The Friars Aylesford Priory - Aylesford

Address: The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX, United Kingdom.
Phone: 1622717272.
Website: thefriars.org.uk.
Specialties: Monastery.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating, Restroom.
Opinions: This company has 1056 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.7/5.

Location of The Friars Aylesford Priory

1622717272

The Friars, Aylesford Priory is a beautiful and spiritual monastery located in Aylesford, ME20 7BX, United Kingdom. The Priory is a popular destination for those seeking peace, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. The Priory is easily accessible by telephone at 1622717272 and online through their website thefriars.org.uk.

One of the most notable features of The Friars, Aylesford Priory is its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The Priory is home to a number of historic buildings, including the 13th-century church of St. Augustine and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Garden. The gardens are a peaceful oasis, with a variety of plants and flowers, a pond, and plenty of space for quiet reflection.

In addition to its historic and spiritual significance, The Friars, Aylesford Priory is also fully accessible to all visitors. The Priory has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking lots, restrooms, and seating, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the peace and beauty of this special place.

The Friars, Aylesford Priory offers a range of onsite services, including daily Mass, Confession, and spiritual direction. Visitors are welcome to join the community for prayer and reflection, or to simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Reviews of The Friars, Aylesford Priory on Google My Business give the Priory an impressive average rating of 4.7/5. Many visitors comment on the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the beautiful gardens, and the peaceful and spiritual experience of visiting the Priory.

Reviews of The Friars Aylesford Priory

Rosie Jackson

5/5

I love visiting the Friars. It's a peaceful and beautiful place, rather enjoy a walk in the rose garden and feeding the ducks. The summer fayre was very good and am looking forward to the Christmas one too.

Edit: visited today for afternoon tea in Pilgrims Hall, it was lovely and I would definitely recommend. The service was friendly and accommodating, the tea was delicious with a lovely sandwich selection, homemade scones and delicious cakes.

Stephen Moore

4/5

The place has a weird peaceful and everything will be ok feeling .
When we were there there was a service being held outside but we just wandered around soaking up the peacefulness of the place. Free entry but put a donation in for parking. It has a nice cafe a pond with ducks and a pair of black swans, as well as the old buildings and lovely gardens. Well worth a visit.

Sukuna

4/5

Excellent place for pilgrimage. Beautiful views. Church surroundings are well maintained but need abit of attention to plants. Old structure old church. Very historical.

Rick Shea

4/5

Nice pleasant walk round. Relaxing with plenty of outdoor seats. A cafe in a barn on site. Parking a donation, best £2 I have spent. A very spiritual place with several chapels to sit and pray, evaluate, com template without being disturbed.They have a pottery place on site which offers pottery sessions and sells all kinds of pottery products.

Christine Bonner

5/5

It was lovely and peaceful here, and I didn't see many people there. The peace garden is very relaxing

Edyta _Q

5/5

Extraordinary place to visit with beautiful garden, ponds, chapels. Place for worship and pray.

Buddeanie Fox

5/5

The Friars at Aylesford, located in Kent, England, is a significant historical site with a rich heritage, especially connected to the Carmelite Order. Here's a concise history:

Foundation and Early History (13th Century): The site was originally founded in 1242 by the Carmelites, a Roman Catholic mendicant religious order. The Carmelite Friars established the priory after relocating from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land due to the Crusades. The initial establishment was made possible by the patronage of Richard de Grey of Codnor, a prominent nobleman.

Medieval Period: Throughout the Middle Ages, The Friars thrived as a religious community. It became an important centre for Carmelite learning and spirituality, housing a substantial library and hosting significant religious and academic activities.

Dissolution and Decline (16th Century): The Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII led to the expulsion of the Carmelites from Aylesford in 1538. The property was seized by the Crown and subsequently passed into private hands, leading to a period of decline and various uses over the ensuing centuries.

20th Century Revival: In 1949, the site was repurchased by the Carmelite Order, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Extensive restoration work was undertaken to restore The Friars to its former glory, and it was re-established as a place of worship and pilgrimage.

Modern Era: Today, The Friars at Aylesford serves as a religious retreat and pilgrimage centre. It attracts visitors from around the world, offering a place for prayer, reflection, and community activities. The site includes several notable features such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, various chapels, a retreat centre, and beautiful grounds.

The Friars continue to play a vital role in the local community and the broader Carmelite tradition, preserving its historical and spiritual legacy.

The Friars at Aylesford not only serves as a religious and pilgrimage centre but also hosts a tea shop and pottery on-site. The tea shop offers refreshments to visitors, providing a relaxing place to enjoy a variety of teas, coffee, and light meals. The pottery, known as Aylesford Pottery, is one of the oldest established potteries in England. It produces a range of handmade ceramics and offers pottery classes and workshops for those interested in learning the craft. These facilities add to the site's appeal, making it a welcoming destination for both spiritual and leisurely visits.

Definitely recommend a visit.

Matthew Gardner

5/5

Very Beautiful and wonderful place to visit and reflect .We visited out of the usual season between Christmas and New year but still the sunshine came out for us to enjoy the grounds and gardens. The building and art is fantastic and pleasure to behold it truly is a hidden gem in Kent.