Buddhapadipa Temple

Sadly could only gaze on the resplendent outside, that would have been magnificent if not for the 5 stories of tubular scaffolding in place to replace the tiles on the roof.( Didn't take a pix!) And you can have your own tile too for a £10 donation. We made do with enjoying the monks at work. But will return in the future to admire the reroofed splendour.

13 April is Thai New Year, or Songkran. It was a lovely day out celebrating the festivities with so many people. Hearing the Thai language made my heart smile. I do miss the country. In Thailand, one would have water wars, which is loads of fun, however here in the UK it was a very dry but warm Songkran. The temple itself was under construction so no photos yet, but hopefully soon.

Buddapadipa is an oasis situated not far from wimbledon common. Set i 3 acres of grounds with a lake and beautiful temple built with support by the thai goverment around 1978.. The roof at this time is undergoing refurbishment and meditation classes still take place tuesday , thursday evenings from 7 to 9pm. a beautiful place to come and just sit in the gardens or deepen your understanding of buddism should you wish.. there are resident monks and lay people who are freindly & kind should you seek guidance... lovely place highly reccomend a visit .

A peaceful place to visit although a little run down in places. On start contrast to the embarrassment of wealth surrounding it.

I love coming to this temple in Wimbledon, it was a truly peaceful and calming experience. The serene atmosphere, gentle sounds of nature, and beautifully maintained surroundings made it a perfect place for quiet reflection. The temple’s intricate architecture and tranquil gardens added to the sense of spiritual retreat. Stepping inside, the soft scent of incense and the stillness of the space encouraged mindfulness and inner peace. A wonderful spot to slow down, reflect, and find a moment of calm amidst the busy world. Please note there’s some work going on and a scaffolding was up around the actual temple building.

A stunning Buddhist temple, I would recommend you check what activities are on. But of course you can visit just to see the temple. The temple currently (January 2025) has scaffolding around it, but this of course doesn’t interfere with the practice, but if you’re coming to see the temple check if there is still scaffolding as you won’t see it in all its glory. The garden is beautiful, though not suitable for dog walking (dogs aren’t allowed). It’s very peaceful and a special place to sit and relax in. It’s very close to Wimbledon village, so worth going to if you’re in Wimbledon. Parking nearby is with Ring Go app, but look for the right car parking spaces as it’s residential for the most part. I definitely recommend this as a place to visit.

Beautifully built Buddhist temple and a very peaceful place to spend some quiet time. Nice location in Wimbledon.

Peaceful and represent Thai way of Buddhist perfectly. Meditation practice offer to public who may not be a Buddhist religious as well. Teaching from Thai monks is meaningful and also English teaching is available.

On Sundays, in the car park is THE best place to get authentic Thai food in London. For 5 pounds I got a bamboo shoot salad swimming in super-spicy fermented fish sauce and decorated with mint leaves, plus a bag of sticky rice to help me with the heat. Seriously spicy. The real deal. For a further 5 pounds I got two boxes of Thai desserts, including a mouthwatering box of banana custard and purple sticky rice. I could have spent a lot more... Isaan sausage, Northern sausage, Satays, Fried Fish... every tupperware box was so tempting. The food sold here is the closest thing I've found in the UK to real Thai street-food, but it is literally sold out of the boot of people's cars. It's stuff they've made at home and brought to share with Thai tongues. Finding this is a foodie dream come true. Oh, and the temple is gorgeous too.

So beautiful visited with my mum and aunt last year for Thai New Year Songkran. There was music and dancing, blessings from the monks, Thai artifacts, ingredients and Jewellery for sale and the food. Oooh, the FOOD!!! Stalls and stalls and stalls of everything Thai. Real Thai food proper Isaan dishes like my Grandma used to make, Thai sausages I have never found outside of the country, authentic Thai tea ***sigh*** why can't everyday be like this? The temple is stunning and there is a lovely little garden/park for walks. very serene on a non-festival day. Visiting again next weekend for Songkran hope to take more pictures you must visit it's just gorgeous.

Now not many of you may even realise that the UK's first ever built buddhist temple was in Wimbledon, I certainly didn't know it was there until I stumbled upon it by accident. This is one place everyone, religious or not should definately go. As soon as you walk through the ornate gates it's like you've been transported off to ancient Asia. There are monks wandering the grounds, which are truly beautiful full of wildlife and fauna and so tranquil for the middle of London. Then right in the middle is this sharp in take of breath temple which is so amazingly detailed and ornate. It's not disabled friendly as there's lots of steps but it's easy to appreciate it from outside ground level and is awe inspiring. There's toilets on site disabled access is possible. It's FREE to go there and really worth the drive on a lazy sunny afternoon. To visit the Temple, the nearest mainline station is Wimbledon and then take the 93 bus towards Putney. Alight at stop at common. Alternately use District line to Putney Bridge where the 93 bus can be taken towards Cheam again alight at common stop. (just after Parkside hospital) alternatively if you are driving there is plenty of local free parking.

Wat Buddhapadipa is the only formal Thai temple in Europe. It's also the largest temple in Europe. I visited the temple during the Songkran New Year. Where they had service prayers to pray for your passing ancestors, offerings, and authentic Thai food. I really love the gardens with message of wisdom by the Uposatha Hall. Since this is an official temple. There are libraries, living quarters for Buddhist monk and nuns. Shrine room, dining room. Like all Thai temples you'll ornate roof top, murals of Buddha painted by the volunteers. Monks & nuns can speak both Thai and English. So glad that I found a beautiful place.

To many sightseers and curiosity seekers can make it a very unspiritual experience,but if you pick the right day you will be rewarded with a very nice experience of the divine nature of Buddhism.

My brother and Sister In-Law took me and my mother here for a Day trip around 2012.I did not know this beautiful place existed prior to my first Visit.My first Impressions were WOW.It was an Unbelievable experience.So Peaceful and Serene.Sadly my Mother Passed away a few months later but I am so Happy she got to visit this wonderful place.I have since been back there and am hoping to visit again some time in the near future.It holds special memories for me.

Serve yourself with teas and coffee, bottled water, most donated by the Thais and other Buddhists. Books and lectures are given free of charge, just ask a Monk and other for information. Visit on a Sunday and have a taste of Thai Cuisine, great taste and variety of Thai dishes.

I fully agree with other positive reviews of this temple. It is extremely authentic with a large number of real monks and a separate prayer room / shrine building. As noted by another reviewer, Sunday is indeed the best day to go here when it is very busy with lots of people coming to watch the monks eat their dinner and give gifts to the monks before everyone else together outside in the garden. The gardens are very beautiful / serene with a lovely pond adding a real sense of tranquillity. No other temples in London can compare to this.

I live down the road from the Buddhapadipa Temple and I really should go there more, its such a beautiful and inviting place, where your always feel welcome. Even if its just for a wonder round with a friend or a place to relax and collect your thoughts.