Malling Abbey

Malling Abbey (St Mary's Abbey) in West Malling, Kent, is a rare English example of a medieval nunnery that is again home to a living community. Anglican Benedictine nuns have prayed and worked here since 1916. It is a working convent, not a museum, so visiting is limited and needs planning.

What is the history of the abbey?

Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, founded the abbey around 1090. He settled Benedictine nuns on the site and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary. The community lasted more than four centuries until Henry VIII dissolved it in 1538, and the buildings then passed through a series of private owners. In 1892 Charlotte Boyd bought the abbey and set up a trust to return it to its original purpose. The present Anglican community arrived in 1916.

What can you see?

The oldest surviving structure is the Norman tower of about 1090, listed Grade I by Historic England. The whole site is also a scheduled monument. The medieval gatehouse, the old guest house and the cloister ranges are protected too. The 18th-century cascade and the abbey barn are listed Grade II. Beside the medieval fabric stands the modern abbey church, built in 1964-66, so several centuries share one compound.

Can you go inside?

The abbey is private and the nuns live in quiet seclusion. The easiest way in is the September Heritage Open Days programme. The route covers the outer parts of the site, including the Norman west front, the gatehouse, the guest house and the area around the cloister. Pre-booking is usually required, and dates and rules change from year to year, so check the current Heritage Open Days listing or phone the abbey before you travel. Outside open days, the community welcomes guests on retreats and quiet days at its guest house. Since 2016 the St. Benedict's Centre has also offered rooms for meetings, study and prayer.

How do you get there?

The abbey is on Swan Street (postcode ME19 6JX) in West Malling, opposite the Baptist church. The town lies about 6 km west of Maidstone. You can drive, or take a train to West Malling station and walk through the town centre.

When should you visit?

September is the best month, when the abbey opens to visitors for Heritage Open Days. At other times you see only part of the buildings from the street, and entering the grounds means arranging it with the sisters. Keep to the quiet and the rules of enclosure: this is a house of prayer first.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Malling Abbey every day? No. It is a private working convent. Access is mainly during organised open days and for retreat guests.

Who founded the abbey? Bishop Gundulf of Rochester, around 1090, as a house for Benedictine nuns.

Do nuns still live there? Yes. A community of Anglican Benedictine nuns has lived here since 1916.

Can you stay overnight? The guest house takes individuals and groups for retreats and quiet days. Confirm booking terms directly with the abbey.