Minster Abbey Guest House

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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. We are open to residential guests from January until the end of September and most of the year to day retreatants.

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 seventeen 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. 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 5 single rooms and 5 twin rooms in the Guest House. Our Bethany Wing is fully accessible for people with disabilities, including a twin en suite bedroom. St. Aelred’s bungalow, which is part of our guest facility is a five minute walk from the Abbey and has 1 twin room and 2 single rooms.

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.

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 kitchenette.

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.

Maintaining a silent and peaceful atmosphere

Most visitors desire a peaceful and silent atmosphere on these quiet days, so we try to ensure that there is a prayerful environment. We ask that all guests respect the silence and stillness of the others. Pre-booking is essential. Please write to make your booking:

The Guest Sister
Minster Abbey,
Minster, Nr. Ramsgate, Kent CT12 4HF

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