Fuse 2024 Venue: The Friars, Aylesford

The Venue

We are meeting at The Friars, Aylesford, Kent – a 13th Century Carmelite priory built on the medieval Pilgrims’ trail to Canterbury. This historic retreat offers an environment rich in spirituality, contemplation, nature and creativity and we hope you will join us as we explore our theme ‘The Power of Story + Song’.

The FUSE workshops will take place in conference rooms situated in the grounds of the priory and meals will be provided in the original Pilgrims’ Hall, a refectory building which dates back to the late 1200s. More information is available on the The Friars website.

Accommodation

FUSE attendees can book accommodation in either one of the original Tudor Guest Houses or the Conference Centre Residential Block. Only a few bedrooms are on the ground floor, so let us know if this is a requirement when you make your booking. Rooms are comfortable and the food is good, but the centre does not meet full hotel standards. The majority of the 68 bedrooms have shared bathroom facilities. ­­There are hotels in Aylesford and Maidstone if you’d prefer - with this option you would book day delegate tickets.

Directions

By Road:

The Friars, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BX
If using satellite navigation, please enter HIGH STREET, BULL LANE or ME20 7BY

Use M20 and exit at junction 6 then follow signs to Eccles and The Friars.

Or from M2 exit at junction 3 then follow the signs (towards Maidstone A229) to Eccles and The Friars.

Ample Parking on-site at The Friars.

By Train:

London Victoria to Maidstone East then take a taxi or bus 155 to The Friars.

London Victoria to West Malling then take a taxi to The Friars.

London St Pancras, change at Strood for Aylesford, then a 20 minute walk or short taxi journey. (NB No taxi rank at Aylesford Station).

Local taxis:
Place 2 Place 01622 791 500
Express Cab & Couriers 01622 222 222
Apollo Taxis 01622 882 020