Friends Meeting House
Discover serene spaces of silent worship and community at historic Friends Meeting Houses, centers of Quaker faith and social activism.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience a traditional meeting.
Friends Meeting House
Best Time
Experience a traditional meeting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene spaces of silent worship and community at historic Friends Meeting Houses, centers of Quaker faith and social activism.
"A beautiful community and building, immediately reassuring and making me feel like I was in a safe place."
🤫 Embrace the Silence
Quaker meetings are often silent. Speak only when moved by the spirit.
♿ Check Accessibility
Historic buildings may have limited access; call ahead for side entrances.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Meeting Room
Main Hall
Experience the profound peace of a silent Quaker meeting in a space designed for reflection and community.
Historic Architecture
Various Locations
Discover centuries-old buildings, some dating back to the 17th century, showcasing unique Quaker architectural styles.
Community Gardens
Select Locations
Enjoy serene gardens, often maintained by volunteers, offering a peaceful retreat and sometimes fresh produce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Silence
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Embrace the Silence
Quaker meetings are often silent. Speak only when moved by the spirit.
♿ Check Accessibility
Historic buildings may have limited access; call ahead for side entrances.
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be limited; consider public transport or nearby options.
🤝 Welcoming Atmosphere
Many meeting houses are welcoming to visitors and community groups.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Embrace the Silence
Quaker meetings are often silent. Speak only when moved by the spirit.
♿ Check Accessibility
Historic buildings may have limited access; call ahead for side entrances.
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be limited; consider public transport or nearby options.
🤝 Welcoming Atmosphere
Many meeting houses are welcoming to visitors and community groups.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look for community events, U3A meetings, or open house days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere of Friends Meeting Houses, often highlighting their beautiful, historic architecture and the serene environment. Many appreciate the community engagement and the sense of safety and inclusivity they offer. Some note that accessibility can be a challenge in older buildings and parking may be limited.
"Beautiful community, beautiful building. I dropped in out of nowhere as I used to be a Quaker and it's still very precious to me. The entrance had posters welcoming refugees and acknowledging the history of Lancaster Quakers, which was really reassuring and immediately made me feel like I was in a safe place. They were so welcoming, showed me their meeting room which is so pretty and peaceful, and even let me pick plums and apples from their garden, which is stunning and maintained almost entirely by volunteers. Thank you "
Beti McG
"Went to arts and crafts show here , was surprised at how big place was there was refreshments available. I believe they do jumble sales as well, access for wheelchair users would have to use side road to enter I am assuming there is access through a door however not sure we're have seen wheelchair users in the building would advise phoning for more info."
Peter Sharrod
"Very old building that has been modified within certain limits to accommodate modern usages. Used by the U3A for a large number of meetings and by other organisations. Has a lot of rooms available for hire, various sizes that can hold from about 8 to 60 people."
Alan C (AlanC-LAUK)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can find local Quaker meetings by visiting the Quaker website for your region (e.g., quaker.org.uk for the UK) or by searching online for 'friends meeting house near me' or 'quaker meeting house near me'.
Public transport is often recommended due to limited parking at historic sites. Check local transit options for the specific meeting house you plan to visit.
Historic meeting houses like the Arch Street Friends Meeting House in Philadelphia have specific visitor information available online. Always check the individual meeting house's website for the most accurate directions.
Yes, many Quaker organizations provide a map of local meetings on their websites, which can be very helpful for planning your visit.
Parking can be challenging, especially at older, centrally located meeting houses. It's advisable to confirm parking availability beforehand or plan to use alternative transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, attending a regular Quaker meeting is typically free and open to everyone. There are no tickets required for silent worship.
Opening hours vary greatly as many are historic buildings used by various community groups. For specific meeting times or to visit the building, it's best to check the individual meeting house's schedule or contact them directly.
Generally, there is no admission fee for attending a Quaker meeting. However, some may have small charges for specific events or tours, and donations are always appreciated.
Yes, you can usually walk into a Friends Meeting House during their scheduled meeting times or for community events. Some historic sites may have specific visiting hours.
