Aylesford Priory Houses

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. Over the centuries and now today The Friars has become for thousands of visitors and friends.

When the friars returned to Aylesford in 1949 it was never with the intention that it should become a place of pilgrimage. However, as soon as we arrived home, so the people began to come to pray and to help with the enormous task of rebuilding and restoring the Priory. Today many thousands come on organised pilgrimages or alone, some for a time of retreat or relaxation, some for meetings or conferences. Some simply wander in from the road and are taken into the unique atmosphere of prayer and hospitality which is The Friars.

Over 250,000 pilgrims a year make their way to Aylesford. Some as part of organised pilgrimages, some on a parish visit, others come on school trips or fellowship or hobby clubs.