Built by the Carmelite friars in the 13th century, The Friars is still owned by them, albeit with a few centuries’ gap after Henry VIII got involved.

It is a guesthouse and religious centre but the religion did not intrude.

The centre is open to the public and lots of visitors come to see it. A sign at the entrance tells us that the place costs £1000 per day to run and maintain, so donations are requested.

The river Medway forms one boundary and runs alongside the main hall. The grounds are quite large and include flower beds, extensive lawns, covered picnic benches, large car parks, a lake, five chapels filled with designer ceramics, a piazza with benches for hundreds, and lots of quite friendly wild birds.

There is a staffed reception desk at the main building. The accommodation and main halls surround two courtyards.