroyed much of the church also contributed to its current mystique. The remnants stand as a poignant reminder of the past, while the surrounding natural beauty offers a sense of peace. It's this blend of history, destruction, and nature that makes the ruins so compelling.
The 'Hound of the Baskervilles' Connection
Visitors often feel a palpable sense of the story's setting when they explore the ruins. The dark history of the Cabell Mausoleum, with its tales of hell hounds, directly feeds into the novel's central mystery. This connection makes the site a pilgrimage destination for fans of Sherlock Holmes and gothic literature.
Exploring the ruins allows you to step into the world of the novel, imagining Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigating the mysteries of Dartmoor. The site's inherent spookiness, amplified by the legends and its ruined state, makes it a perfect real-world backdrop for such a famous tale of suspense and the supernatural.
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