Malling Abbey (St Mary's)
Overview
The abbey is part of an active Benedictine nunnery, founded around 1090 by Gandulf of Rochester. One of the most prosperous in the country, it survived the plague of the 14th century, only to be dissolved by Henry VIII. It was restored as a nunnery in the 19th century, and the current Anglican community was established here in 1916. Today it continues the traditions of hospitality by offering retreats. The abbey is private, but may be viewed on guided heritage tours during September.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Tours arranged via Tonbridge Borough Council, Sep
About the area
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Self-Catering
Sandhole Barn
★★★★
"A smartly-presented, superbly-located bungalow in a peaceful setting, close to main transport links...."
- Total units: 1
- Private garden
- Washing machine
- Sky or freeview
Self-Catering
Sandhole Barn
★★★★
"A smartly-presented, superbly-located bungalow in a peaceful setting, close to main transport links...."
- Private garden
- Washing machine
- Sky or freeview
- Linens provided
Glamping
Kits Coty Glamping
Quality Assessed
"Five-star glamping in the heart of Kent...."
- Baths or showers
- Hairdryers
- Dishwashing area
- Barbeque
Nearby places to stay
Sandhole Barn
Sandhole Barn provides a comfortable and convenient base for a relaxing short break in the Kent countryside. It is ideally situated to explore the many local attractions or to visit Lon...
★★★★ Rating
Sandhole Barn
Sandhole Barn provides a comfortable and convenient base for a relaxing short break in the Kent countryside. It is ideally situated to explore the many local attractions or to visit Lon...
★★★★ Rating
Kits Coty Glamping
Kits Coty Glamping is located in glorious North Downs countryside between Maidstone and Chatham, with far-reaching views across the Medway Valley. The well-landscaped paddock is home to...
Quality Assessed
Thriftwood Country Park
Thriftwood Country Park is a beautiful and tranquil leisure park in Sevenoaks. With its open spaces, heated outdoor swimming pool, a clubhouse and plenty of woodland walks, this is a gr...
★★★★★ Rating
The Inn on the Lake Hotel
The Inn on the Lake is a modern and luxurious hotel set in 12 acres of stunning woodland with three beautiful lakes. With elegant and comfortable bedrooms, the Willow Restaurant, Fisher...
★★★ Rating
Black Horse Inn
In quiet rural surroundings, on the Pilgrims Way with easy access to the M20, less than an hour from London, stands the historic and pet-friendly Black Horse Inn. It has retained plenty...
★★★★ Rating
King Charles Hotel
Originally built as a servicemen’s club for the NAAFI in the 1940s, the King Charles Hotel is close to the centre of Gillingham. Facilities include the Lounge Bar and Aurora Restaurant,...
★★★ Rating
Battel Hall
Battel Hall is a truly unique property set in a secluded location on the edge of the Leeds Castle estate. A medieval manor house, in private hands since the 14th century, Battel Hall op...
★★★★★ Rating





