Family Weekend – Finding Real Happiness
May 1 - 4, 2026
A chance for families to meet, have fun and enjoy a joyful weekend with a difference!
With guided meditations, team activities, games and much more, this is a chance for all the family
to learn how to find a real and lasting source of happiness and experience a joyful way of life.
The activities, which include drama, art, and outdoor games, are designed to help children develop the skills of how to maintain a happy mind – even when things don’t go our way.
The weekend also offers both children and parents an opportunity to discover the practical value of periods of silence and quiet contemplation: meditation for all the family. All families are welcome, whether Buddhist or not.
Manjushri Family Weekend Based in the Lake District, Manjushri KMC has a Historic House set in 70 acres of lawns and woodland with a lake, streams, extensive paths and an enchanting beach on the shores of Morecambe Bay – not to mention the first Temple for World Peace. There’s no better place for a family break!
The family weekend will begin on Friday in the evening with supper and finish on Monday with lunch.
What it's like and what happens during a Family Weekend at Manjushri KMC
Practical Info
The programme of activities is ideally suited for children aged 6 – 12 years. All bookings must include children within this age group. If your group booking includes siblings outside of this age range, then please follow the instructions in the booking form.
Onsite accommodation options are only available for those booking for the whole weekend. Details of the types of accommodation available and prices are in the booking form.
Activities are intended for whole family participation, and parents/care givers must accompany their children in all organised activities. Manjushri KMC cannot provide child care facilities. We are a large site open daily to the public, for safeguarding reasons we therefore require that children are under the direct supervision, and remain the responsibility of, their parents/care givers at all times. For insurance purposes, Manjushri KMC and NKT-IKBU cannot take responsibility for your child.
All meals provided are vegetarian (may contain dairy and eggs), with a wheat-free and/or dairy-free option available at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee that all ingredients in our meals are vegan and/or gluten-free, and so are unable to offer those as options.
If you would like more information, or to discuss further, please contact our reception team info@manjushri.org, 01229 584 029, who will be happy to answer your questions.
Timetable
MAY 1
Friday
5:45pm
Supper
7:30 - 8:00pm
Introductory talk (North Wing Meditation Room - NWMR)
8:00 - 8:30pm
Hot Chocolate (Cafe Lounge)
MAY 2
Saturday
9:00 - 9:30am
Meditation (NWMR)
9:30 - 10:00am
Circle Game (South Lawn)
10:00 - 10:30am
Tea Break (Dining Room)
10:30 - 11:30am
Drama Workshop (Chapel)
11:45am - 12:30pm
Bubbles Fun (Outside)
12:30
Lunch (Dining Room)
2:00 - 3:30pm
Lantern Making (Chapel)
2:00 - 3:30pm
Escape Room (Room 1)
2:30 - 3:00pm
Meditation for Parents (NWMR)
3:00 - 3:30pm
Tea Break (Dining Room)
4:00 - 5:00pm
Treasure Hunt (Outside)
5:00 - 5:45pm
Quiet Time
5:45pm
Supper
7:30 - 8:30pm
Drama & Hot Chocolate (Cafe Lounge)
MAY 3
Sunday
9:00 - 9:30am
Meditation (NWMR)
9:30 - 10:00am
Capture the Flag (South Lawn)
10:00 - 10:30am
Tea Break (Dining Room)
10:30 - 11:15am
Art Workshop (Chapel)
10:30 - 11:45am
Prayers for World Peace (Temple)
11:30am - 12:30pm
Mini Games (Chapel)
12:30
Lunch (Dining Room)
2:00 - 3:30pm
Lantern Making (Chapel)
2:00 - 3:30pm
Escape Room (Room 1)
2:30 - 3:00pm
Meditation for Parents (NWMR)
3:00 - 3:30pm
Tea Break (Dining Room)
4:00 - 5:45pm
Adventure Mystery (Different Rooms)
5:45pm
Supper
7:30 - 9:00pm
Camp Fire & Lantern Parade (Beach)
9:00 - 9:30pm
Hot Chocolate (Cafe Lounge)
MAY 4
Monday
9:30 - 10:00am
Meditation (Temple)
10:00 - 10.30am
Tea Break (Dining Room)
10:30am - 12:30pm
Final Workshop (Outdoors)
12:30pm
Pack Lunch
Discover the Retreat Setting
A special tranquil place
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, nestled on the edge of the Lake District, offers the perfect setting for a retreat. Surrounded by beautiful woodland and gardens, this peaceful sanctuary provides an ideal space to step away from the busyness of daily life. The centre's stunning temple, tranquil environment, and breathtaking views over Morecambe Bay make it the perfect place to relax, recharge, and deepen your meditation practice. Whether you’re looking to find inner peace or gain clarity and wisdom, this serene location offers everything you need for a truly transformative experience.
Retreat accommodation
Accommodation is in simple, comfortable rooms. Those on retreats will stay either in a room in the main building of Conishead Priory or in a room in one of the cottages that line the gardens and overlook the Temple for World Peace. You can choose single, twin or shared rooms and there are limited number of en-suite rooms available. Book early to get a full choice of accommodation.
Experiences
Every person who visits and takes part in a course at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre leaves with a unique experience of peace in their heart. This experience is shaped by our circumstances in life and how these ancient teachings, adapted to our modern lives, touch our heart. Because each of us is a unique individual, we will each have our own special meaningful experience to take home with us.
Testimonials
Resources
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Related reading from Tharpa.com
Venue
Yes you can sit on a chair! There are also other seating arrangements for those who like to sit on the floor in the traditional cross legged style.
Yes, you can attend just part of the course. Some classes are drop in but for longer courses our flexible booking system allows you to choose the specific days you wish to attend. Simply log into the booking system and select the days that best fit your schedule. If you have any further questions or need assistance with the booking process, feel free to contact reception.
Yes, absolutely! There will be ample opportunities for questions to be answered throughout the course. You’ll have the chance to engage with the teacher and interact with other people attending.
Yes. Please check the “Resources” section on this page. It contains links to the books covered in the course, as well as a podcast and YouTube channel for additional learning and insights.
No, there are no specific practices or rituals you need to be familiar with before attending. However, please note that there will be some short chanted prayers to start and conclude of some sessions. You can follow the words in the booklets that will be supplied. There is no obligation to sing, but it is very beneficial to follow the meaning of the words for a successful meditation practice.
The meals provided are vegetarian. You can choose gluten-free and/or vegan options when booking. If you have any allergies, please make sure to inform us in advance. A full menu with ingredients will be listed in the servery, please check if you are unsure.
Yes, we do have facilities for disabled people. This includes disabled parking, accommodation, bathrooms and access to the temple. If you are hard of hearing, please let us know so that we can supply you with headphones during the teaching. For any additional questions or specific needs, please contact reception.
No, our courses are presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious obligation is required.
How to get here
