The Friars
The Friars
4.5
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
237 within 3 miles
Attractions
87 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
180 reviews
Excellent
103
Very good
59
Average
10
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Conrad N
Whitstable, UK717 contributions
Oct 2021
Near Aylesford the Priory is a tranquil spot to wander. The chapel buildings are of 1950's design with novel decoration in ceramics. Entrance is free though there is a request to donate £2 for car parking.
There is a cafe, toilets and gift shop on the premises. Also there is a working pottery with items for sale.
It is an easy walk over to Aylesford itself which is worth a visit for its 13th Century stone bridge.
There is a cafe, toilets and gift shop on the premises. Also there is a working pottery with items for sale.
It is an easy walk over to Aylesford itself which is worth a visit for its 13th Century stone bridge.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JLO15
2 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Love this place. It's peaceful and me and my husband enjoy having lunch (currently takeout) with the restaurant offering a good selection of food... jacket potatoes, sandwiches, paninis, plus the usual delicious cakes. We enjoy feeding the ducks and sitting on a bench in the calming rosary walk. The bluebells have been beautiful this year!
Unfortunately, today we witnessed a large family upsetting the nesting birds. They were prodding them with sticks and chasing them into the pond. We had a go at them but it was upsetting to see.
Unfortunately, today we witnessed a large family upsetting the nesting birds. They were prodding them with sticks and chasing them into the pond. We had a go at them but it was upsetting to see.
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review of The Friars
Written August 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allisoncsuk
Chatham, UK463 contributions
Aug 2020
Love this place for a quiet walk wheelchair friendly and not to busy so safe. They are limiting the number of cars that can park which helps with that.
There is space outside of the cafe for a drink and a one way system is in place for entering the cafe, they also take details for track and trace.
Would recommend
There is space outside of the cafe for a drink and a one way system is in place for entering the cafe, they also take details for track and trace.
Would recommend
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of the The Friars
Written August 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JJLondon269
London, UK11 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Really enjoyed a wander round the Friary grounds and gardens, and enjoyed tea and scone at their cafe in the most historic setting. Worth a visit if you’re in the area. Aylesford itself is a pretty little village with a medieval bridge, a nice pub with river views and a couple of nice looking restaurants.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review of The Friars
Written August 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Feizal
Greater London, UK130 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Easy to locate with Google maps you will pass through the small village of Aylesford uphill towards the priory.
It has a large parking area which is free of charge as is access to the priory but a small donation is encouraged.
With beautiful buildings, a duck pond and gardens it is very peaceful place.
Popular retreat for people to relax and get away from the World for contemplation.
It has a large parking area which is free of charge as is access to the priory but a small donation is encouraged.
With beautiful buildings, a duck pond and gardens it is very peaceful place.
Popular retreat for people to relax and get away from the World for contemplation.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of the The Friars
Written February 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ljubica B
London, UK5,001 contributions
Apr 2021
I often come to this place with some visitors from abroad. Regardless you are religious or not you have to visit this place is like be trapped in the 1300s ... when I walk around the gardens and see the animals, the pond, the old architecture the flowers, etc gives me peace. This place is located next to the river.
Highly recommend it to spend some sometime here.... shame at the moment the restaurant is closed they sell good food.
If you are driving you can park your car inside the religious grounds.
Highly recommend it to spend some sometime here.... shame at the moment the restaurant is closed they sell good food.
If you are driving you can park your car inside the religious grounds.
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review of The Friars
Written August 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lian W
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
As a family of 15 guests we thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday lunch today. The food was all cooked from scratch and very delicious. The Pilgrims Hall is staffed by very helpful people who go out of their way to accommodate your every need. I can honestly highly recommend this venue.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SJC94
Ashford, UK156 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
A little tricky negotiating the roads of Aylesford to reach here. Plenty of parking with honesty box for payment.
Small independent pottery in site but the main event are the chapels of the priory. Pond with ducks and geese and some small gardens. The tranquility has been spoilt by the building of the M20.
Tearoom with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Small shop attached. Both are stuck in a bit of a time warp and could do with developing further but fine for a short break from daily life.
Small independent pottery in site but the main event are the chapels of the priory. Pond with ducks and geese and some small gardens. The tranquility has been spoilt by the building of the M20.
Tearoom with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Small shop attached. Both are stuck in a bit of a time warp and could do with developing further but fine for a short break from daily life.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mum of 2
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
If you feel the need to have an hour to yourself this is the place to visit. The gardens / grounds / chapels are beautiful. They have outdoor mass & you can walk inside the chapels to have look, pray or light a candle. You don't have to be religious to visit and it doesn't matter in what you believe in, it's for everyone. The car park is £2 min donation & there's a cafe / shop too.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Norman237
New Romney, UK60 contributions
Aug 2020
Beautiful scenery and gardens very tranquil and peaceful, beautifully maintained we noticed a lot of volunteers doing an excellent job, all staff were very friendly we were felt very welcome. The buildings were beautiful again very well maintained. The cafe was superb, staff were very helpful, doing an excellent job within the constraints of the corona virus. The price were very good for an attraction like this we were pleasantly surprised. We were only here for 3 hours (we planned for 1 hour). We will return for a longer visit. Thanks to everybody for making our time there very enjoyable.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of the The Friars
Written August 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colinthecod
Swanley, UK15 contributions
How much is it to visit the grounds thanks Colin.
Hoppityskip
Essex, UK13,588 contributions
Agree with the others above, but as this is a review site best to contact the venue direct for other questions
Rivers1712
1 contribution
Can anyone come and light a candle for a loved one? And if so where do you go to do this?
Yes of course, all are welcome. Candles can be found in the various chapels and are £3.00 each. There are donation boxes for you to put your money in. The chapels are locked at 5pm each day.
Zoe R
2 contributions
What are room prices and availability for 1 adult durng July 2018?
Hi there, our prices range from £35 - £66.50 depending on the board basis you wish to take. Availability also depends on what day of the week you would like to come. You can get in touch with the guesthouse via email or alternatively call 01622 717272. Thank you, The Friars
could you advise prices of rooms in september please
traaveller1
County Limerick, Ireland203 contributions
Availability would depend on local events/conferences so prices may vary. Best to check online or with the Friary directly.
Are the rooms all with en suite?
cb512016
London, UK197 contributions
No they are not I think only a few have extra facilities
can you get married here?
NickBestwick
Aylesford, UK47 contributions
No you can't, simple as that.
However, they do have a lovely North Barn that you can hire out for a Reception. Contact them directly for prices and details. It is very good value
The Friars, Aylesford
Frequently Asked Questions about The Friars
- Hotels near The Friars:
- (0.01 mi) The Friars Guesthouse
- (1.90 mi) Kits Coty Glamping
- (0.50 mi) Aylesford Bed and Breakfast
- (1.39 mi) Premier Inn Maidstone (Allington) hotel
- (1.64 mi) Maidstone (Sandling) hotel
- Restaurants near The Friars:
- (0.17 mi) Pilgrims Hall Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) The Friars Tearooms
- (0.35 mi) The Chequers Inn
- (0.43 mi) The Hengist Village Bar & Dining Rooms
- (0.44 mi) Base Camp