Many older buildings have limited accessibility. It's recommended to call ahead and inquire about side entrances or ramps to ensure a smooth visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Quaker meetings often involve periods of silent worship, where individuals reflect and may feel moved to share a message. It's a contemplative and community-focused experience.
Dress is typically casual and comfortable. There's no strict dress code, as the focus is on inner reflection rather than outward appearance.
Yes, children are generally welcome. Some meeting houses offer 'First Day School' or religious education for children during the meeting time.
It's best to ask permission before taking photos, especially during a meeting for worship. Some historic sites may have restrictions.
Many Friends Meeting Houses are historic, with some dating back to the 17th century, playing significant roles in local communities and religious history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some meeting houses offer refreshments, especially during community events or after meetings. It's not guaranteed, so it's wise to plan accordingly.
Generally, bringing your own food is acceptable if you're attending a private event or using a room for hire. For meetings for worship, it's best to refrain.
Many Friends Meeting Houses have kitchen facilities available for use by groups hiring their rooms or for community events.
This depends on the location. Larger towns and cities will have numerous dining options near their meeting houses, while rural locations may have fewer choices.
If you are hiring a room, catering options may be available or you may be permitted to arrange your own external catering. Inquire directly with the meeting house.
📸 📸 Photography
Historic architecture, peaceful gardens, and the unique interior of the meeting room offer great photographic potential.
It's generally discouraged to take photos during a silent meeting for worship out of respect for the contemplative atmosphere. Always ask for permission first.
Some historic sites may have specific rules regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas or during services. Check with the venue management.
Architectural photography, capturing the serene atmosphere, and documenting community events are popular themes.
Searching on Instagram with hashtags like #FriendsMeetingHouse or #QuakerMeetingHouse, or on Google Images, will yield many beautiful examples.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for meeting houses that host community events or have gardens, as these can provide more engaging activities for kids. Always check the specific meeting house's offerings and consider calling ahead to inquire about family-friendly facilities or programs.
🏛️ History Buffs
Seek out meeting houses with historical markers or displays, and consider visiting during open house events when more information about their past is often shared. The Arch Street Friends Meeting House in Philadelphia is a prime example of a historic site that preserves and shares its rich heritage.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers
Visitors are encouraged to attend with an open mind and heart. You don't need to be a Quaker to participate; the welcoming nature of the community extends to all who seek spiritual connection. Remember that speaking during worship is reserved for those who feel genuinely moved to do so, respecting the shared silence.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Quakerism
Quaker meetings for worship are typically unprogrammed, meaning they are held in silence. Attendees sit together, and anyone may speak if they feel moved by the spirit to share a message. This practice fosters a deep sense of community and shared spiritual journey. Quakers are also known for their commitment to peace, social justice, and equality, often engaging in activism and humanitarian work.
Historically, Quakers faced persecution but also played a significant role in social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's suffrage. Their dedication to their principles has left a lasting impact on society.
The Architecture of Friends Meeting Houses
Notable examples include the Friends Meeting House in Flushing, Queens, built starting in 1694, which is the oldest house of worship still in use in the five boroughs. Similarly, the Great Friends Meeting House in Rhode Island, built in 1699, is the oldest surviving house of worship there and was central to the town's early life. Other meeting houses, like the Jerusalem Friends Meeting House in Wantagh (built 1827), are significant for their historical ties to founding families.
While preserving their historical integrity, many meeting houses have been adapted to accommodate modern needs, including hosting community groups like the U3A. These adaptations often involve adding meeting rooms of various sizes and ensuring some level of accessibility, though steep steps can be a feature of older entrances.
Community and Events
These spaces often feature community gardens maintained by volunteers, offering a peaceful environment and sometimes even fresh produce for visitors. The welcoming atmosphere is frequently highlighted, with visitors noting the presence of posters supporting social causes like refugee support, reinforcing the Quaker commitment to inclusivity and justice.
Some meeting houses also engage in social health initiatives, like the Swoove With Cat program at a Friends Meeting House, demonstrating their role in fostering connection and well-being within the community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit