A day at a
Buddhist monastery
Ever wondered what it's actually like inside a monastery? Come and find out. A relaxed, good-humoured day out — step into somewhere genuinely peaceful, meet the monks who live there, and see for yourself what all the stillness is about. No experience needed. No beliefs required. Just curiosity and a dish to share.
You don't need to be Buddhist. You just need to be curious.
This day is made for newcomers. If you've never set foot in a monastery, wouldn't know what to say to a monk, or simply fancy a change of scene with good company — you're exactly who we had in mind.
It's a lovely first taste for anyone who has always been a little curious about monasteries but never had a reason to visit; who'd love to actually meet a monk and ask them the real questions — what's it like, why do they do it, what does an ordinary day look like; who wants to see the place before perhaps returning one day on their own, at their own pace; or who simply enjoys a warm, friendly day out and getting to know others from our community.
There's no test at the end and nothing you're expected to believe. Come as you are.
Light-hearted, unhurried, full of good company
Let's be clear about the tone: this is an excursion, not a silent retreat. Expect plenty of chatter, easy conversation and a fair bit of laughter along the way — on the journey down, over the shared meal, and wandering the grounds together.
Yes, there's a peaceful heart to the day — quiet moments of meditation and a chance to hear the monks speak — but the day around it is warm, sociable and relaxed. It's as much about enjoying each other's company as anything else.
A rare and remarkable place
Cittaviveka — better known as Chithurst — isn't just any monastery. Founded in 1979, it was the very first forest monastery of its kind established in the West, brought to England from the forests of Thailand.
Its name is a phrase from the old scriptural language meaning something close to "the mind free of attachment" — a quiet pun, as it happens, on the village of Chithurst itself.
It sits within 175 acres of woodland, ponds and wildlife in the West Sussex countryside — not a visitor attraction or a retreat centre, but a genuine living community. The monks and nuns here follow a simple, centuries-old way of life, supported entirely by the generosity of others. Stepping into it is like stepping somewhere the ordinary rush of things gently falls away. That atmosphere — the essence of the place — is really what we're going to experience.
A gentle rhythm to the visit
The monks have graciously offered to welcome and host us. While there together, we hope to share in the following.
Offer food to the monks
A simple, meaningful act of generosity that sits at the very heart of monastery life — and something everyone can take part in.
Share the midday meal
Sit down together for the main meal of the monastery's day, in its own dining hall.
A guided tour
Explore the beautiful grounds — woodland, ponds and quiet corners — with someone who knows the place.
A little meditation
Sit for a short spell in the calm of the monastery. Very much beginner-friendly — you'll simply be shown what to do.
Hear a talk
Listen to one of the monks speak, and get a feel for the way of life in their own words.
Ask your questions
About meditation, about monastic life, about anything you've been wondering. This is your chance.
This is our hoped-for shape for the day. The finer details may shift a little in conversation with the monastery, and depending on how many of us are travelling.
An old and simple act of giving
For centuries, monks and nuns in this tradition have lived entirely on what others freely offer.
When we place food into their hands, we step into that same unbroken exchange — a small, human moment of generosity that needs no words and asks nothing in return. It's the warm centre around which the whole day turns.
A relaxed journey, there and back
We'll travel together by minibus, leaving from and returning to the Dhamma Centre, 175–181 Maldon Road, Colchester, CO3 3BL. It's a fair distance — roughly 113 miles down to the Petersfield area, and Chithurst lies a little farther along quiet country lanes with a narrow final approach. All told, we allow around three hours each way, with a little contingency for traffic and a comfort stop.
We want the journey itself to be part of the pleasure, not something to endure. We'll do our best to make sure the minibus (or minibuses) are comfortable and air-conditioned, and the day is planned so it shouldn't be physically demanding for anyone. There's no long hiking or strenuous walking — just a gentle wander around the grounds at an easy pace.
From Colchester and home by evening
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6:30 am
Meet at the Dhamma Centre
Hellos all round, and load the minibus.
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6:45 am
Set off
We leave promptly — settle in for the drive down.
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By 10:00 am
Arrive at Chithurst
Arrive at the monastery and get the food offerings ready.
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11:30 am
The midday meal offering
The heart of the visit — offering and then sharing the meal together.
