The United Kingdom, or officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is a country located off of Europe’s northwestern coast. The country has a rich history, with people living on the land going back 30,000 years. Since then, it’s been home to Romans and Anglo-Saxons, and today has a population nearing 68 million. The capital is London, one of the world’s major cities and a hub of finance and culture for the country. The United Kingdom is also known for its beautiful countryside and quaint seaside villages. It should come as no surprise that the relaxing practice of meditation is alive and well in the UK, and there are plenty of ways to practice in this country. So, read on to explore the best meditation retreats in the United Kingdom.
1. Sharpham House, Devon
The people at Sharpham House, located in the southwest of England, aim to connect their guests with nature and encourage mindfulness. The home dates back to the 1700s, and it more recently was owned by the Ash family, who started the Sharpham Trust as a means of marrying western and eastern philosophies. Today, that carries on with a variety of retreats being offered on the state. You can stay in this Grade I listed home and take a mindfulness-for-beginners retreat to join a supportive mindfulness-for-women-retreat. For those who want to follow the Buddhist meditation tradition, you can join a retreat at the barn, which offers both communal retreats and solitary retreats. Finally, there are a variety of woodland retreats where you stay in a tent and connect with nature. There are a variety of lengths of stay and activities for each retreat, so do check out the website for more information.
Sharpham House
Price: From 447 USD
Number of Guests: 1
2. Rivendell Buddhist Retreat Centre, East Sussex
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
At the Rivendell Buddhist Retreat Centre, they aim to help their visitors apply Buddhism to their modern lives. It has existed for 35 years and sits in a Victorian rectory that is surrounded by fields and woods. They offer a variety of retreats for both beginners and seasoned meditators, and there are a variety of lengths of time to choose from as well.
Beginners will learn the basics of meditation and yoga in their retreats, and those who are regulars can choose from a couple of different intensity levels. Each retreat offers plenty of down time to do things like go on walks or read a book.
Rivendell Buddhist Retreat Centre
Price: From 226 USD
Number of Guests: 1
3. Stede Court, Kent
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Stede Court is located in Kent, in the southeast of England. The home dates all the way back to the 1600s, and it is rife with historic character. Since 2018, fitness and wellness retreats have been run at Stede Court under the training of Kathryn Freeland, who has more than 20 years of experience.
There are a variety of retreats to choose from. If you’d like to try a single day, join the Day Retreat where you’ll use the exercise trail, enjoy a sauna, and indulge in an afternoon tea. If you’re looking for a longer experience, why not try the Weekend Recharge Retreat? You’ll be able to take mindfulness and meditation classes, enjoy delicious meals, and push yourself in exercise classes.
Stede Court
Price: From 161 USD
Number of Guests: 1
4. Simply Healing Retreat, West Sussex
For those who are looking to get healthier, Simply Healing Retreat in West Sussex is an excellent option. They focus on weight loss, digestion issues, headaches and more through juice detox plans. These plans come in 5-day, 10-day, or 12-day retreats, during which you’ll receive juices throughout each day along with group meditation sessions and group detox talk. There are also a variety of other sessions you can join, including hypnotherapy and shamanic healing. Their aim is to have you leave them a more healthy and happy person.
Simply Healing Retreat
Price: From 1909 USD
Number of Guests: 1
5. London Buddhist Centre, London
The goal of the London Buddhist Centre is to teach Buddhism and meditation in a way related to modern life. Located in London’s East End, they’ve been teaching classes and holding community events since 1978. The centre offers drop-in meditation classes throughout the week, including drop-in lunchtime sessions. They also run a rural retreat centre outside of London, with courses like Buddhism and Meditation on offer. For those experienced in meditation, they also offer solitary retreats. These run Friday to Friday, and they include basic food and a hut for you to stay in.
London Buddhist Centre
Price: From 160 USD
Number of Guests: 1
6. Milla Lascelles, London
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Milla Lascelles is a lifestyle coach who runs a service that aims to encourage everyone to make positive health and lifestyle changes. Milla runs individual sessions for those looking to discover specific areas that need help as well as retreats for those looking to escape daily life. The aim of the retreats, in addition to escaping our busy and chaotic lives, is to focus on health, enjoy ‘me time’, and take classes and activities. The retreats on offer change, so do keep an eye on the website for the most up-to-date information.
At the time of writing, there is an urban retreat available at a hotel in central London, where participants will partake of meditation sessions, yoga classes, and delicious food.
Milla Lascelles
Price: From 841 USD
Number of Guests: 1
7. Gaia House, England
Located in the southwest of England, Gaia House offers silent meditation retreats and it’s open to everyone regardless of your gender identity, socio-economic status, religious beliefs and so on. They model their retreats after the Buddhist tradition, and Dharma teachers come from across the world to guide you. Gaia House has a wide range of retreats in varying lengths. Group Retreats are a great option for beginners–you’ll gather as a group each day for guided meditations. If you’re experienced, the Personal Retreat might be right for you–you will be responsible for your own meditation routine and will have weekly meetings with a teacher. There are plenty of opportunities to walk the grounds during the day.
Gaia House
Price: From 85 USD
Number of Guests: 1
8. Thera-Sea, Cornwall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed by our modern world? Then a trip to Thera-Sea in Cornwall might be just what you need. Founded in 2018, Thera-Sea aims to alleviate stress and unhealthy lifestyles by creating an off-grid experience that connects people with nature and focuses on things like nutrition, relaxation, and physical activity. Retreats are run throughout the year with weekend and mid-week options.
In this remote location, you’ll take wellness courses, go swimming, do yoga, and have the opportunity to simply relax.
Thera-Sea,
Price: From 407 USD
Number of Guests: 1
9. Our Retreat, the Cotswolds
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our Retreat has locations across Europe, with retreats that mix fitness, a relaxing holiday vibe, and luxury accommodation to provide you with the opportunity to recharge and focus on wellness. Their UK location is in the Cotswolds, and it is based in a farmhouse that has been beautifully redecorated. Your retreat includes three nights at the farmhouse, yoga and pilates classes, and guided meditation. Nutritious food is provided. This is a great opportunity to relax and unwind.
Our Retreat
Price: From 899 USD
Number of Guests: 1
10. Song of the River Retreat Sanctuary, Wales
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in Wrexham, Wales, and along the River Clywedog, Song of the River Retreat Sanctuary provides a stunning spot to deepen your meditation practice. You’ll have a consultation upon arrival, and then spend your days meditating, getting in touch with nature through walks, and trying out other therapies like Egyptian healing rod therapy and crystal harp sound therapy. It’s a great way to escape your stresses and connect with your spirit.
Song of the River Retreat Sanctuary
Price: From 284 USD
Number of Guests: 1
Relax and unwind
The UK has no shortage of meditation retreats to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a rural retreat surrounded by nature or a city-based retreat, there’s an option for you. So prepare to unwind and relax, and book one of these meditation retreats in the United Kingdom.
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