Situated within the grounds of Malling Abbey, St Benedict’s Centre welcomes individuals and groups wanting to spend a day to retreat, rest, study, meetings, or work. It really is a ‘place apart’, yet within easy reach by road and rail.
The Centre is a place of great beauty and serenity, a liminal space which draws deeply on its spiritual heritage and tradition to engage with the needs of contemporary society: education, training, counselling, holistic therapy, study days, quiet days, workshops and much more.
Our vision is to be a place for learning, retreat, spirituality and wellbeing. Drawing on deep-rooted Christian tradition, we warmly welcome people of all faiths and none – everyone who shares the wild hope of human flourishing at the heart of this vision.
Anyone entering through our gates will absorb something special from our proximity to the Benedictine Community at Malling Abbey. The Sisters walk a less-travelled road of prayer, work, worship, study and hospitality, wonderfully modelling the dynamic balance of activity which is central to a well-lived life and a well-ordered society.
St Benedict’s is also the home of St Augustine College of Theology, which offers training people for lay and ordained ministry.
The Diocese of Rochester use the Centre for a range of teaching and study sessions. In 2025, they entered into a new kind of partnership with us, aptly named Cascade. This was initiated with the specific aim to help the flourishing and wellbeing of leaders in churches. More information can be found on the dedicated Cascade page on the Rochester Diocese website.
In the face of the prevailing cultural winds of contested truth, frenetic lives, material acquisition and the growing prevalence of mental ill health, we offer counter-cultural gifts to weary travellers through life: silence, breathing space and the opportunity simply to ‘be’.
We provide space for faith-based as well as secular organisations to run their own events, such as staff development programmes and company away-days. From time to time, health agencies use the space for screening, for the benefit of the local community. In short, individuals and groups – of all ages and backgrounds – make use of this special environment.
We also host an extensive programme of themed quiet days, study days and retreat days.
There is room for more. The vision, ethos and culture of the Centre is hospitable and generous, and we are actively seeking partners within and beyond the Church to fulfil the vision of a renewed humanity on a wounded planet in a changing world
St Benedict said: ‘All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ Rule of St Benedict 53:1
At the Centre, in our close relationship with the Benedictine Community at Malling Abbey, we are eager to reflect the rhythm and pattern of Benedictine community life in through our hospitality and programme.
We are passionate about hospitality and we would be delighted to welcome you or your group here.
For any enquiries please contact us.