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Around 3:45 pm
Begin our journey home
After the afternoon together, we make our way back.
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By 7:00 pm
Back at the Dhamma Centre
Home again, in good time for the evening.
Provisional timings — these may flex a little with traffic and final numbers. The monastery has confirmed that its midday meal offering is at 11:30 am, and that prepared dishes can be taken straight to its kitchen. Day-visitor information.
A note on parking. You're welcome to leave your car at the Dhamma Centre for the day and drive home after we return. Space is limited, though, so if you can share a lift to the Centre, that helps enormously.
Don't forget — the clocks go back! In the early hours of that very Sunday, 25 October 2026, UK clocks go back by one hour. Do double-check your phone or clock has updated before you leave home. GOV.UK clock-change dates.
A short and simple list
Nothing complicated — just a few essentials to keep you comfortable through the day.
Since the food travels with us for around three hours, please carry any chilled dishes in a cool bag with ice packs.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A vegetarian dish to offer to the monks and share as part of the meal (more on this below).
- Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for a monastery.
- Comfy shoes and weather-appropriate layers for pottering around the grounds.
- Any personal medication or essentials you might need through the day.
Generosity you can taste
Offering food to the monks is one of the loveliest parts of the day — and it's something everyone can take part in. Healthy, wholesome vegetarian dishes are especially welcome. A few ideas to get you thinking:
The monastery has a kitchen where salads and the like can be tossed or assembled just before serving, so please bring your dish largely prepared — only a little finishing on arrival.
About the shared provisions. Separately from the meal, we'll organise a group offering of useful dry provisions for the monastery. As they update their list of needs regularly, we'll confirm exactly what's wanted closer to the time — so there's no need to buy anything for this yet. Current monastery provisions list.
Please label your dish clearly
And do write your name on both the container and its lid if you'd like them back — it saves a great deal of lid-and-box confusion at the end of the day.
The things people wonder about
"I'm not religious at all. Is that okay?"
Completely. Nobody will ask what you believe, and there's nothing you need to sign up to. You're coming to see a beautiful place and meet the people who live there — curiosity is the only ticket required.
"Won't I feel awkward or out of place?"
You'll be among a friendly group from our community, most of us finding our feet together. It's relaxed and sociable throughout, with plenty of chatting and laughter. The monks are used to welcoming visitors and are warm and approachable.
"I've never meditated. Will I be lost?"
Not at all. The bit of meditation we do is short, gentle and guided — you'll simply be shown what to do. There's nothing to get right and nothing to prepare.
"Is it going to be a long, tiring day?"
It's a full day, but a gentle one. The travel is by comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, and once there it's an easy wander at a relaxed pace — no strenuous walking. You'll be home by the evening.
"What if I'm not much of a cook?"
A simple salad or a bowl of cut fruit is perfect — it truly doesn't need to be elaborate. What matters is the gesture of offering, not the recipe. And if food isn't your thing at all, just let us know.
"Do I have to talk to a monk?"
Only if you'd like to. There'll be a chance to ask questions, but you're just as welcome to sit back, listen and take it all in. Go at whatever pace feels comfortable.
Register your interest
To begin with, we simply need to gauge numbers. Knowing how many would like to come helps us arrange the right minibus (or minibuses) and work out a fair, shared travel cost per person.
Registering takes about a minute through our booking page — just pop in your details and we'll be in touch as plans firm up. It simply helps us plan; your place and the final travel cost will be confirmed once we know our likely numbers.
Any questions in the meantime? Email admin@dhammacentre.com — we'd love to hear from you.
Express your interest
Reserve your spot on the list in a few taps. When you register, please let us know:
- Your full name
- Your mobile number
- The number of seats you need
- Any accessibility or mobility needs
Opens our secure booking page. No payment is taken now — this is simply an expression of interest.
A few practical questions
Do I need any experience of Buddhism or meditation?
How much will it cost?
What should I wear?
- Shoulders and knees covered is a good rule of thumb
- Comfortable shoes you can slip on and off (shoes are removed in some indoor spaces)
- Layers and weather-appropriate outerwear for walking the grounds
A day worth saying yes to
A day of good company, gentle discovery and a glimpse into a rare and peaceful world. We'd love for you to join us.
Register your interest