Worth Abbey

Worth Abbey is an English Benedictine monastery, a sanctuary where the Gospel of Christ is expressed through a community life of prayer and service.

A Retreat for the Soul 
Founded in 2005, The Open Cloister is Worth Abbey’s retreat programme, offering a space for spiritual reflection rooted in Catholic and Benedictine traditions. It invites individuals seeking prayer, rest, and renewal in the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey, building on the legacy of the former Centre of Spirituality. 

A Ministry of Hospitality 
Hospitality is central to Benedictine life. The Open Cloister extends this hospitality to a wider audience, welcoming hundreds of guests each year through a collaborative effort between monks and laypeople. Whether for a weekend retreat or a day visit, it serves as a meaningful link between the monastery and the wider world.

Inspired by the BBC programmes The Monastery and The Big Silence, The Open Cloister has become a key part of our outreach, drawing visitors seeking God amidst life’s busyness. 

Retreats at Worth Abbey 
Offering a variety of weekend and midweek retreats for men and women, The Open Cloister invites you to seek God in the serene surroundings of Worth Abbey. Join the monks in daily prayer, explore the Abbey’s woodlands, and find peace in the Quiet Garden. Choose from guided, themed, silent, or self-led retreats to suit your spiritual needs. 

Comfortable and Peaceful Facilities 
The facilities for The Open Cloister are designed for peace and comfort, with highly praised accommodation and catering to meet all dietary needs. The 2026 Retreat Programme is now available, with retreats led by monks or invited collaborators.

Getting to Worth

By Rail: Three Bridges Station is approximately 4 miles from Worth. You are advised to take a taxi from there as there is no direct bus route.

By Road: Worth Abbey is located close to Crawley and the M23, just 32 miles from London and 22 miles from Brighton, making it easily accessible via the UK road network.

Sat Nav: Use postcode RH10 4SB.

Exploring Vocation

Worth Abbey are one of only two monasteries here in the UK who offer an internship programme. You can find out more about it here. Or watch a short video about it below.