Urban Retreat: A Weekend of Full Immersion
We’ll support you to turn a weekend of your normal routine into a retreat with early morning meditation, lunchtime classes and special events.
Open to all levels of experience - for some events we’ll offer two tracks: introductory and going deeper.
This is for you (you don't have to be Buddhist to join)
"I enjoyed a beautiful retreat at the West London Buddhist Centre" - @the_aligned_self | JUNE 2026
What the weekend looks like
Friday
| 6.00pm | Arrival and welcome |
| 6.30pm | Dinner together |
| 7.30pm | Introductions, meditation and opening dedication ceremony |
| 9.00pm | Close, go home to sleep |
Saturday
| 8.30am | Doors open |
| 9.00am | Meditation, including a posture workshop |
| 10.20am | Tea break |
| 10.50am | Meditation |
| 12.00pm | Communication exercises |
| 1.00pm | Lunch together |
| Afternoon | Free time: a group walk to the canal, time in Porchester Square, yoga, a nap, or simply doing nothing |
| 3.30pm | Structured rest / lying body scan |
| 4.15pm | Meditation |
| Silence from the end of this session until dinner | |
| 6.00pm | Dinner |
| 7.30pm | Talk |
| 8.15pm | Puja (devotional ritual), with an introduction for those new to it |
| 9.00pm | Close, go home to sleep |
Sunday
| 8.30am | Doors open |
| 9.00am | Sitting and walking meditation |
| 10.20am | Silent tea break |
| 10.40am | Sitting and walking meditation, exploring impermanence and change |
| 1.00pm | Lunch together |
| 2.00pm | Reflection groups |
| 2.45pm | Questions and answers on meditation and Buddhism, closing meditation |
| 4.00pm | Depart |
Friday 16 October — arrive from 6:30pm You don't need to do anything to prepare. Just show up. Supper is provided. We'll ease into the weekend together: an introduction, a meditation, a ritual. You'll be home by 9pm.
Saturday 17 October — 8am to 9:30pm The heart of the retreat. Morning meditation before the city wakes up. Dharma teaching in the shrine room. A shared lunch you bring something for, because eating together matters. An afternoon walking meditation in nature, then tea, then evening meditation and ritual.
Sunday 18 October — 8am to 4pm A gentle close. Morning meditation. Teaching. Shared lunch. An hour of reflection and then, the part people remember most, intention setting and closing ritual. You'll leave with something to carry forward.
Spaces are limited.
Please, before booking be aware that you will need to commit to the whole weekend.
The tickets are non-refundable.
If you cannot afford even our supported rate then please contact us at info@westlondonbuddhistcentre.com and explain your circumstances. We will find a way for you to come.
Location
West London Buddhist Centre, W2 5DP