Keep calm and carry om with the best Meditation retreats in London

Feeling overwhelmed? Like your mind is a never-ending to-do list on a loop you can’t escape? We get it. The modern world is a whirlwind of demands, deadlines, and digital distractions. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on empty, barely keeping your head above water.  

But what if there was a way to hit the pause button, to step off the hamster wheel for a while and just breathe? That’s where our guide to the best meditation retreats in London comes in. It’s a chance to escape the daily grind, to silence the noise, and to reconnect with your inner peace.

How much do meditation retreats cost in London?

How we chose

1. London Meditation Centre

Location: 112 Palace Gardens Terrace, London W8 4RT, United Kingdom

Contact: You may contact them here

Website

Founded by Jillian Lavender and Michael Miller, who bring years of experience in Vedic Meditation, London Meditation Centre has really thought through how to make meditation accessible to everyone.

What we appreciate most is their four-day, non-residential course in Notting Hill. It’s designed to fit into busy lives, with two-hour sessions spread over four days. This makes it easy for even the busiest Londoners to get into the groove of meditation.

And they don’t just leave you hanging after the course ends. We’re impressed with the ongoing support they provide – monthly group meditations, both online and in-person, are free for those who’ve completed the course. 

We also have to give it to them for offering special courses like Advanced Techniques and the “Meditation Reboot” workshop. These are perfect for those looking to deepen or refresh their practice. 

Plus, the convenience of booking online and the option for a free Intro Talk, either online or in-person, really shows they understand what people need to get started.

Cultivates a daily meditation routine effortlessly

“I am very surprised, proud and thankful that I have today officially been meditating twice a day for two months. I was expecting this to be a huge challenge and a matter of will power, but it has actually been the softest and most natural thing, that I have been looking forward to every day. Even getting up in the morning before everybody else to sit 20 minutes in the garden on my own has become a very precious moment for me. Much to my surprise my kids haven’t questioned my ‘20 minutes on the bench’ once. Only that one day, when I didn’t do it, and they were both like: Mom, please do your 20 minutes tomorrow! Because they suddenly remembered what I was like before.”

Line Jensen, Google Review

Delivers one of the best investments in personal wellbeing

“I cannot recommend the London Meditation Centre more highly. Jillian and Michael are welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. I feel I have been taught an essential life skill. In the 3 months since learning meditation, it has become an invaluable tool helping me to cope at a very stressful time in my life. It is amongst the best investments in my wellbeing that I have ever made. No one need worry, there is nothing cultish about vedic meditation or the London Meditation Center. You are sure to meet interesting, warm and compassionate people. Jillian and Michael are generous with their wisdom but are very down to earth. They understand the demands of modern life. The ongoing support of the centre is generous and plentiful. If you’re considering learning, waste no more time and sign up for a course. You will thank yourself that you did!”

Bethan Thomas, Google Review

2. Shamanic Space

Location: 87 Adelaide Ave, London SE4 1JY, United Kingdom

Contact: You may contact them here

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Website

Led by Dr Rubén Orellana, a Peruvian curandero, and Michele Costa Lukis, a psychotherapist and shamanic healer, Shamanic Space offers something truly special. They blend Andean healing traditions with contemporary methods in a way that feels both profound and accessible.

What we really like about Shamanic Space is the variety of healing sessions they offer. These range from shamanic healing and sound healing to soul retrieval and workshops focused on Andean shamanic practices. 

Their sessions are designed to help you reconnect with your inner self, heal those deep emotional wounds, and find a sense of balance and harmony. 

When we tried out a shamanic healing session, which runs about £100 for 1.5 hours, we felt like it was worth every penny.

We’re also impressed with how they’ve integrated shamanic drumming circles into their offerings. Whether you join in person or online via Zoom, these £25 sessions are a unique opportunity to engage in collective healing and build a sense of community.

Shamanic Space also hosts international retreats, like the San Pedro Retreat in Portugal. If you’re looking for an authentic experience with traditional plant medicine ceremonies in a safe and guided environment, this is where you want to be.

