Alfoxton Park is both a community of people who live and work together and a retreat centre. 

The community is working hard to both renovate the buildings and land and host and facilitate retreats. We are one of many centres that make up the Triratna Buddhist Community, one of the largest Buddhist communities in the West. We place a special emphasis on building and engaging with our community, and understanding Buddhist teachings in the context of contemporary western culture.  See www.thebuddhistcentre.com for more details.

The retreat centre hosts a variety of meditation, arts and nature-based retreats throughout the year. 

Bike

We are a 45-60 minute cycle from Bridgwater railway station via the A39, or slightly longer using back roads.

Bus

The Plough Inn, Holford is our nearest bus stop (15 minute walk from Alfoxton). There are infrequent buses from there to Bridgwater and Minehead. See this link for current bus timetable.

Train

The nearest railway stations are Bridgwater (30min drive) and Taunton (40min drive). Bridgwater is slightly closer, but Taunton is a better served station from London and Birmingham. We usually put people in touch with each other using WhatsApp so that they can coordinate travel from Taunton to Alfoxton, usually by taxi. 

Car/Taxi

Click on this link for our google maps pin. Our postcode is TA5 1SG but doesn't work exactly in the satnav. Our grid reference 51.165187, -3.220080 . Our 'What 3 words' are: marsh.admiringly.muted . Please be aware that the M5 and A39 are often slow moving on Fridays and at peak times - you may want to leave a little extra time or come earlier in the day and enjoy a walk on the nearby Quantock Hills. Here is one suggested carpark to start a walk. 

We would love to meet you and learn more about this beautiful set of buildings and land.  Please get in touch via email or telephone (details below). 

I am a wheelchair user. Can I access the site?

We are working hard to make Alfoxton House an accessible venue. Currently the ground floor of the main building, which includes the dining area and shrine room, are accessible via a small ramp. However, much of the land is hilly and unsuitable for wheelchairs. We do not currently have an accessible toilet.

Is there power for charging medical equipment e.g. CPAP machine?  

Yes. 

Is there a place I can refrigerate my medication?

Yes

Do you provide chairs for meditation?

Yes

Although we’re a Buddhist retreat centre, you don’t need to be a Buddhist to participate on our retreats. Most of our retreats require no specific level of experience, those who do will specify the requirements in their descriptions. 

All of our events are alcohol and drug free. 

For music, arts and nature-based retreats we ask that you do not use mobile phones in communal areas. During meditation retreats we ask that you turn off your mobile phone and other devices.

How does the deposit / dana system work? How do I pay?

A deposit is taken when you book. This secures your place and covers your food and other basic costs. This can be paid online on our website. We will also invite you to make a financial gift (‘dana’) at the end of the retreat. This gift will allow us to give a contribution to the retreat facilitators, as well as support the wider Alfoxton project. We are currently saving up to repair the roof, which will allow us to offer rooms in the main house to retreatants in the future, and secure our long term viability. You can pay with card, cash or via bank transfer. 

Can I cancel my place / get a refund / transfer my deposit?

If you are unable to come to the retreat please let us know straight away. Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferable in individual circumstances. 

Where will I sleep?

While the building is being renovated, most retreatants bring their own accommodation in the form of tents, bell tents or live-in vehicles. We have very limited indoor accommodation for those with restricted mobility or medical conditions that make camping difficult. We also have one or two tents that can be used by retreatants who don’t have access to their own. Please get in touch if you want to discuss your accommodation needs. 

What will I eat?

Alfoxton is lucky to have a dedicated cook. We serve a hot lunch and evening meal each day. Muesli, toast and fruit is available all day. All food served is vegan. Some retreatants also bring their own snacks. We regularly cater for gluten-free diets. Other health-related dietary requirements can be noted on retreat booking forms. 

What will I drink?

A communal urn offers hot water throughout the day and evening, alongside a wide selection of teas and coffee. We have some communal cafetieres for coffee drinkers but you may like to bring your own. The site is alcohol free. 

Are there hot showers?

There is an indoor hot shower and two refreshing cold showers adjacent to our cathedral-like sauna. 

Can I charge my device / phone?

Yes - there are plug points in the dining area and Oak Room. 

Is there a shop/doctor nearby? 

The nearest local shop is Kilve Stores, a 30 minute walk away across a few fields. The nearest doctor’s surgery is the Quantock Medical Centre in Nether Stowey, a 15 minute drive away. The nearest Minor Injury Units are in Bridgwater and Minehead. 

How will I keep warm?

It can be chilly at night, even in summer. Thermals, a hot water bottle, a woolly hat, a good sleeping bag and mat and perhaps a thermos are all very valuable. 

What other essential gear do I need?

Essentials that are often overlooked are:  Water bottle, notepad and pen, head torch, book, sunscreen, sunhat, personal medication. Some people also find insect repellent useful to discourage tick bites. 

Is there a daily retreat schedule?

Each retreat works to its own schedule. However, there are a few constants. Meditation takes place at 7.30am (optional). Morning meeting is at 9am. Lunch is 1.15pm and evening meal at 6pm. Evening activities usually begin at 7.30pm. 

Is there a space for me to do Yoga/Tai Chi/my own practice on the retreat? 

Our shrine room is a calm and spacious area to undertake your own bodywork practice, and we have plenty of yoga mats and blocks available. You can use this space whenever it is free. 

What is the work period and what work will need doing?

Some retreats contain a daily work period in order to keep the retreat spaces clean and safe. Retreatants are usually able to choose a task that they feel able to do and stick with this throughout the retreat. There is also a washing up rota - a great chance to chat with new people (apart from on the silent retreats…) 

Normally no, but please get in touch if you feel there are exceptional circumstances. 

This is often possible if you are willing to stay several days. Please get in touch with us in advance to discuss. 

Yes - there is an option on the retreat booking page to let us know that you are bringing one.

No - there are many deer on the land that would be disturbed by dogs.

Please get in touch if you or anyone you're booking a retreat for is under the age of 18.

Whilst we love the energy that children bring to a space, Alfoxton is still a work in progress and we are not able to meet the needs of babies or young children. Some workshops are suitable for older children to attend - please get in touch to discuss further. 

We usually send information packs out 2-3 weeks before a retreat.