Minster Abbey Guest House

Minster Abbey Guest House

The Guest House, situated in the grounds of the ancient monastery of St. Mildred in Minster near Ramsgate in Kent, is a Benedictine Roman Catholic Community founded in 670. Our life at Minster is marked by simplicity, prayer and work. As in the days of St. Mildred, the patron saint of Minster, hospitality is an important aspect of our monastic life and is a way of sharing the riches of our Benedictine heritage.

Groups and individuals

We offer hospitality to groups for conferences or retreats. These include groups of young people, parish groups, prayer groups, craft groups, etc. Up to eighteen persons can be accommodated. During the summer months families are welcome, as well as young women who would like a working holiday. We are not able to welcome men unless they form part of a group or a family.

Accommodation

The guest rooms are inviting and comfortable and provided with a wash basin and hot and cold running water. Bathrooms or showers and toilets are in close proximity to the bedrooms. Each of our guest rooms has a writing desk and a Bible for use during your retreat. We have seven single rooms, three twin rooms and one double room. In addition we have a large bedroom with three single beds which can accommodate a family. Our Bethany Wing is fully accessible for people with disabilities, including a twin en suite bedroom.

Meals

We offer a self-service breakfast in the Guest House dining room. Good home-cooked meals are provided by the sisters with much of the produce grown in our own gardens. Vegetarian meals can be provided by prior arrangement. Tea and coffee making facilities are available for guests. Those coming for a “quiet day” are requested to bring a packed lunch. Those desiring more silence may have their meals in a separate dining room.

Private Retreats

We offer hospitality to individuals wishing to make a private retreat, or to have a few quiet days. We do not offer “guided directed” retreats, but a sister can be available, by prior arrangement, for those who wish accompaniment. A small library with a good selection of spiritual books is available for use during your stay.

St Benedict's

St. Benedict’s, is a large, comfortable meeting room with an adjacent kitchen and tea/coffee making facilities. It is available for Day Groups. Use of a flip Chart/White Board can be arranged.

Bethany Room

The Bethany Room is a large spacious meeting room, overlooking a private garden. It has full access for people with disabilities, as well as a small kitchen for groups to use during their stay.

The Gardens

All our guests and retreatants are most welcome to relax in the beautiful monastic gardens. They provide a place of peace and serenity for reflective prayer or a time of quiet. It is often in the silence of the gardens that our guests experience something of the mystery of the beauty of God.

Monastic Prayer

Since the time of St. Benedict in the 5th century, liturgical prayer has always been the centre of Benedictine monastic life. The sisters welcome guests, local visitors and the local community to join the prayer services that take place seven times throughout the day. Through their prayer, they share intimately in the suffering and difficulties of their brothers and sisters throughout the world. Not only Christians but people of every faith and spiritual tradition all who truly seek God, are welcome to join the sisters in prayer.

Times of arrival and departure

We suggest that you plan to arrive between 2 and 6 pm. On the day of your departure, you are welcome to stay for lunch but in order to prepare for incoming guests we request that you vacate your room by 10 am.

How to find us

Trains leave Charing Cross hourly for Minster. The monastery is a 3 minute walk from the rail station.

Inquiries and Booking

If you wish to make a booking please write to:
The Guest Sister,
Minster Abbey,
Minster, Near Ramsgate, Kent CT12 4HF

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