Transforms life through deep healing and self-discovery

“Shamanic Space is the best!! I first came to see Michele out of curiosity a few years ago, probably carrying some judgement, doubt and stigma towards therapy and didn’t even know what shamanic work was… fast forward a few years it now feels like Michele, Leandro, Anna and Dr Ruben are family and it was as if I was always going to come here! I have had numerous healing sessions, workshops, men’s groups nights, drumming circles and all have been beyond incredible really! I also have been on two of the shamanic trips to Holland and Portugal which were very special indeed. Only now writing this am I realising what a big part of my life Shamanic Space has become haha! I don’t think words really do it justice but coming here has changed my life by guiding me through my shadows in a safe and loving way and subsequently now I am seeing the true light in me starting to shine. I am finally unleashing my creativity, sharing my music and realising my purpose in life, which ain’t too shabby. Also the fact that everyone I have met through Shamanic Space is a legend with big beautiful open hearts shows me this is the right place to be. I have made friends here, laughed, cried, healed and its definitely just the beginning! Lots of love to the Shamanic Space family.”

Andy, Google Review

Delivers unparalleled expertise in shamanic practices

“The work I have done one on one with Michele has totally been life changing. Working with the plant medicines in Peru, Spain and Amsterdam alongside it over the past couple has healed my life in a way I never thought was possible. Shamanic Space are in my opinion the best platform for this type of work in the world and Ruben, Leandro and Michele are incredible teachers, healers and some of the most beautiful, compassionate people I’ve ever met. Time after time they’ve created safe and authentic spaces to do deep healing work whilst being held and supported through the process. I owe so much to them and their continuing excellence as Shamanic practitioners and cannot recommend them more highly.”

Cassie Layton, Google Review

3. London Buddhist Centre

Location: 51 Roman Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 0HU, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 8981 1225

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:15 PM
• Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

London Buddhist Centre has really made a name for itself by blending traditional teachings with the demands of modern life. They’ve created a space that’s welcoming for everyone, whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner. 

One of the things that caught our eye is how inclusive their courses are. You don’t need to be a Buddhist, and even if you’ve never meditated before, their introductory retreats will guide you from the ground up.

Their six-week “Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation” course is a great starting point. At £140 (or £85 for concessions), it covers all the basics of Buddhist principles and meditation practices. It really helps build self-awareness and insight. 

They also offer a range of retreats, with prices depending on the length of stay and level of involvement. A weekend retreat might cost around £244, but they offer discounts, which is a thoughtful touch for those watching their budget.

Their online presence is also impressive. The “Meditation Step by Step” course, which you can access anytime for £99, is ideal for anyone who prefers to learn at their own pace. It’s comprehensive, with guided meditations and worksheets that make it easy to stay on track. 

Here’s a nice touch – you can even buy a retreat as a gift directly from their website, which we think is a lovely way to share the experience with someone special.

Balances deep teachings with lightheartedness and humour

“If you’re considering going to this place, just do it! I’d been meaning to go for years. I started with the January meditation challenge and then signed up to the mindfulness course with Maitrebandhu, the legend who is wise and hilarious in equal measure! It’s deep but lighthearted. I looked forward to it every week, seeing the people from our group each week and sharing our experiences. The teachings were so uplifting and applicable to daily life. I always came away much happier and lighter than when I walked in. Wonderful wonderful place! Keep up the good work,”

Nicole Fraser, Google Review

Offers an amazing bookshop filled with hidden gems

“Going to the London Buddhist Centre was the best decision I have ever made in a long time. The atmosphere is zen. The folk working there are so very lovely, especially the gentleman at reception. It is also in a great location, which pulls in a really diverse bunch of people. The bookshop is also amazing with so many gems. Wish I was still living in Hackney, I would be a regular at the Centre for sure.”

Epifania Amoo-Adare, Google Review

4. Wake Up London

Location: 8 Hop Gardens, London WC2N 4EH, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 8981 1225

Operating hours:

• Wednesday – 6:45 AM to 9:00 PM
• Saturday – 2:15 PM to 5:00 PM

Website

Wake Up London is one of those places that just feels right from the moment you walk in. Rooted in the teachings of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, this isn’t just a meditation retreat – it’s a community that truly cares about fostering peace, understanding, and collective well-being.

