Thornby Hall Retreat

Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre Thornby is set in the beautiful countryside of Northants where it serves as a special place of peace and refuge.

The original Thornby Hall was built in the early 17th century, its main building is made of Northamptonshire sandstone with a roof of Collyweston tiles, and was extended in 1923 by the Will’s Family. The Property stayed with the Will’s family until 1985 and was sold to a charity that helped underprivileged children. In 2018 Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre moved from Kelmarsh to its present location.

Everyone is welcome to visit or stay and enjoy this peaceful place. The Centre has beautiful meditation rooms, a relaxing World Peace Café, extensive gardens, and guest and residents rooms. It’s home to a diverse community of people of all ages, living in accordance with Buddha’s teachings.

The Centre offers an exciting spiritual programme for all levels of interest through a variety of meditation classes, day and weekend courses, and retreats. You do not have to be a Buddhist to take part in the programme or to benefit from it. Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre is a completely inclusive community. The tools we provide can help everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, occupation, religion, philosophy, way of life or background. Everyone can benefit from these teachings without exception, and everyone is welcome.

We are a member of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union. The Centre is a registered charity, no. 1039957

We have a good selection of rooms that have en-suite and shared bathrooms, the prices listed below are for the whole course.

Stable Block 

Single en-suite £170.00 
Twin/Double en-suite £155.00
Twin/Double shared Bathrooms £135.00

Main Hall 

Single shared bathroom £150.00
Twin Shared bathroom £135.00
Dormitory 4 Bed £90.00 – You will need to bring a sleeping bag, quilt and towel.

Non Residential with lunch & supper £65.00

You can pay online for the course, or email us, or call 01953 451937. Payments are non-refundable.

Please remember to bring a paper or electronic receipt with you to the course.

If you are under 18, you will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Whitwell Retreat Timetable

Friday 5th June

5.00 pm Registration
6.00 pm Evening meal

7.30 to 9.00 pm Introduction & meditation

Saturday 6th June

8.00 am Breakfast
9.30 – 10.30 am Retreat Session 1
10.30 am Tea/Coffee Break
11.30 am – 12.30 pm Retreat Session 2
12.30 pm Two course Lunch
2.00 pm Exploring the grounds
2.30 pm Heart Jewel – Chanted Prayers
4.00 pm-5.00 pm Retreat Session 3
5.00 pm-5.30 pm Tea/Coffee Break
5.30 pm – 6.30 pm Retreat session 4
6.30 pm Evening meal

Sunday 7th June

8.00 am Breakfast
9.30 – 10.30 am Retreat Session 5
10.30 am Tea/Coffee Break
11.30 am – 12.30 pm Retreat Session 6
12.45 pm Two course Lunch