International Kadampa Buddhist Retreat Centre

We are a registered charity and based in a Victorian mansion built in the 1850s. Located in rural Derbyshire we are close to the Dales and Peak District. We have around 35 residents spread across the main building, apartments and houses. We are mixed community of ordained and lay people and families. We host around 5 - 15 volunteers. Our extensive grounds have 38 acres of gardens and parkland, with a small river and woodland walk. The environment is very beautiful, tranquil and restful and is perfect for meditation and reflection.

There are many local walks, a nature reserve and cycle paths. You can also access the Dales and Peak District National Park for days out. The city of Derby is just 8 miles away. Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester are all within one hour travel.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

All experiences

Help us in the kitchen of our Buddhist Center

Cooking Kitchen Hand

Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Help us with the maintenance of our Buddhist Center

Painting & Decorating Building & Repairing Gardening

Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Reviews

5.0
(118 reviews)118

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

France

5

I stayed at Tara International Kadampa Centre for a month and I really enjoyed my time there.
The team is really welcoming, warm and they would do anything so you can feel better (I had problems with a mattress that they changed for me ☺️).
I really felt like I was part of a big family.
The food is very good and healthy and being able to attend to teachings and meditations whenever you are free is just perfect.
It was a life-changing experience.
I miss you all.
Thank you Donna, Sam, Ximena and Nathalie for your kindness ❤️
And the residents there for the chitchat we had 💚

about 12 hours ago

Tara IKRC Buddhist centre replied

Dear Laure,
It was great having you stay with us, thank you for all your hard work, you are always welcome to come and stay with us again.

Lots of love
Donna and all the team at Tara centre xx

United Kingdom

5

I had a great time at Tara, especially as it was my first worldbackpers experience, it was a very wholesome, hearty environment where I felt right at home the moment I got there:)

8 days ago

Tara IKRC Buddhist centre replied

Hey Em! It was great having you stay with us - thanks for everything and come and visit us again sometime.

Lots of love
Donna and all the team at Tara centre xx

Colombia

5

Tara is a beautiful place, a very quiet place with really kind people. The tasks are simple and you feel like you are learning all the time from each one of them.

Thank you for hosting me in this beautiful place, Dona and Sam :)
Thank you Nath and Ximena for teaching me so much and answering my questions. :)

Thank you for the food, I learned so much about veg food (Tempa kitchen amazing),
Thank you for the experience with other people from so many places and for letting me learn from each one of them. ❤️

9 days ago

Tara IKRC Buddhist centre replied

It was great having you stay with us Lisseth, thank you so much for all your hard work and beautiful presence.

Sending you love and blessings from all the team at tara centre xx

Germany

5

I had a great time at Tara Centre (my first volunteering).

Everyone of the hosts, residents and other volunteers was so friendly and welcoming and it was a great opportunity to connect with many different people.
I had a lot of fun working in the Cafe and kitchen (great food!), but you have to be flexible, since you only know the type of work you do in the morning of each day.
The grounds were huge, beautiful and a great place for relaxing or going on a walk.
Definitely would recommend this experience!

10 days ago

Tara IKRC Buddhist centre replied

Thanks so much for all your hard work Toni, it was fab having you stay with us.

Good luck with all your future adventures!

Lots of love
Donna and all the team at Tara centre

Brazil

5

I loved my experience!
The people are amazing and very kind, the place is absolutely beautiful!

The work is very demanding, but everything is agreed in advance so be aware that you won't have much free time

The food and rooms are excellent!
I wasn't able to attend many classes, but the ones I did attend were wonderful!

Thank you very much for the opportunity <3

16 days ago

Tara IKRC Buddhist centre replied

Thank you for all your hard work Ligia, it was great having you stay with us.

Sending love and best wishes from all the team at Tara centre xx

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Vegetarian / Vegan

Rural

Spiritual

Yoga / Meditation