Their weekly gatherings are something special. They mix sitting and walking meditations, deep relaxation, and mindful movements. These sessions aim to help you bring mindfulness into your everyday life.

The best part? These sessions are donation-based, usually suggesting around £7 to £10. They’re accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.

We’ve also heard great things about their retreats, especially the ones in the New Forest led by Plum Village monastics. These retreats offer a more immersive experience, combining meditation with walking meditations, mindful eating, and community activities like bonfires.

We also love that you can easily purchase a ticket through their Google Forms. And if all the tickets are sold out, they’ve got you covered with a waiting list you can fill out, so you can be assured that you’ll have a chance to join the next available session.

Refreshes and uplifts after just one session

“This mindfulness afternoon is consistently delivered with so much ease and thoughtfulness that I felt refreshed after just one session. Three years later, I have more ease within me, and am able to bring thoughtfulness to even the most challenging of interactions. It’s been an incredible journey,  and it continues. I am so grateful to all of the people who make this group possible.”

Ben Davies, Google Review

Nurtures the inner world through strong mindfulness practice

“Have been going for coming on 7 years now. I went once after going on a Thich Nhat Hanh retreat then it became a stalwart in my week! For both strong mindfulness practice nurturing the inner world and then the baked potatoes, ping pong, tea, music laughter and inspiring conversations after! And seeing interconnection of connecting with oneself and connecting with others. Fantastically-awesomely-need-a-new-adjective-to-describe-amazingness!”

 Charlie Shuttler, Google Review

5. Beeja Meditation

Location: 45 Hoxton Square, London N1 6PD, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7127 5008

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Beeja Meditation is one of those places that really knows how to bring ancient practices into the modern world. They focus on personalised and mantra-based meditation – a technique rooted in Vedic traditions but carefully adapted to fit the stresses of contemporary life.

When we visited, the “rounding” technique caught our attention. It’s a powerful mix of gentle yoga postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) that seems to amplify the effects of meditation. 

We also love how Beeja offers a variety of meditation courses, both online and in-person. Their beginner’s course, priced at £294 online and £475 in-person, includes three days of personalised mantras and life-long support.

And the best part? They don’t just leave you to fend for yourself afterwards. Beeja offers free group meditations each month, so you can stay connected to the community and continue to deepen your practice.

Another thing we liked is how easy it is to stay engaged with Beeja, thanks to their app. You can book courses online and use the Beeja app to support your meditation journey. It offers personalised guidance, tracks your progress, and access to exclusive content.

Plus, features like virtual group meditations, reminders, and tips from founder Will Williams make it feel like you’re never meditating alone.

Integrates meditation effortlessly into daily routine

“I am so grateful I found Vedic meditation with Will who is a great teacher. It’s also his positive, calm, grounded and passionate attitude that drew me to sign up for the weekend course. Definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself! I feel so much calmer, less stressed and have much more positive attitude towards life. Every day I look forward to my meditation sessions and it became such an automatic and easy part of my routine. Will and Jess also provide an amazing support once you complete the weekend course in a form of group sessions and various events which have been really lovely! I’ve recommended Will’s course to friends and colleagues as I would also like them to experience the benefits of Vedic meditation and I encourage anyone reading this to do the same. Thanks very much Will! & Jess!”

Zuzana Bardino, Google Review

Overcomes scepticism with a weekend meditation course

“I have to admit I was a little sceptical when I first decided to learn meditation from Will. I liked the idea of meditation, but coming from a totally non-religious background, I wanted to understand the science behind it all as well as learn the process. So, Will  assured me that he was the man for the job and I signed up for the weekend course. I have to say, by the end of the weekend I was a believer! I thought Will was very impressive – He had a great balance of knowledge, enthusiasm and was an excellent teacher. He was able to handle any question our group threw at him and handle them very very well. I have come away extremely excited and motivated to practise meditation and am now a week or so into my own experience of it. My main observations so far are increased energy levels in the day and I am far more relaxed. I’m sure there are many more to come, but this is a pretty awesome start! I would highly recommend Will to anyone looking to start meditating… he’s the man!”

The Holtons, Google Review