The Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon was the first Buddhist temple to be built in the United Kingdom, and is the only Thai temple in London today. This post is all about Wimbledon’s Buddhist temple, and includes its opening hours, events and parking information.
The Buddhapadipa Temple in London
About
The Buddhapadipa Temple, also known as the Wat Buddhapadipa, is located on Calonne Road in Wimbledon. The temple grounds (shown in the map below) have an ornamental lake, orchard, and flower garden.
Once you enter the temple grounds you will see the Shine Hall, known as the Uposatha, which is the main, white temple building shown in the photograph below. This is where ceremonies such as ordination, or meditation retreats are held.
You can see from the picture that the Shine Hall was built in the typical style of Thai architecture, with steeply-sloping tile roofs with up turned edges.
Inside the building you will find typical Thai mural paintings depicting the life of Buddha. There are four main murals showing the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death.
The other main building within the temple grounds is the house near to the entrance. This is where the Thai monks live, and also contains a shine room where marriage and other ceremonies are held.
The monks are Thai Buddhist missionary monks, known as Dhammaduta, who run the temple with the support of the Royal Thai Embassy.
Around the temple is a garden, which has a large pond, statues of Buddha, an orchard, and wooden posts containing Buddhist teachings. The gardens are used for walking meditations, which are important in Buddhist tradition.
Buddhapadipa Temple Facts
Here are six facts about the Buddhist temple in Wimbledon:
- The temple was started in 1979 and finished in 1982.
- It was the first Thai Buddhist Temple built outside of Asia.
- The grounds of the temple cover an area of four acres.
- The temple teaches Buddhist beliefs from the Theravada tradition.
- It was previously located in East Sheen before moving to Wimbledon in the late 1970s.
- The temple is affiliated to the Royal Thai Embassy in London.
Opening Times
The Buddhist Centre welcomes visitors of any faith. The opening times for the temple grounds, and the main shrine are shown in the table below.
| Day | Temple Grounds | Main Shrine |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) | By appointment only |
| Tuesday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) |
By appointment only |
| Wednesday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) |
By appointment only |
| Thursday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) |
By appointment only |
| Friday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) |
By appointment only |
| Saturday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) |
9am – 6pm |
| Sunday | 9am-6pm (5pm in winter) |
9am – 6pm |
Buddhapadipa Temple Meditation
The temple offers regular meditation classes every Saturday and Sunday from 15:00-17:00. The classes are open to everyone, and beginners will be guided and instructed. The classes are free but donations are welcomed.
The chanting and meditation schedule every Saturday and Sunday is as follows:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Chanting and Talk in English |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Walking and Sitting Meditation |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Suffusion of Loving-Kindness |
Buddhapadipa Temple Songkran
The 2023 Songkran Festival will be on Sunday 16th April from 9am-5pm.
Songkran is the Thai new year, and is celebrated annually from April 13th to April 15th. It is also known as the “Water Festival” due to the tradition of pouring water over each other as a symbol of washing away the old and welcoming the new.
The festival is a time for families to gather, pay respect to elders, and participate in a variety of traditional and cultural activities. Songkran is widely celebrated in Thailand, and in many Thai communities around the world.
The Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon marks the occasion every year with traditional Thai dancing and music, food stalls and crafts. The event is free to attend. Please note there is no parking on site during the festival, or on Calonne Road.
The 2023 event includes:
- Blessing & Buddhist services
- Buddha Image Bathing & Building sand pagoda
- Cultural performances and Live Music (commencing at 11:30)
- Miss Songkran Beauty Contest (junior and adult classes)
- Food stalls by leading Thai restaurants
- Thai grocery and crafts shops
Buddhapadipa Temple Events Calendar 2023
The dates of all the events and festivals being held at the Thai temple in Wimbledon are listed in the table below.
| Date | Events 2023 |
|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Alms Giving Ceremony on New Year’s Day |
| 5 Mar | Celebration of Magapuja Day |
| 16 Apr | Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) |
| 3 Jun | Blessing Chanting on Queen Suthida’s Birthday |
| 4 Jun | Celebration of Visakhapuja Day |
| 16 Jul | Memorial Service for the Late Dhammaduta Monks |
| 22 Jul | Residential Retreat for female lay members |
| 30 Jul | Blessing Chanting on King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday |
| 6 Aug | Celebration of Asalhapuja Day & Khaophansa Day |
| 13 Aug | Blessing Chanting on Queen Mother’s Birthday |
| 27 Aug | Temple Cleaning Day |
| 10 Sep | Sermon on Vessantara Jataka |
| 15 Oct | Memorial Service in Remembrance of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol (Rama IX) |
| 29 Oct | End of Buddhist Lent and Special Alms Giving Ceremony (Devorohara) |
| 19 Nov | Royal Kathina and Loykrathong Festival |
| 3 Dec | Celebration of Thai National & Father’s Day |
| 31 Dec | Chanting over the New Year’s Eve |
Website and Contact
The website and contact details for the Thai temple are listed below.
Address: 14 Calonne Road, London, SW19 5HJ. Tel: 0208 9461357
Parking
There is parking available within the temple grounds, however spaces are limited. If you are coming to the temple for a festival it is advised that you take public transport. You can park on Calonne Rd, for free after 6pm Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sunday.
The car park within the temple grounds is shown in the photograph below. You can see there is limited space.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Buddhapadipa?
The word “Buddhapadipa means “the light of the wisdom”.
Can I wear jeans to a Buddhist temple?
Yes, you can wear jeans. It’s important that you dress modestly, so you should avoid wearing tank tops, shorts or mini skirts. You will also need to remove your shoes before you enter the temple.
Can I just show up to a Buddhist temple?
Yes, as long as you come within the opening hours you can just turn up. No prior appointment is required and entry is free. The main temple is available for private prayer and meditation at the weekends.
How many Buddhist temples are there in the UK?
The Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon is one of fifteen Buddhist temples in the United Kingdom.
Gallery
The gallery below shows a selection of photographs taken within the temple grounds. You are not allowed to take photographs in the Shrine Hall.
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Thank you for reading my post about the Buddhist Temple in Wimbledon. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
Vinnie
Wednesday 12th of April 2023
I lived close to this temple as a child and first found it in 1979 as it was being built. This temple is so special. The feeling you have when inside the grounds is amazing. My calm place. Truly magical. The monks are also very welcoming.
Teresa
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Fascinating post , had no idea that a Buddhist temple exists in Wimbledon Look forward to visiting the beautiful gardens and attending some of the lectures Thank you for making us aware of such interesting sites in our area.