The Friars, Aylesford, Kent

The Friars, Aylesford, Kent Welcome to The Friars, Aylesford. The Friars is the home to a small community of Carmelite Friars, who first came here in 1242.
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The Carmelites left at the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538. However, they were able to return in 1949. Today, The Friars is one of Kent’s hidden treasures and in the last decade it has become more and more part of the county. Visitors can enjoy the breath taking grounds and stunning medieval buildings, enjoy walks down the Peace Garden and Rosary Way and children can feed the ducks or run s

ome of their energy off. If you love history then this is the place to be. Come and experience the amazing work of art by Polish artist Adam Kossowski. Pop into the pottery to see local artisans at work. For some religious inspiration or some quiet space visit the chapels ranging from the simple, medieval Cloister Chapel to the awe inspiring St Joseph’s Chapel. And when all the activity is over and you’re hungry, pop into the Tea Room for delicious home-made cakes and snacks. Or have lunch in the 13th century Pilgrims’ Hall where you can treat yourself to a sumptuous meal made from scratch and with local produce by our expert chefs. And the gift shop is perfect to end your visit to grab souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. Experience tranquillity and relaxation amidst breath taking medieval history.

📸Ken
15/06/2026

📸Ken

Get your tickets on the gate on arrivalenquiries please contact kirsty.stigle@thefriars.org.uk
14/06/2026

Get your tickets on the gate on arrival

enquiries please contact [email protected]

Keeping the Flame Burning: A Reflection from LisieuxFollowing the Carmelite Northern European Young Adult Gathering in L...
14/06/2026

Keeping the Flame Burning: A Reflection from Lisieux
Following the Carmelite Northern European Young Adult Gathering in Lisieux, Francesca, a member of the British Province group, reflects on the lasting impact of walking in the footsteps of St Thérèse, the challenge of nurturing faith in daily life and the enduring relevance of the Little Way.
Through prayer, community, friendship and pilgrimage, participants were invited to rediscover the Carmelite call to seek God in the ordinary moments of life and to trust in God's merciful love.
Read the full reflection:
https://carmelite.org/news/keeping-the-flame-burning-reflections-from-lisieux/

13/06/2026
"Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest."
13/06/2026

"Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest."

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Growing disciples (Mt 9:36-10:8).

This week’s Gospel contains the first part of Jesus’ instructions to the disciples as they set out on their mission.

At the beginning of the reading we hear that Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowds. He loves them and feels for them and responds to their need since ‘they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd’. It is Jesus’ compassion for the people that compels him to act.

Then he urges the whole group of disciples to pray to ‘the Lord of the harvest’ for more labourers. Then, from the broader group of disciples, Jesus chooses twelve who Matthew names as ‘apostles’ or emissaries.

To these twelve Jesus entrusts the mission of proclaiming that the kingdom of God is close at hand. This is not an ‘end of the world’ prediction. We could better translate it as: the kingdom of God is very close to you. To a people who had constantly been told that God despised them, that they were sinners and very far from the kingdom of God, this was good news indeed.

Jesus gives the disciples the authority to accompany the proclamation of the Good News with the healing of ‘all kinds of diseases and sickness’ to break the idea that illness (in whatever form) was a curse sent by God or punishment for sinfulness. Instead, the disciples are to be a sign of God’s kindness which brings health and wholeness. The proclamation of the Good News is always to be done generously and without counting the cost.

Through the words of the Gospel may we hear again our own call to be emissaries of God’s love and bearers of Good News. May we allow the kindness and compassion of God to touch one another through us.

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
11/06/2026

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

📸Corina
10/06/2026

📸Corina

Just over a month to go!
09/06/2026

Just over a month to go!

Address

The Friars
Aylesford
ME207BX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441622717272

Website

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