Visiting Samye Ling
The grounds and main Temple are open to day visitors all year round. Whether you are coming for a quiet walk in our Peace Gardens or to visit the Temple, we welcome you!
Entry is free of charge.
Looking for information about accommodation?
Visit Guest Accommodation Page→
Samye Ling Temple
First Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Temple in the West
Open daily for practice or visit:
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
During periods of retreat or Dharma teachings, we kindly ask visitors to enter and leave quietly and remain toward the back of the Temple.
We kindly ask visitors to observe the traditional Temple etiquette displayed at the entrance, including the removal of footwear and maintaining a silent atmosphere.
Tibetan Tea Rooms
Hot & Cold Drinks, Light Vegetarian Snacks
The Tea Rooms generally open when there is sufficient demand
Should the Tea Rooms be closed during your visit, you are most welcome to help yourself to complimentary tea in the Johnstone House Tearoom.
Hot vegetarian lunches are served daily in our main dining hall. Advance booking is essential. See more about meals→.
Samye Ling Shop
Himalayan crafts, ritual items, clothing, incense and more.
10 AM – 12.30 PM
1.30PM – 4 PM
Please note that opening times may vary. The Shop may close without notice during retreats or Dharma teachings.
Should the Shop be closed during your visit, please ask in Reception, and we’ll open it for you where possible during regular hours.
Please note that smoking (including electronic cigarettes), alcohol and unprescribed drugs are not allowed anywhere on Samye Ling grounds. We also request that, in order to protect the many small wild animals here, you do not bring pets when visiting. Camping is not allowed anywhere on the grounds, including Visitor Car Park.
Monastery Siteplan & Guide
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Tibetan Tea Rooms
Hot & Cold Drinks, Light Vegetarian Snacks
10 AM – 12.30 PM
1.30PM – 4 PM
Should the Tea Rooms be closed during your visit, you are most welcome to help yourself to complimentary tea in the Johnstone House Tearoom.
Hot vegetarian lunches are served daily in our main dining hall. Advance booking is essential. See more about meals→.
Samye Ling Shop
Himalayan crafts, ritual items, clothing, incense and more.
The Tea Rooms generally open when there is sufficient demand
Please note that opening times may vary. The Shop may close without notice during retreats or Dharma teachings.
Should the Shop be closed during your visit, please ask in Reception, and we’ll open it for you where possible during regular hours.
Samye Ling Reception
For All Visitors
We kindly ask that you observe the following guidelines when visiting Samye Ling, to help us maintain a peaceful, healthy, and harmonious environment for everyone:
Strictly No:
Alcohol, smoking, vaping, or non-prescription drugs.
Protected site:
No fishing or harming of local wildlife. No fires or barbeques. No swimming on site.
No Pets:
Guide dogs only. No animals to be left in vehicles.
No Camping:
Tents, campervans, or overnight stays in cars are not permitted (this includes the Visitor Car Park).
Visitor Car Park
Located just off-site from the main road (look out for the large sign). All day visitors must park here.
Please note that overnight parking, camping, and overnight stays in campervans are strictly prohibited.
Public Toilets
RADAR keys for the accessible toilet are available at the Cafe (opposite) or at Reception. Please ask our team for assistance.
Public Toilets
Access to these facilities from the Temple level is via stairs. Should you require the use of the accessible lift, please request assistance at Reception.
No RADAR key required.
Accessible Lift
Lift use with key only. Should you require the use of the accessible lift, please request assistance at Reception.
Step-free Access
Ramp to the Main Temple.
Accessible parking places nearby.
Accessible Parking
Please keep free for visitors with limited mobility or accessibility requirements.
All day visitors should park at the Visitor Car Park.
Stairs
Access to Temple level is via stairs.
Recommended Step-free route is via ramp at the back of Temple, with Accessible Parking nearby.
Should you require the use of the accessible lift, please request assistance at Reception.
Overnight Guests Only
Access to this building is strictly prohibited except for registered overnight guests.
Guests Only
Access to this building is strictly prohibited. Reserved for registered overnight guests and booked dining guests only.
Guests Only
Public access is permitted exclusively to the Johnstone House Tea Room and Sitting Room until 9:00 PM.
Access to all other areas is strictly prohibited except for registered overnight guests.
No Public Access
Strictly no access to unauthorised persons beyond this point.
Johnstone House Self-service Tearoom
You are welcome to make yourself a cup of tea, free of charge, at any time during your visit. Please feel free to relax in the Sitting Room.
The Tea Room closes at 9:00 PM.
Access to all other areas of Johnstone House is strictly reserved for registered overnight guests.
Samye Ling Temple
Open daily for practice or visit:
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Construction and Artistry
Built through the shared devotion of founder Akong Rinpoche and a dedicated team of volunteers, the Temple was officially inaugurated in 1988. The breathtaking interior artwork and traditional features were created under the precise direction of the master artist Sherab Palden Beru. This includes the magnificent thangkas (large iconographic scroll paintings) adorning the Temple walls, which he and his students meticulously painted in finest traditional Karma Gadri style.
