Aylesford Priory The Friars
A historic 13th-century Carmelite priory offering a serene escape with beautiful gardens, friendly wildlife, and a deep sense of peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tulips in bloom, peaceful atmosphere
Aylesford Priory The Friars
Best Time
Tulips in bloom, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 13th-century Carmelite priory offering a serene escape with beautiful gardens, friendly wildlife, and a deep sense of peace.
"Wonderful peaceful place. The Peace Garden lives up to it's name."
🕊️ Embrace the Peace
Enjoy the serene atmosphere for reflection or meditation. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.
🦢 Feed the Geese!
Canada Geese are friendly and may eat from your hand. Bring a small, bird-safe snack.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Peace Garden
Grounds
A beautifully maintained garden offering a serene space for reflection and meditation. Especially stunning with tulips in bloom.
Wildlife Encounters
Pond and Grounds
Friendly Canada Geese often eat from your hand, alongside black swans and Egyptian geese.
Historical Architecture
Priory Buildings
Explore the 13th-century priory, a testament to Carmelite history and a site of spiritual significance.
Pottery Shed
Onsite
Discover unique handmade items and gifts at the onsite pottery shop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
A Place of Faith and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕊️ Embrace the Peace
Enjoy the serene atmosphere for reflection or meditation. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.
🦢 Feed the Geese!
Canada Geese are friendly and may eat from your hand. Bring a small, bird-safe snack.
🚗 Be Mindful of M20 Noise
The nearby motorway can be audible on windy days, slightly impacting the tranquility.
🛍️ Visit the Pottery Shed
Discover unique handmade gifts and crafts at the onsite pottery shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕊️ Embrace the Peace
Enjoy the serene atmosphere for reflection or meditation. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.
🦢 Feed the Geese!
Canada Geese are friendly and may eat from your hand. Bring a small, bird-safe snack.
🚗 Be Mindful of M20 Noise
The nearby motorway can be audible on windy days, slightly impacting the tranquility.
🛍️ Visit the Pottery Shed
Discover unique handmade gifts and crafts at the onsite pottery shop.
🙏 Respect Sacred Spaces
Remember it's a working priory; be respectful during services and Mass.
🌸 Spring Blooms
Visit in spring to see the Peace Garden's tulips in full, vibrant bloom.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Plenty of green space for picnics on nice weather days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aylesford Priory for its profound peace and serenity, making it an ideal escape from daily life. The well-maintained grounds, particularly the Peace Garden, and the friendly wildlife are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While some note the occasional noise from the nearby motorway, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its historical significance and spiritual atmosphere.
"Wonderful peaceful place. The Peace Garden lives up to it's name. The grounds are well maintained and the perfect place to go to escape the hustle and hustle of life for a while."
Barry Gannon
"I’ve been visiting the friars for around 15 years now. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit.
I really enjoy walking around the gardens and looking at all the beautiful flowers growing.
The Canada Geese seem to be the main attraction here. They are so friendly and will happily eat from your hand. They also have a resident couple of black swans and Egyptian geese.
The peace garden is such a lovely place to sit and reflect or even meditate. Seeing all the tulips in full bloom really makes it that extra special.
In nice weather there is plenty of green space to have a picnic.
The pottery shed is also worth checking out.
There is a nice tea room selling your usual items of scones, teas, ice cream etc at reasonable prices.
Definitely worth a visit and you will learn a lot about the Carmelites who live here."
Daniel
"Was interesting to read the historical inscriptions, and amazing to see friars walking around, interacting with visitors. The live service we were lucky enough to witness was lovely. The little pond had black swans in, absolutely gorgeous."
Lana Hannah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aylesford Priory (The Friars) is located in Aylesford, Kent. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. For public transport, you can take a train to nearby stations like Aylesford or Maidstone, followed by a bus or taxi.
Yes, there is parking available at Aylesford Priory for visitors.
While driving is convenient, public transport options exist. Trains run to nearby stations, and local bus services may connect you. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The postcode for Aylesford Priory is ME20 7BX.
Aylesford Priory is generally well-signposted in the Aylesford area. Using a GPS or navigation app with the postcode ME20 7BX will help you find it easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Aylesford Priory is generally free, as it is a place of worship and pilgrimage. Donations are welcome to support the upkeep of the priory and its grounds.
