If you’re looking for inner silence, clarity, ancient monastic wisdom or something deeper than everyday life offers, a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery or convent is one of the most grounded places you as a member of the public can go.

This is the complete UK directory (from Deo est Gloria) now combined with direct websites, practical guidance and clear next steps so you can actually act on it.

These special places are living Roman Catholic communities of prayer from different Benedictine congregations and many welcome you to join the religious in prayer. Several offer guesthouse facilities, retreats, public talks plus events and some cater for tourism. A number follow the monastic tradition of making and selling products. Check each website first to find out what is available to the public and what is not.

And if you are travelling outside of the UK, there are very many active Roman Catholic Benedictine monasteries and convents all over the world.

ENGLAND

Bedfordshire

• Monastery of Christ Our Saviour, Turvey (Monks)
  Website: https://turveymonks.org.uk/
• Priory of Our Lady of Peace, Turvey Abbey (Nuns)
  Website: http://www.turveyabbey.org.uk/

Berkshire

• Douai Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.douaiabbey.org.uk/

Devon

• Buckfast Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.buckfast.org.uk/

East Sussex

• Grace and Compassion Benedictines, Brighton (Nuns)
  Website: https://www.graceandcompassionbenedictines.org.uk/

Gloucestershire

• Prinknash Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.prinknashabbey.org/

Greater London

• Ealing Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://ealingmonks.org.uk/
• Tyburn Convent (Nuns)
  Website: https://www.tyburnconvent.org.uk/

Hampshire

• St Michael’s Abbey, Farnborough (Monks)
  Website: http://www.farnboroughabbey.org/

Herefordshire

• Belmont Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.belmontabbey.org.uk/

Isle of Wight

• Quarr Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.quarrabbey.org/
• St Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde (Nuns)
  Website: https://www.stceciliasabbey.org.uk/

Kent

• Minster Abbey, Ramsgate (Nuns)
  Website: https://www.minsterabbeynuns.org/

North Yorkshire

• Ampleforth Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk/
• Stanbrook Abbey, Wass (Nuns)
  Website: https://www.stanbrookabbey.org.uk/

Somerset

• Downside Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://www.downsideabbey.co.uk/

Staffordshire

• St Mary's Abbey, Colwich (Nuns)

         Website:  https://benedictinesofmary.org/about-us/colwich/

Surrey

• St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth (Monks)
  Website: https://www.chilworthbenedictines.com/

West Sussex

• Worth Abbey (Monks)
  Website: https://worthabbey.net/

NORTHERN IRELAND

County Down

• Holy Cross Abbey, Rostrevor (Monks)
  Website: https://www.benedictinemonks.co.uk/

SCOTLAND

Moray

• Pluscarden Abbey (Monks)
  Website: http://www.pluscardenabbey.org/

North Ayrshire

• Tyburn Benedictine Nuns, Largs (Nuns)
  Website: https://www.tyburnconvent.org.uk/

Why visit a Benedictine monastery or convent?

Because it cuts through the noise.

You’ll find:

• Structured daily prayer (Mass + Divine Office) 
• Sung and said prayer - sung by some communities in Latin Gregorian Chant
• Real silence -  not background quiet
• A rhythm of life unchanged for 1,500 years
• Space to think clearly again
• Some offer retreats, public talks and events

This is not theory. It’s lived reality.

Questions & Answers

Do I need to book to visit?

• No for Mass or prayer - usually just turn up
• Yes for retreats, talks or overnight stays

Can anyone visit?

Yes. You don’t need to be Catholic.
But you do need to behave like a guest in a place of prayer.

What happens when I visit?

You join quietly:

• Mass
• The Divine Office (daily prayer throughout the day)
• Personal reflection

No pressure. Just enter and observe.

Can I stay overnight?

Many monasteries and convents offer guest accommodation:

• Simple rooms
• Quiet atmosphere
• Shared prayer times

This is not a hotel - it’s participation in monastic life.

Is there a cost?

• Day visits: normally free
• Stays/events: donation or fixed fee

You are supporting the monastery or convent.

How do I choose where to go?

Keep it simple:

• Pick the nearest
• Or choose monks vs nuns
• Or choose one with a guesthouse

Then book as necessary and go.

Can I explore becoming a monk or nun?

Yes. If the thought keeps returning, don’t ignore it.

Also, see https://jubilee.osb.org/monasteries/29

GOD GIVE YOU PEACE

St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth

April 2026