My Glashampton Monastery Experience

I was invited to visit Glashampton Monastery by a monk named Simeon, whom I had met at the Ladywood Monastery in Birmingham. He was kind, polite, and fully present in every conversation. As someone who loves learning about new places and meeting people from different backgrounds, I was fascinated when he told me about Glashampton Monastery and warmly invited me to visit.

I planned to stay for a couple of days. My journey began with a train ride to Worcester, where I had a few hours before catching the bus. Worcester is a lovely, vibrant city with plenty of history. I visited the local tourist information centre, where I spoke with a friendly member of staff who recommended visiting Worcester Cathedral.

She shared an interesting historical fact: King John is buried there. King John is famous for sealing the Magna Carta in 1215, a document that laid the foundations for many legal principles that continue to influence democratic societies today. I decided I would visit the cathedral on my return journey.

From Worcester, I caught a bus to Glashampton. The journey took around an hour, winding through beautiful country lanes. As the city disappeared behind us, the scenery became even more stunning. I passed rolling farmland, quiet country roads, and impressive rural homes. The bus driver kindly told me where to get off, and from there I followed the signs towards Glashampton Monastery. It was about a 30-minute walk.

The walk itself was beautiful. I followed a peaceful path surrounded by breathtaking countryside. I passed a potato field where a tractor was working in the distance. As I approached the monastery, I spotted Simeon waiting for me. From afar I could recognise his monastic habit. We waved at each other with big smiles before greeting one another with a warm embrace.

I made it!" I said with relief, happy that I had managed the journey without getting lost.

He welcomed me inside, where I signed in and settled into the monastery.

It was fascinating to experience the daily life of the four monks and one nun who live there. Their days revolved around prayer, with five daily prayer services alongside additional meetings and devotions.

Lunch was one of the few occasions when everyone gathered together. There were also two other guests staying at the monastery. I thanked the monks and the nun for their hospitality and offered to help in the kitchen, but they kindly said they had everything under control.

As someone who enjoys conversation and meeting people, the silence felt unusual at first. Yet I began to understand what many monastics mean when they say that silence helps you discover who you really are.

After lunch, I returned to my room along the monastery's long, quiet corridors. I spent the afternoon reading a book before enjoying a short nap.

Later that evening, I explored the beautiful gardens. There were mature trees, colourful flowers, and a small allotment complete with a greenhouse. I admired the care that had gone into nurturing the land. Looking after nature is a value shared across many faiths, and as a Muslim this particularly resonated with me. My own faith teaches us that caring for the Earth is a responsibility entrusted to humanity.

Standing and looking across the open countryside, I was struck by the breathtaking views. Endless green fields stretched towards the horizon beneath wide open skies. It made me appreciate the beauty we have around us and reminded me how fortunate we are to have such peaceful places.

Day Two

I woke at 7:30 a.m. and made my way to breakfast at 8:00. A few people were already seated. I enjoyed cornflakes, toast and a glass of orange juice.

One of the monks was quietly reading what appeared to be a magazine. During breakfast I mentioned that I write a blog and hoped to share my experience of staying at the monastery.

The stillness was refreshing. Time seemed to move more slowly there. Life felt less rushed and more focused on gratitude, reflection and quiet contemplation.

Later, I returned to my room to read before spending more time walking in the gardens. Once again I was captivated by the vast landscape surrounding the monastery. Looking across the countryside, I found myself imagining what England might have looked like during the medieval period, when there were far fewer people and the land was filled with farms, horses and scattered villages.

Historically, monasteries played a significant role in English life. Before the sixteenth century there were thousands across the country. They provided education, cared for the poor, welcomed travellers and acted as centres of worship and community. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, many monasteries were closed and their lands sold to raise money for the Crown.

Even today, churches and parishes continue to serve local communities through worship, charity and practical support.

Time to Return Home

Before leaving, I said goodbye to all of the monks and the nun. I also wrote a few words in the visitors' reflection book, expressing my gratitude for their warm hospitality.

I walked back to the bus stop and caught the bus into Worcester. Once there, I finally visited Worcester Cathedral.

My first impression was one of complete awe. The scale of the building was incredible, and its architecture reflected centuries of English history. I was warmly welcomed by one of the cathedral volunteers, who recommended that I visit the tomb of King John. Seeing such an important piece of history in person was a memorable experience and reminded me how deeply the past continues to shape the present.

Soon it was time to begin my journey home. I left Glashampton feeling grateful for the experience. More than anything, I hope visits like these help to strengthen interfaith dialogue. Too often we hear the loud voices of division, hatred and suspicion. Yet it is quiet kindness that builds peace.

As a Muslim, I was welcomed with warmth, generosity and respect by a Christian monastic community. In return, I sought to offer the same respect and appreciation.

Perhaps that is where peace begins—not through grand speeches or political debates, but through simple human encounters. Sharing a meal. Walking together. Listening. Learning from one another.

If we truly want to live in a peaceful society, we must each choose to become that quiet peace for others. We can all be the helping friend, the welcoming neighbour, and the bridge between different communities. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness make the greatest difference.