The Friars is typically open daily, but it's a working priory. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening hours, especially if you plan to attend specific services or events.
There are no mandatory admission fees for visiting Aylesford Priory. However, donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain this historic site.
Yes, Aylesford Priory is a working chapel with daily services and Sunday Mass. Visitors are welcome to attend, but please be mindful and respectful of worshippers.
Yes, Aylesford Priory hosts various events throughout the year, including pilgrimages (like the Syro Malabar Pilgrimage) and car shows. Check their website for an events calendar.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds, including the beautiful Peace Garden, observe wildlife like geese and swans, visit the pottery shed, and admire the 13th-century priory architecture. +1
Absolutely! There are plenty of green spaces perfect for a picnic on a pleasant day.
Yes, the grounds are well-maintained and offer lovely walking paths. It's a great place to stroll and enjoy the scenery.
You can often see friendly Canada Geese, black swans, and Egyptian geese around the pond and grounds.
The Priory offers beautiful architecture and serene garden settings, making it a picturesque spot for photography. 
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a tea room on-site that serves traditional items like scones, tea, and ice cream at reasonable prices.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option, as there are ample green spaces available.
While the priory has a tea room, there are also dining options in the nearby village of Aylesford and the town of Maidstone.
The tea room typically offers classic tearoom fare such as scones, cakes, and hot beverages.
Information on specific dietary options at the tea room isn't widely available, but classic tearoom items are usually vegetarian-friendly. It's best to inquire directly if you have specific needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Peace Garden, the historic priory buildings, and the pond with its wildlife offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography rules can vary, especially inside active places of worship. It's advisable to be discreet and respectful, and check for any posted signage regarding photography.
Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites and historical properties. It's best to check with the priory administration before flying a drone.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere and architectural details.
The Canada Geese interacting with visitors, the blooming tulips in spring, and the historic architecture are all unique photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical and spiritual aspects might be less engaging for very young children, the natural elements and open spaces ensure there's something to capture their interest. The pottery shed can also be a point of curiosity, offering a glimpse into local crafts.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
The priory is particularly renowned for hosting the Syro Malabar Pilgrimage, attracting large numbers of faithful. Even outside of major events, the tranquil atmosphere of the grounds, especially the Peace Garden, provides an ideal setting for personal prayer, meditation, and reflection.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
The interaction with local wildlife, such as the Canada Geese and swans, offers unique candid shots. Furthermore, the pottery shed showcases local artistry, and the priory often serves as a venue for styled shoots, highlighting its aesthetic appeal for creative projects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Carmelite History
+1The priory has witnessed periods of prosperity and decline, including dissolution during the Reformation. However, it was re-established as a Carmelite centre in the 20th century, continuing its tradition as a place of spiritual retreat and pilgrimage. Visitors can feel the weight of this history as they walk the grounds, imagining the lives of the friars who have resided here for over 700 years.
+1Today, The Friars remains an active community for Carmelite friars and is a popular destination for those seeking spiritual solace, historical insight, or simply a peaceful escape. The site is particularly renowned for hosting the largest Syro Malabar Marian Pilgrimage in the UK, drawing faithful from across the country.
Experiencing the Tranquility: Gardens and Wildlife
Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the abundant wildlife. The resident Canada Geese are famously friendly and have been known to happily eat from visitors' hands, creating memorable interactions. Alongside them, you might spot elegant black swans and distinctive Egyptian geese gracing the waters.
During spring, the Peace Garden becomes particularly enchanting with tulips in full bloom, adding vibrant colour to the tranquil setting. The well-maintained green spaces also make it an ideal location for a picnic, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful environment.
Weddings and Events at The Friars
+1Event planners and couples often highlight the versatility of the spaces, such as the North Barn, for styled shoots and actual wedding receptions. The natural beauty of the priory, combined with thoughtful decor, creates a memorable atmosphere.
In addition to private events, The Friars hosts various public gatherings, including car shows and large-scale pilgrimages. These events draw diverse crowds and add a dynamic element to the priory's calendar, showcasing its role as a community hub.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit