Retreat life follows a simple daily programme of meditation, Buddhist talks and rituals, balanced with free time for rest and exploring the countryside. As the retreat progresses, there will often be more meditation and longer periods of silence to allow for reflection. On most retreats you’ll also join small, friendly discussion groups to share your experience. We’ll ask you to attend the full programme, keep electronic devices switched off and help with light communal chores like chopping vegetables or washing up.

6.30am Rise
‍7am Meditation
‍8.45am Breakfast (followed by free time)
‍10.30am Meditation, Talk and/or a workshop
‍1pm Lunch (followed by free time)
‍4pm Discussion Groups
‍5pm Meditation
‍6pm Dinner
‍8pm Talk and/or meditation and a ritual

Yes. Accommodation is in shared, single-sex rooms of 2 - 5 people. Living communally is an important aspect of being on retreat and it is often a surprise to people how supportive it can be for practice. We require couples to stay in separate rooms from one another so do let us know when you book if you’re coming with a partner. If you are trans or identify as non-binary and are worried about sharing a room please get in touch. 

Please let us know if you have any diagnosed mental health issues or are recovering from trauma so we can discuss if a retreat is right for you. Retreats involve periods of silence, engaging deeply with your mind, your habits and the big questions of life and death - which can be challenging. While the environment is supportive, we cannot provide therapeutic or medical help. If you are currently experiencing acute distress, grief, or mental health difficulties, please consider if this is the right time for you to attend.

The two retreat centres we use most, Vajrasana and Adhisthana, are fully accessible with dedicated rooms available upon request. Other venues vary in their facilities, so if you have specific mobility or access needs, please contact us before booking to ensure the site is suitable for you.

Please get in touch if you or anyone you’d like to book for is under 18 years of age. 

You don’t need to consider yourself a Buddhist to participate. You just need to be open to exploring the big issues of life and what they might mean for you.

We serve three tasty vegan meals a day. Toast, cereals, fruit and hot drinks are available via self service at any point on retreat. Medical dietary requirements such as common intolerances and allergies can usually be accommodated. Upon booking, you will have an opportunity to provide these details. If you’d like to discuss your dietary requirements before booking a retreat, please get in touch with us. Please don't bring any meat, fish, egg or dairy with you. 

Make sure to bring toiletries (including shampoo/shower gel) and a towel, indoor shoes (you may also want to bring walking boots), warm comfortable clothes and a raincoat. A pen and a notebook are also a good idea. You’ll be turning off your phone so an alarm clock or watch is also useful. 

We ask you to turn off all mobile phones and not contact anyone outside the retreat (we will provide a number which you can give to anybody who might need to contact you in an emergency). Please do not bring laptops, tablets, smart watches or similar electronic devices. No alcohol or recreational drugs are allowed. Smoking and vaping is not allowed inside the retreat centre grounds. Please don't bring any pets on retreat with you.

Our retreats are led by experienced Buddhist practitioners with the Triratna Buddhist Community, who set the programme and guide the retreat. They are supported by a team who are responsible for the practical aspects of the retreat (such as the cooking). Everyone on the team, including the retreat leaders, is a volunteer who is on the retreat themselves and contributing practically out of a desire to share the benefits of being on retreat with others. The team helps create a harmonious community atmosphere that others can join in with.

In order to support the communal atmosphere on our retreats, we require that you only book a retreat if you can attend for the full duration.

If you’re not in a position to give the low income rate, we may still be able to offer you a place for an amount that would be within your means. To explore this option, please get in touch. (Before contacting us, it may be helpful to have a think about the amount you are able to give. Could you offer, for instance, 80% of the low income rate? Or 60%?)