In times of retreat we celebrate the primacy of God's love in our lives through prayer, stillness and reflection.
A Commentary on the SSF Rule of Life
Staying at the Friary
Finding Inner Peace
Individual and Group Bookings
Individual and Group Bookings
You are welcome to come and stay at Alnmouth Friary for a time of prayer, retreat and study. The Friary is a house of hospitality. Take a break away from your usual routine to share something of the Franciscan life being live out at the friary. A Brother is often available to talk to if you are seeking spiritual accompaniment.
Individual and Group Bookings
Individual and Group Bookings
Individual and Group Bookings
Alnmouth friary has 8 single and 3 double guests rooms. We welcome individuals and groups, who come for rest, retreat or to share in the daily rhythm of the community. The rooms are comfortable and reflect a Franciscan simplicity. Each bedroom is near to a toilet and shower room. These are used by the other guests staying at the friary.
To make a booking please email the guest brother: alnmouthguests@franciscans.org.uk
I remember with joy our visit to your house and our joint worship services. We are planning another visit to you, brothers. Your hospitality was meaningful.
Visa, A Finnish member of TSSF
The brothers serve simple homecooked meals. Breakfast is usually eaten in silence, allowing everyone to begin the day in a calm and reflective atmosphere. Supper on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays is also taken in silence. These evening meals provide a similar opportunity to reflect on the day
Spaces for you to use
The Library
The library at Alnmouth friary has stunning views of the beach and is a very special space. Guests love to spend time in the library, reading and looing out onto the view of the beach. The library is kept as a silent area to provide space for people to read and reflect.
Alnmouth friary is a religious house
The Franciscan Friary at Alnmouth is first and foremost a religious house, not a hotel. It exists as a place of prayer, community life, and spiritual retreat under the care of the Franciscan brothers. The purpose of Alnmouth friary is not to provide tourist accommodation or hotel-style services, but to offer a space where visitors may share in the rhythm of daily prayer, silence, and reflection. Guests are welcomed as participants in the friary’s spiritual life, not as customers, and the hospitality extended is rooted in the Franciscan tradition of simplicity and fraternity.
Practical Information
Arrivals and Departures
Arrivals and Departures
Arrivals and Departures
Guests typically arrive on Tuesdays at 4pm and depart on Friday mornings at 10am. Guests arrive on Fridays are at 4pm and are welcome to stay for lunch on Sunday with departures by 2pm.
The guest wing is closed on Sunday evenings and throughout Monday.
If you arrive well before 4pm on a Tuesday or Friday, you’re welcome to leave your luggage at the friary and spend some time at the beach. On other days, arrival and departure times are flexible.
If you have any questions, please speak with the guest brother.
What to bring
Arrivals and Departures
Arrivals and Departures
We recommend bringing walking boots and warm clothing, especially if you plan to go for walks. A good book can be a welcome companion during your time on retreat.
Taking a break from your mobile phone and other electronic devices can greatly enrich your retreat experience.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Alnmouth Friary for a retreat. It was my first visit and was delighted with what I experienced, namely, a warm welcome from the Friars, a peaceful and prayerful environment amongst beautiful surroundings
Feedback from a recent guest at Alnmouth friary
Please bring a towel with you.
For a retreat with everything to suit your mood this is the place. Rooms are basic with shared bathrooms but exceptionally clean. The Brothers are wonderful, full of acceptance peace chat and laughter. No pressure to attend services but I always find them worthwhile.
Feedback from a recent guest
Facilities
Double Rooms
Double Rooms
Double Rooms
The Friary has three double rooms, two of which offer views of the beach. Each room is set up with twin single beds, making them suitable for married couples or for members of a group sharing accommodation.
Tea Points
Double Rooms
Double Rooms
Guests have access to three tea stations within the guest wing. Tea and coffee are available throughout your stay at the Friary. Milk is provided in the fridge; please let us know if you require a dairy-free alternative.
Accessibility at the Friary
The Friary has a lift
The Friary has a lift
The Friary has a lift
The Friary is equipped with a lift for ease of access throughout the building. All guest bedrooms are located on the first floor, and the lift provides convenient access for those who may need it. If you have any specific mobility requirements, please let us know so we can assist you accordingly.
Accessible Shower
The Friary has a lift
The Friary has a lift
There is an accessible shower in the guest wing. Please let us know if you require access to it, and we will arrange a nearby bedroom for you.
The Daily Routine
Meals in the Refectory
Meals in the Refectory
Meals in the Refectory
Brothers and guests share meals together in the refectory. Mealtimes are generally at 8:00am for breakfast, 12:45pm for lunch, and 6:15pm for supper.
Breakfast is usually taken in silence and is served on a self-service basis. All meals at the Friary are prepared by the brothers, who cook and provide the food for the community and guests.
Greater Silence
Meals in the Refectory
Meals in the Refectory
After Compline, the house enters a period of silence. During this time, we kindly ask guests to be mindful and to avoid making noise in communal and public areas, so as to preserve the quiet atmosphere.
The brothers also observe this silence on most days, maintaining it until 8:30am the following morning. This shared silence helps support prayer, rest, and reflection throughout the Friary.
The Value of Silence
Embracing periods of silence during your retreat
Silence provides us with a valuable opportunity to grow in a deeper, more reflective awareness of ourselves and of others. It can be embraced both in shared times of communal prayer and fellowship, as well as in moments of personal solitude and withdrawal.
These periods of quiet can become especially precious times of renewal and re-creation, offering space to engage honestly with our own inner life, including the experience of solitude and aloneness. Far from being empty, silence can be a place of encounter and transformation.
In this way, silence helps us to discover and live more fully in our true selves, especially in relationship with God. Outer silence supports the cultivation of inner stillness, creating the conditions in which genuine listening can take place. From this place of stillness, communication with others becomes more honest, attentive, and effective.
If you’re looking for a retreat, especially if you want periods of silence but room to chat with the community and fellow visitors too, I heartily recommend the Friary at Alnmouth. Comfortable, friendly and prayerful community, beautiful setting, library to die for. Feeling very rested!
Guest feedback
The Friary Shop
Taking stock after 5 blessed days of silence at Alnmouth Friary. It's such a good place for a retreat. Beautiful walks, unfussy worship, a well stocked library, and so easy to get to from London
Guest feedback