The Main Shrine
At the heart of the Temple sits the main shrine, featuring a majestic statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Behind him is a frieze depicting the ’Twelve Deeds’ charting his life experiences and he is flanked by his two chief disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. On either side is a curling dragon, each holding wish-fulfilling jewels in their claws as a symbol of skillful bodhisattva activity for the benefit of all.
On either side of the central Buddha are six statues that portray the foundational roots of the Kagyu lineage. These figures trace the transmission of wisdom from its eternal origin to our specific lineage.
- The primordial Buddha, Vajradhara
- The Indian Mahasiddhas, Tilopa and Naropa
- The Tibetan yogi-patriarchs, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa
The Lineage Masters
Gazing down from the top of the main shrine are 16 statues representing the previous successive incarnations of the Gyalwang Karmapas, the revered supreme holders of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
Therefore the history of connection from the time of the Buddha until the present day is encapsulated in the Temple’s statues.
Learn more about the Kagyu Lineage→
During periods of retreat or Dharma teachings, we kindly ask visitors to enter and leave quietly and remain toward the back of the Temple.
We kindly ask visitors to observe the traditional Temple etiquette displayed at the entrance, including the removal of footwear and maintaining a silent atmosphere.
Butterlamp House
Consecrated on New Year’s Eve 1999, the Samye Ling Butterlamp House is dedicated to world peace.
Anyone, anywhere can sponsor lamps to be lit and for prayers to be dedicated in honour of friends or good causes.
Samye Ling Stupa for World Peace
Consecrated in 2000 as the first authentic Stupa in Britain, this sacred monument is dedicated to healing the environment and promoting world peace.
The Stupa (tib. cho-ten, “basis of offerings”), was built according to precise ancient instructions, filled with sacred relics, and empowered by continuous prayer to restore balance and harmony to the world around it.
A walking path encircles the Stupa, inviting visitors to practise traditional clockwise circumambulation to purify the mind and accumulate merit.
Tara Garden
Our founder, Dr Akong Rinpoche, held a profound interest in healing and medicine, particularly in the traditional Tibetan medical system which is in danger of being lost. In this spirit, he initiated the creation of the Tara Garden, a space uniquely dedicated to the Healing Tara. The garden and its central statue were officially inaugurated—prior to their full completion—at 7:00 AM on July 7, 2007 (07/07/07). This historic date is carved into the base of the main statue, commemorating a ceremony attended by Akong Rinpoche, lamas, the Sangha, the lay community, and a legendary host of local midges.
Symbolism of the Healing Tara
In Tibetan tradition, Tara represents the embodiment of swift activity, manifesting in 21 distinct forms to benefit beings in whatever ways they need. The main statue of the Healing Tara faces south and is rich with symbolism: her extended right foot shows her readiness to rise and swiftly aid others at any moment, while her raised right hand signifies loving protection. Because she grants refuge from fear, the base of the statue features representations of humanity’s deepest anxieties, including natural disasters, wars, and wild animals.
The 20 Petals and Future Growth
Surrounding the central deity are 20 stone-walled “petals,” which were built and finally completed by volunteers in 2022. Nestled within a specially constructed niche in each wall is a statue representing one of the other 21 aspects of Tara. The long-term vision for these petals is to cultivate different varieties of medicinal plants, seamlessly blending rich spiritual tradition with practical healing.
A walking path encircles the garden, inviting visitors to practise traditional clockwise circumambulation to purify the mind and accumulate merit.
Nagarjuna Pond
At the center of this peaceful pond sits a statue depicting Nagarjuna, the great 2nd-century CE Indian Buddhist master and saint. He is universally revered for establishing the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) philosophy, which forms the profound basis for the teachings studied and practiced within our Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism.
In the deliberate arrangement of the monastery grounds, the statue of Nagarjuna faces west. This intentional orientation serves as a meaningful symbol of his timeless, foundational teachings being successfully established and flourishing here in the Western world.
A walking path encircles the pond, inviting visitors to practise traditional clockwise circumambulation to purify the mind and accumulate merit.
Guru Rinpoche Fountain
This peaceful fountain is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the legendary Indian master revered as the “Second Buddha” who famously brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century CE.
The layout of the fountain and other monuments on site forms a deliberate arrangement. While the statue of Guru Rinpoche faces north, a neighboring Stupa and the main Temple both face east. When viewed alongside the Tara statue in Tara Garden facing south and the Nagarjuna statue facing west, this intentional design ensures that all four major cardinal directions are covered, bringing a sense of balance and harmony across the monastery grounds.
Prayer Wheel House
The “Mani korlo” or Prayer Wheel House was consecrated by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche on 7th July, 2007.
Each of the forty-five Prayer Wheels contains millions of prayers. The energy and blessing of these prayers are activated and spread throughout the environment as the wheels turn.
Visitors are welcome to turn the wheels by hand using the wooden handle. They then gain the merit of saying these millions of prayers for all beings and for the planet itself.
