St.Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth (Benedictine monastery)

They've installed a proper confessional in their church! Church is back to being open 4:30 to 20:45 daily. However, confession is by appointment and the latter has to be arranged through the monastery website.

Quite a different experience from what was portrayed on the BBC. There's an eerie atmosphere as you drive in towards the abbey and just opposite the car park, a homeless man has set up camp in a small hut. Inside the abbey, it's nice but feels unwelcoming as the strange atmosphere continues. Perhaps it was quiet but we've been to other abbeys during the day, including Worth abbey, and felt something different. Finally, we were expecting to buy some products but there was no sign of anything o...

Beautiful grounds and architecture, stunning interior and very approachable and sincere community. A really warm, friendly cross-section of people, young and older, both on the altar and in the congregation. The monks and regular attendees make you feel welcome without any overbearing whatsoever. An increasing number of families seem to attend. For music-lovers, the Gregorian chants and superb organ-playing lift the mass to another level. A very special and spiritual place to be.

I have visited St Augustine's Abbey a few times to date with my brother and sister in law and have always found my times there to be memorable. A warm welcome and environment alongside beautiful, tranquil surroundings augur for a pleasant, if not a special and calm time when spent here. I felt completely included and accepted and would highly recommend some time being spent in somewhere maybe considered rather hidden however, a wonderful secret to be discovered.

I was staying at a bed and breakfast nearby, and during a walk I reached the Abbey. I was pretty surprised to find a Catholic monastery lost in the English countryside, and what a nice surprise. The Abbey is very beautiful and peaceful, the perfect place to relax and meet the peace of the Lord. I met one of the friars who gave me a tour and I enjoyed speaking Italian with him. Great place!