Visiting Samye Ling
The grounds and main temple are open to day visitors all year round. Whether you are coming for a quiet walk in our Peace Gardens or to visit the Temple, we welcome you!
Entry is free of charge.
Looking for information about accommodation?
Visit Guest Accommodation Page.
Samye Ling Main Temple
A traditional Tibetan Buddhist temple, open for practice & visit
Samye Ling Stupa for World Peace
Mani Wheels in the Prayer Wheel Walkway
Millions of prayers turning for the well-being of the world
Samye Ling Sangha praying during UK Kagyu Monlam
Samye Ling Temple
First Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Temple in the West
Open daily for practice or visit:
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
.
During periods of retreat or Dharma teachings, we kindly ask visitors to enter and leave quietly and remain toward the back of the Temple.
We kindly ask visitors to observe the traditional temple etiquette displayed at the entrance, including the removal of footwear and maintaining a silent atmosphere.
Tibetan Tea Rooms
Hot & Cold Drinks, Light Vegetarian Snacks
Summer opening times:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Please note that opening times may vary. The Tea Rooms may close without notice during retreats or Dharma teachings.
Should the Tea Rooms be closed during your visit, you are most welcome to help yourself to complimentary tea in the Johnstone House Tearoom.
Hot vegetarian lunches are served daily in our main dining hall. Advance booking is essential. See more about meals→.
Samye Ling Shop
Himalayan crafts, ritual items, clothing, incense and more.
Summer opening times:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Please note that opening times may vary. The Shop may close without notice during retreats or Dharma teachings.
Should the Shop be closed during your visit, please ask in Reception, and we’ll open it for you where possible during regular hours.
Please note that smoking (including electronic cigarettes), alcohol and unprescribed drugs are not allowed anywhere on Samye Ling grounds. We also request that, in order to protect the many small wild animals here, you do not bring pets when visiting. Camping is not allowed anywhere on the grounds, including Visitor Car Park.
Monastery Siteplan & Guide
Click on icons to find out more information. You can pinch or use ctrl+wheel to zoom.
Key & Symbols
Select a location
Cafe
Something or other about cafe opening times, whats inside, notice about no hot food available and to book in reception 24hrs in advance for that, notice about how cafe can close without notice when retreats are on.
Shop
Something or other about shop opening times, handicrafts and whats inside, notice about how shop can close without notice when retreats are on. (alternatively i can make a way to dynamically update shop and cafe opening times but would have to be done by the staffers, admin or reception)
Samye Ling Reception
Something or other about how to direct your enquiries here, book meals and what not, telephone number, email (I can input as a button too)
Visitor rules
Box for notice about visitors drinking, dogs etc
Map Legend
Left box for map legend only
Visitor Car Park
Visitor Car Park is just off site from the main road blabla. Info about all day visitors must park here and no overnight campers or other shenanigans
Public Toilets
RADAR keys for the accessible toilet are available at the Cafe (opposite) or Reception. Please ask our team for assistance.
Public Toilets
Access to these facilities from the Temple level is via stairs. Should you require the use of the accessible lift, please request assistance at Reception.
No RADAR key required.
THIS SHOULD INCLUDE PHONE FOR RECEPTION AS THE PERSON ON TEMPLE LEVEL CANT GET TO RECEPTION
Accessible Lift
Lift use with key only. Should you require the use of the accessible lift, please request assistance at Reception.
THIS SHOULD INCLUDE PHONE FOR RECEPTION AS THE PERSON ON TEMPLE LEVEL CANT GET TO RECEPTION
Step-free Access
Ramp to the Main Temple.
Accessible parking places nearby.
Accessible Parking
Please keep free for visitors with limited mobility or accessibility requirements.
All other day visitors should park at the Visitor Car Park.
Stairs
Access to Temple level is via stairs.
Recommended Step-free route is via ramp at the back of Temple, with Accessible Parking nearby.
Should you require the use of the accessible lift, please request assistance at Reception.
Overnight Guests Only
Access to this building is strictly prohibited except for registered overnight guests.
Guests Only
Access to this building is strictly prohibited. Reserved for registered overnight guests and booked dining guests only.
Guests Only
Public access is permitted exclusively to the Johnstone House Tea Room and Sitting Room until 9:00 PM.
Access to all other areas is strictly prohibited except for registered overnight guests.
No Public Access
Strictly no access to unauthorised persons beyond this point.
Johnstone House Self-service Tearoom
You are welcome to make yourself a cup of tea, free of charge, at any time during your visit. Please feel free to relax in the Sitting Room.
The Tea Room closes at 9:00 PM.
Access to all other areas of Johnstone House is strictly reserved for registered overnight guests.
Samye Ling Temple
Something or other
Butterlamp House
Something or other
Samye Ling Stupa for World Peace
Something or other
Tara Garden
Something or other
Nagarjuna Pond
Something or other
Guru Rinpoche Fountain
Something or other
Guru Rinpoche Fountain
Something or other
Buddha Island
Something or other
Meals for non-residents
For visitors who wish to dine with us, vegetarian meals are prepared daily in the main dining room.
Individual rates are £5 for breakfast (7 AM), £13 for lunch (12.30 PM), and £4 for supper (6 PM), or you may book all three meals for £22.
To ensure that we cook enough food, meals must be booked 24hrs in advance.
Group visits
We welcome groups to visit and enjoy the grounds and Temple. Please note that we are a working monastery and do not offer guided tours.
If you are bringing a group of 10?? or more, please contact Reception in advance. This helps us ensure the Tea Rooms and Shop are sufficiently staffed and open for your arrival.