Aylesford Priory Kent Catholic Retreat House

The Friars Priory at Aylesford in Kent has Retreat Accommodation

Aug 14, 2009

Aylsford Priory in the beautiful Kent countryside has plenty to interest all the family as well as the individual visitor, whether on a day trip or staying overnight.

Set amongst the beautiful Kent countryside, Aylsford Priory, or The Friars as it is traditionally called, is a Carmelite retreat house which welcomes 250,000 visitors each year.

Staying at The Friars, Aylsford Priory

The Friars welcomes people of all religious faiths or none, and has many organised Retreats throughout the year which are open to all. However, you may want to organise your own private Retreat at Aylsford, just booking your room and meals through the Reception Office.

If you are going through a bad patch, spiritual and emotional counseling is available. Otherwise, travelers can book a room and enjoy the solitude.

Accommodation at The Friars, Aylesford is simple but comfortable, catering for single people, couples and families. Food can be included in your stay and is served in the old Pilgrims’ Hall. Upstairs in this Hall is a library of spiritual books which visitors can borrow entirely on trust to take back to their rooms to read.

A Day Out at The Friars, Aylesford Priory

Some visitors come to The Friars with their parishes on pilgrimage, others in family groups or with friends to enjoy one of the many traditional activities - a country fair, an outdoor play, a vintage motorbike rally, a wood turning display – to name but a few.

Others come alone to enjoy not only these communal celebrations, but to find a rare tranquility in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake and gardens.

Aylsford Pottery

In the grounds of Aylsford Priory there is a pottery where exclusive and original pieces are created and displayed in the showroom. The Pottery is proud that its first Manager was David Leach, son of the great potter, Bernard Leach.

As well as selling exclusive designs the pottery hosts corporate team-building days and pottery classes for the general public.

History of The Friars at Aylesford

The Friars dates back to the 13th century when a knight, Richard de Grey, a crusader, granted a small piece of his land at Aylesford to the first Carmelites from the Holy Land.

From this motherhouse there developed over the next fifty years more than thirty priories in England and Wales including London, Oxford and Cambridge.

Aylesford Priory a Pilgrim Retreat

In the Middle Ages Aylsford Priory became a traditional stopping-off point for pilgrims on their way to the Shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury. The oldest building at Aylesford is called The Pilgrims’ Hall because this is where hospitality and rest were offered to tired pilgrims. Pilgrimage still plays an important part in the life of the Priory today.

Decline of The Friars at Aylsford

History, politics and natural events took their toll on The Friars and the property not only passed from landed gentry to businessman, but was partly destroyed by fire in 1939.

Restoration of The Friars at Aylsford

When The Friars was put up for sale in 1949 the Carmelites bought it back and began the task of restoring it. Craftsmen and artists were commissioned to build the open-air shrine.

Beautiful ceramics were created by the Polish refugee, Adam Kossowski, and Philip Lindsey Clark and his son Adam were responsible for the striking sculptures.

The Way of the Cross at Aylesford Priory

One of the delights of The Friars is The Way of the Cross, a beautiful, contemplative walk through a peaceful tree-lined avenue where you can devote time and prayer to the images depicted by the stunning ceramic sculptures.

Whether you come for a day out or a longer stay, The Friars, Aylsford Priory, Kent will not disappoint. Little wonder it has been called, "a prayer in stone."

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