The Friars is on a most magnificent estate, where geese and ducks roam around the gardens and the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility. Rooms and shared bathrooms are kept clean and I believe some ensuite rooms are available. The staff are friendly, the home cooked food good and the Pilgrim's Rest cafe busy at most times. A most enjoyable few days and well recommend.
Step back in time and appreciate a slightly off the beaten track experience. We spent five nights here exploring the countryside and taking the train from Aylesford to spend an exhausting day in London. It was such a relief to return to the calming atmosphere of this vast religious complex. Cannot recommend highly enough for any traveller wanting to sight-see like a tourist during the day and retreat into heavenly serenity in the evening.
What a peaceful place. Don't come here if you want to party, but for a cosy (but no frills), peaceful, atmospheric, friendly and spiritual place situated in the midst of history, look no further. After racing around Europe for 2 weeks it was almost a relief to land at The Friars to wind down, rest and relax. We arrived home fully rejuvenated. Thank you to the wonderful staff.
Set in the heart of Kent, England, The Friars - Aylesford Priory - is an ancient religious house of the Order of Carmelites dating back to the 13th Century. Many people visit The Friars on pilgrimage, perhaps as part of a Parish Pilgrimage or on an organised Pilgrimage Day. Some travellers stop over on their way to Canterbury, following the ancient Pilgrims' Way to Canterbury Cathedral. Tourists and visitors to the area are also welcome to stay overnight.
The Friars was a traditional pilgrim's stopover in medieval times and, in fact, the Pilgrims' Hall, the oldest building at The Friars, is so named because it offered hospitality and accommodation to travellers on their way to Canterbury and to those walking the Via Francigena, on their way to Rome.
This custom of offering hospitality to pilgrims continues today and each year a program of pilgrimages is arranged. The pilgrimages are focused around the Aylesford Shrine (Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) and the Shrine of Saint Simon Stock, Prior General of the Order of Carmelites in the 13th century.
Tourists are most welcome to stay overnight and day visitors will find plenty to do here.
| Room types | Prices per room from* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Single with private bathroom | GBP 76.50 | inc. breakfast |
| Single with shared bathroom | GBP 50.00 | inc. breakfast |
| Twin beds with private bathroom | GBP 116.50 | inc. breakfast |
| Twin beds with shared bathroom | GBP 100.00 | inc. breakfast |
| Double with private bathroom | GBP 116.50 | inc. breakfast |
| Double with shared bathroom | GBP 100.00 | inc. breakfast |
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