Meditation Classes in Piccadilly

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Reduce stress. Build inner strength.

A full room of students at the Tuesday meditation class in Piccadilly, central London

Free weekly classes This Autumn

Every Tuesday, 5.30–6.30pm

Autumn dates

September — Tue 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October — Tue 6, 20, 27 (no class 13 October)

You can join at any point in the term — you don't need to start at the beginning.

 

Completely free — we just ask you to register for building security and so we know how many chairs to set out.

Our free meditation classes in Piccadilly are open to everyone and easily reachable from many locations in central London. Their sole purpose is to benefit the mental health and strength of everybody in London.

Further dates to be confirmed

November — Tue 3, 10, 17, 24
December — Tue 1, 8, 15

About the meditation classes in Piccadilly

Tuesdays, 5.30–6.30pm
Please arrive from 5.15pm for refreshments and a chance to settle.
6 Babmaes Street, St James's, Piccadilly, London SW1Y 6HD
View on Google Maps →
3 minutes' walk from Piccadilly Circus station

These free meditation classes in Piccadilly are short, practical sessions for busy people in central London.

The instructions emphasise developing a peaceful, happy mind through meditation. In particular, training the mind in meditation helps overcome stress, mental exhaustion, and discouragement and builds a solid foundation for a more joyful and successful life.

The classes include a guided meditation, instructions on training the mind, and discussion. The teachings follow the tradition of Kadampa Buddhism, a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 982-1054), but you don't need to be Buddhist to benefit from them.

The Teachers

Kadam John McBretney, meditation teacher

Kadam John McBretney

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney, meditation teacher

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney

Ralph Sueppel, meditation teacher

Ralph Sueppel

Kadam John will teach on 8 and 15 September. From 22 September, Kadam Ai Peng and Ralph teach the weekly classes, on different weeks throughout the year.

Kadam John McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre in Golders Green, NW11. He has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for over 30 years. Known for his joyful and down-to-earth style, he has a rare ability to make even the deepest subjects clear and accessible, guiding students effortlessly to develop lasting inner peace and wisdom.

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney has trained in Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. As well as teaching at Heruka KMC in Golders Green and the Piccadilly classes, she is the Resident Teacher of Duldzin Dragpa Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Epping. Drawing from her own experience of applying Buddha's teachings in daily life, she shares them joyfully and practically.

Ralph Sueppel has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for many years on the Teacher Training Programme of Heruka KMC. A qualified teacher of Kadam Dharma, he brings clarity and warmth to his teaching, drawing on Buddha's teachings to help students navigate the challenges of daily life.

Relax in a Peaceful Setting

Meditate comfortably in a tranquil space on chairs. No special clothing or experience is needed—just come as you are.

Two volunteers welcoming visitors at the desk before the Tuesday meditation class in Piccadilly

Be Part of a Welcoming Community

Connect with interesting people, and enjoy refreshments and friendly conversation.

Take your first step toward a calmer, happier life—everyone is welcome!

Common questions

Do I need any experience?
None at all. The classes are designed so that complete beginners can join any week.

Is it religious? Do I have to be Buddhist?
No. The techniques come from the Buddhist tradition, but you don't need to be Buddhist — or become one — to benefit from them. Everyone is welcome.

Are the classes really free?
Yes, completely — these classes are free, and no pressure to give anything. We ask everyone to register so the building knows who's coming and we can plan seats and refreshments.

Do I have to come every week?
No — each class is self-contained, so come whenever you can. That said, most people find the benefits build week by week.

What should I wear?
Whatever you like. We meditate sitting comfortably on chairs, so office clothes are fine — many people come straight from work.

What time should I arrive?
Any time from 5.15pm. There's tea and coffee, and a chance to find a seat and settle before we begin at 5.30pm. If you're running late, just come in quietly — someone will show you to a seat.

Can I bring a friend?
Please do! Just ask them to register too.

Tuesdays, 5.30–6.30pm
Please arrive from 5.15pm for refreshments and a chance to settle.
6 Babmaes Street, St James's, Piccadilly, London SW1Y 6HD
View on Google Maps →
3 minutes' walk from Piccadilly Circus station

Venue location

The entrance to 6 Babmaes Street, St James's, Piccadilly, in daylight.
6 Babmaes Street by day
The entrance in the evening
The entrance in the evening

Upcoming Courses & Retreats

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Upcoming Courses & Retreats

LEARN TO MEDITATE

Discover The Benefits Of Meditation

Everyone is welcome

"Happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions."

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

New to Buddhism?

Find out more about Buddhism

LEARN TO MEDITATE

Discover The Benefits Of Meditation

Everyone is welcome

"Happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions."

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

New to Buddhism?

Find out more about Buddhism