Buddha Island
Chenrezik Shrine
For the first two decades of Samye Ling’s history, this space served as the main shrine room. Many great masters from different schools of Tibetan Buddhism taught here. Following the completion of the main Temple, the room was repurposed and served as the Abbot’s Office for a number of years.
In the early 2000s, upon completion of Phase 2 of the monastery building project, the Abbot’s Office was relocated to the main monastery building. The space was then transformed into its current form as the Shrineroom of Chenrezik (bodhisattva of Compassion).
While the room’s function has evolved, key elements of its early heritage have been carefully preserved. Several pieces of the original decoration—including the intricate work around the windows—remain intact. This artwork holds historic value for the monastery, having been crafted by our co-founder, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, alongside the master artist Sherab Palden Beru.
Akong Exhibition Hall
Originally named the Rigpe Dorje Hall in honor of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, this space became known as the Akong Exhibition Hall following the passing of our founder, Akong Rinpoche, in 2013.
The room houses a photographic exhibition documenting Akong Rinpoche’s extraordinary life and work. Although initially intended to be a temporary display, the exhibition has been retained for the foreseeable future because it remains so important to Rinpoche’s many friends and students.
Liberation Gate
The Liberation Gate serves as the grand entrance to the Samye Ling complex. Welcoming all who arrive, the pillars of the gate feature depictions of the traditional Guardians of the Four Directions, symbolizing protection and spiritual boundary.
Adorning the upper portion of the gate are sacred mandalas and mantras. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, these specific sacred geometries and syllables are known as “Liberation through Seeing” (Tongdrol), meaning that simply casting one’s eyes upon them leaves a profound, positive spiritual imprint on the mind of the viewer.
Naga House
In Tibetan tradition, Nagas are water spirits believed to inhabit rivers, lakes, and streams. They are thought to directly influence human health and prosperity. A familiar local parallel to the concept of a Naga is Scotland’s own legendary Nessie, the Loch Ness creature.
The point where two rivers meet is traditionally considered a prime habitat for a Naga. Because Samye Ling sits at the confluence of the rivers, this Naga House was built to ensure the resident spirit remains undisturbed and comfortable. The structure is adorned with a detailed carving of a Naga and decorated with semi-precious stones, which are traditional offerings they are said to appreciate.
The Naga House also reflects the Buddhist ethic of deeply respecting, caring for, and protecting the environment. By honoring the Naga, we acknowledge the river as a living, interconnected system that deserves our protection and gratitude.
Please do not climb on to the Naga House or its base.
Akong Memorial Garden
Situated directly in front of the main entrance to Samye Ling Monastery, this peaceful Memorial Garden was personally designed by our beloved founder, Akong Rinpoche. Though Rinpoche sadly passed away before the project could be fully completed, the garden was finished and named in his honor, serving as a lasting tribute to his life, vision, and enduring legacy.
At the heart of the garden stands a donated statue of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (traditionally meaning “Earth Treasury”). Ksitigarbha is deeply revered in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition for his boundless compassion and his ultimate, selfless pledge. He is famously defined by his profound vow:
“Not until the hells are emptied will I become a Buddha; only when all sentient beings are liberated will I attain Bodhi.”
By vowing never to enter the final peace of nirvana until every single sentient being is completely liberated from suffering, Ksitigarbha stands as a symbol of perfect altruism and dedication to the awakening of all.
Peace Pole & Clootie Tree
May Peace Prevail on Earth
The Peace Pole Project is an international grassroots initiative that began in Japan in the 1950s, created in response to the devastation of World War II. Since then, over 200,000 peace poles have been planted worldwide as neutral monuments dedicated to the shared hope for global harmony.
In the 1990s, a local Scottish organization helped distribute these poles to various communities across the country. Each face of a peace pole is inscribed with the universal declaration, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” translated into a different language. The peace pole here features the inscription written in traditional Tibetan script and is a symbol of our dedication to cultivating peace, both in the mind and in the world.
Clootie Tree
The Clootie Tree is rooted in an old Celtic tradition native to Scotland and Ireland. Traditionally, a “clootie” (a strip of cloth or rag) is dipped in the water of a sacred well or spring and tied to a nearby tree as part of a prayer or wish for healing and good fortune.
Adopted at Samye Ling some years ago, this tree bridges local Scottish heritage with the monastery’s peaceful environment. Visitors are welcome to tie a cloth to the branches as a physical expression of their own positive wishes, prayers, or aspirations for the well-being of others.
Meals for non-residents
For visitors who wish to dine with us, vegetarian meals are prepared daily in the main dining room.
Individual rates are £5 for breakfast (7 AM), £13 for lunch (12.30 PM), and £4 for supper (6 PM).
To ensure that we cook enough food, meals must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Group visits
We welcome groups to visit and enjoy the grounds and Temple. Please note that we are a working monastery and do not offer guided tours.
If you’re planning to visit with a large group, please contact reception in advance, and we can see whether it’s possible to make arrangements for the Tea Rooms to be open.