Visit Dechen London FAQs: Your Guide to the Sakya Buddhist Centre

Planning Your Visit to Dechen London?

Everyone is welcome at Dechen London – Sakya Buddhist Centre in Notting Hill, West London. Whether you're a complete newcomer curious about Buddhist meditation, interested in joining a study group, attending prayers, or simply wanting to visit our beautiful temple, this FAQs page answers your most common questions.

Find practical details on our location (106 Chepstow Road, W2 5QS, near Westbourne Park Tube), booking (most sessions are drop-in and free), what to expect as a beginner, session lengths and how to stay updated on events and online options. Discover why so many find a calm, supportive space here for exploring the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism—come along and experience it for yourself.

  • Dechen London — Sakya Buddhist Temple is at 106 Chepstow Road. We’re a short walk from Westbourne Park (Hammersmith & City and Circle lines). You’ll find a map and travel details on our About page.

  • Most classes and practices are open without booking but it’s great if you can let us know you plan to come.Only certain events (like weekend teachings by Lama Jampa Thaye) require registration through Eventbrite — these are shown on our Major Buddhist Teaching Events page.

  • Absolutely. Our weekly Buddhism and Meditation sessions are designed for newcomers and introduce basic methods of calm-abiding meditation and Buddhist understanding.

  • Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for sitting.
    You don’t need to bring anything special — cushions and chairs are provided. Shoes are removed (and safely stored) before entering the shrine room.

  • Most evening classes last about one hour; study groups and Sunday practices may run up to 90 minutes but include breaks for refreshment. Full-day events will show timings on their event listings. See our What’s On pages for details

  • All regular sessions are offered freely.  Donations are welcome to help maintain the temple and our support of Tegschen Legshay Ling in Nepal. You can make an offering in person or online via our Donations and Dedications page.

  • There is limited on-street parking available near the centre (free in the evenings and part of the weekend). Plus a bus stop outside and two underground stations nearby. See our Location page for details.

  • Dechen centres offers Online Classes for remote students. You can see current options on our Online Classes page.

  • Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for updates on new teachings, retreats, and classes.