A Commentary on the SSF Rule of Life
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.
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
Visa, A Finnish member of TSSF
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.
The chalet lounge is a communal area in the friary available for guests to use. It is a great space to sit and read, or to talk. Residential groups often meet in the chalet lounge for meetings and social events.
The first place in our work of study is the exploration of the path to God, and the deepening of our understanding of the Scriptures and other teachings of the spiritual life. But this is part of a wider responsibility to use wisely the abilities with which we have been entrusted and so encourage the development of the mind, body and spirit in ourselves and others. Study is not a luxury for us, but a way by which we may serve others, a gift enabling us and then to grow into the fullness of Christ. Personal development, learning new skills, and discovering creative arts are all ways of deepening our ongoing formation.
On Mondays and Fridays guests arrive at/from 4pm. If you are significantly earlier you can drop your luggage off at the friary and pop to the beach. On other days there is not a set arrival time.
Guests tend to leave on Friday mornings (10am) or on Sundays after lunch (2pm). On other days there is not a set departure time.
It is helpful if you can bring a towel with you. We suggest guests bring walking boots and warm clothes with them, especially if you are planning on going for walks. A good book is always a great addition for a time away on retreat.
Feedback from a recent guest at Alnmouth friary
Feedback from a recent guest
The Friary has three double rooms. Two of these have views of the beach. The double rooms have two single beds in them. This is ideal for either a married couple or for members of a group who are sharing rooms.
Guests have access to three tea points in the guest wing. Tea and coffee is available throughout your stay at the Friary. Milk is in the fridge, let us know if you need a dairy free alternative.
The friary has a lift. The bedrooms are all on the first floor.
There is an accessible show in the guest wing. Please let us know if you need access to this and we can put you in a bedroom that is nearby.
Brothers and guests eat together in the refectory. This is generally at 8am, 1pm and 6pm. Generally breakfast is a silent meal. Breakfast is a self-service meal. The brothers cook the meals at the friary.
After Compline the house enters into silence. We ask guests to avoid making noise in public areas. The brothers remain in silence (most days) until 8.30am the following day.
Silence offers us the opportunity for growth in the reflective awareness of ourselves and others. It can be enjoyed both in times of corporate communion and of withdrawing into solitude. These can be precious times of re-creation and of wrestling with the aloneness within. Silence enables us to find our true selves in relationship with God. Exterior silence nurtures interior stillness and forms the background to honest and effective communication.
Guest feedback
Guest feedback
Copyright © 2025 Alnmouth Friary - All Rights Reserved.