The Winter Retreat 2026

The Winter Retreat 2026 is a ten-day Buddhist meditation retreat spanning the turn of the year, held at Vajrasana Retreat Centre in Walsham le Willows, rural Suffolk, England. It is led by Triratna practitioners connected with the London Buddhist Centre, and it suits adults who want to step away from the noise of ordinary life and give themselves time to practise in a community. It is not a holiday or a spa, though most people leave refreshed and inspired.

What to Expect

Retreat life is simple and follows a daily programme. There are periods of meditation, talks on aspects of Buddhism and simple rituals, with free time for rest and walks in the countryside. As the days go on, there is more meditation and longer periods of silence, leaving room for reflection. On most retreats, small groups led by a team member meet to talk through your experience.

The retreat is led by experienced Buddhist practitioners who set the programme and guide the days. A team supports them with the practical side and the cooking. Everyone on the team, the leaders included, is a volunteer who is also on the retreat, giving their time out of a wish to share what retreat can offer. This helps create a friendly, harmonious community that others can join.

The retreat begins in the evening on the first day and ends at midday on the last. Because the communal atmosphere matters, you are asked to book only if you can attend for the full duration.

About the London Buddhist Centre

The London Buddhist Centre is a Buddhist centre in Bethnal Green, East London, within the Triratna Buddhist Community, which Urgyen Sangharakshita founded in London in 1967 as the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. He founded the centre itself in 1978. It teaches Buddhism and meditation in a way that is relevant to contemporary life, and it describes its work as "a vision of truth, in a culture of friendship, for the benefit of all." Its teaching draws on the breadth of the Buddhist tradition and emphasises practice within a living community, or sangha, through volunteering, teamwork, group study and friendship.

The Setting

Vajrasana sits on Reading's Lane in Walsham le Willows, near Bury St Edmunds. Retreats here are usually for up to 60 people, and living communally is part of the experience. You share rooms and meals and practise together in the shrine room. Most accommodation is in shared single-sex bedrooms of two to four beds, in blocks with shared toilet and shower facilities. Rooms do not have locks on the doors. Couples are asked to stay in separate rooms, so mention it when booking if you come with a partner.

Three vegan meals are served each day, and toast, biscuits, fruit and hot drinks are available by self-service at any time. Medical dietary requirements such as common intolerances and allergies can usually be met within the existing menu, and you can give details when you book. Food may not be brought to the centre.

Getting there: an optional return coach runs from the London Buddhist Centre in Bethnal Green and can be added when booking. Vajrasana also has car parking, though no electric vehicle charging. By train, services run from London Liverpool Street to Stowmarket, or you can come via Thetford or Bury St Edmunds and take a taxi onward. Elmswell is the nearest station but has no bus link, so taxis must be pre-booked from a larger town. A local bus, the 73, runs on weekdays only, three times a day, to a stop about a 20 minute walk away. Book taxis well in advance, as availability is limited.

Before You Go

No particular level of experience is required. The retreat is open to adults aged 18 and over and is held in English. You will be asked to engage with the full programme, and some work periods involve physical tasks such as bending, lifting and carrying, with jobs offered across a range of abilities.

Included are shared accommodation for the whole retreat, all meals and refreshments, guided meditation, Buddhist talks, simple rituals, small group discussion on most retreats, and access to the grounds. Travel to and from Vajrasana and the optional coach are not included.

The site is largely wheelchair accessible, the shrine room has a hearing loop, and a shared four-bed disabled access room with an accessible bathroom can be allocated on request.