Buddhapadipa Temple

This temple, built in 1979, was the first Buddhist temple to be built in the UK. It’s an important place for studying the practice of Buddhism, and is home to a number of monks and nuns, however visitors of any religion are welcome to peruse the building. For those who want to learn more about Buddhism there are courses on offer as well as meditation sessions. Built with Thai architecture in mind, it is in fact the only Thai temple in Europe. Aside from the library and study room, there is a shrine room, accommodation for the monks, a dining room and four acres of ornamental gardens; there is also a replica of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It’s open to the public every day between 9 and 5, and guided tours can be booked by appointment.