Letting Go of the Past:
A Weekend Residential Retreat
with KMC Kent Resident Teacher James Baskerville
at Nagarjuna KMC Thornby Hall, Northampton
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th April 2026

A Residential Weekend Retreat on Letting Go of the Past 

 
Heal yesterday, Embrace tomorrow
At times, we all reach a point where we sense the need to move forward in life — to let go of what no longer serves us. Yet even when we recognise this, actually doing it can feel impossible. We feel stuck. Something is holding us back. It can even feel wrong to move on: from a loss, from a past relationship, from being hurt or damaged, from something we did wrong, from painful memories or guilt. It can feel as though we are chained to the past rather than looking ahead with hope. 
 
 
This retreat is an opportunity to pause and reflect more deeply. KMC Kent’s Resident Teacher James will guide us in gently exploring the guilt, resentment, and disappointments that may be holding us back — what we did to others, what others did to us, and the lingering feeling that life should somehow have turned out differently. Together, we will learn how to let go of undeserving narratives and open up to more realistic, compassionate, and freeing ways of relating to our past.
 
Why a Residential Retreat?
A weekend residential retreat offers something uniquely powerful:
  • Dedicated time and space away from daily distractions, allowing for deeper reflection and personal insight.
  • supportive, like-minded group of participants, creating an atmosphere of safety, trust, and shared understanding.
  • The chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and approach emotional healing with clarity and kindness.
  • nourishing environment of Nagarjuna KMC, surrounded by nature, that supports rest, inspiration, and renewal.
  • Guidance from an experienced facilitator who brings wisdom, compassion, and practical tools for transformation.
Whether you are looking to move on from something recent or something that has lingered for years, this retreat will help you begin that process — with gentleness, encouragement, and hope.
 

DATES: Starting Friday 17th April (evening) until Sunday 19th April (lunchtime)

Meals provided throughout the retreat

The retreat would be suitable for beginners and more experienced meditators alike.

BOOKING ONLINE REQUIRED!

Please note: Online Booking & Payment prior the start of the retreat only.

For more info about The Location visit the website: https://meditateinnorthants.com

ABOUT THORNBY HALL:

Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre, Thornby Hall is set in the beautiful countryside of N where it serves as a special place of peace and refuge.

We are happy to offer the opportunity to stay and enjoy this peaceful place.

Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre has beautiful meditation rooms, a relaxing World Peace Café, extensive gardens, and guest and residents rooms. It’s home to a diverse community of people of all ages, living in accordance with Buddha’s teachings.

ACCOMODATION OPTIONS & PRICES:

There are options of accommodation in rooms in the Main House or dormitories next to the meditation hall. Also, in the newly developed ‘Stables Retreat’, which offers single and twin en-suite rooms ~ located in the old coach house in the grounds of Thornby Hall, these guest rooms are quiet and have been renovated to the highest standard while maintaining the building’s Victorian charm.

(Prices below include all meals and the whole weekend retreat)

Rooms in the Main House:

*Single ensuite £230

*Single with shared bathroom £200

*Twin with shared bathroom £180 per person

Rooms located in Stable Block:

* Single ensuite £230

* Twin/Double En-Suite (Limited) £210 per person

*Dormitories – Male & Female £130 per person

*Camper Van / Caravan £120

*Non Residential Retreat £80

WHAT’S INCLUDED

– 2 Nights Accommodation Within the Grounds of the Historic Manor House of Thornby Hall

– Bedding and towels provided. English Breakfast and herbal teas are provided to the rooms

– Breakfast Sat & Sun: self service in main house | Stables Room provided

– Lunch Saturday & Sunday, served at 1pm

– Supper Served Friday & Saturday, served at 6pm

– On site cafe is open Friday / Saturday evenings, and early for morning coffee if required

– Car Parking

– 7 Retreat Sessions Guided By Experienced Meditation Teacher James Baskerville

– An Opportunity for question & answer and To Spend Time With Like Minded People To Discuss And Share Experience

– Nagarjuna KMC at Thornby Hall is set in 17 acres of grounds with woodland walks, parkland and a lake.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

* Shared Bathroom (unless listed as en-suite)

*Vegan and gluten free meal option is provided for lunch and evening meals only, with advance notification (not a gluten or nut free environment)

*Retreat attendees will be expected to wash own dishes and cutlery at the end of each meal

*£25% Deposit Required On Booking – Non Refundable

* Full Payment Required 2 Weeks Prior The Event. Attendees Will Receive Relevant Info by Email With Link For Payment Of Balance

Everyone Welcome!

Meditateinkent.com

The Teacher

This residential weekend retreat will be led by James Baskerville, the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Kent.

James has been practising and teaching Kadampa Buddhism for over twenty years and has engaged in extensive meditation retreats, including silent retreat. He is especially known for his clarity, humour and inspirational presentation of Buddha’s teachings.

Details

Date:

Starting Friday 17th (evening) until Sunday 19th April 2026 (lunchtime)

Time:

Please see schedule below

Cost:

Please see below

Venue

Location:

Nagarjuna KMC Thornby Hall, Naseby Road
Northampton
NN6 8SW

Phone:

07486 466765

Email:

info@meditateinkent.com

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

REGISTRATION | 4pm – 6pm

SUPPER I 6pm -7pm

SESSION 1 I 7.30 -9PM

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST: 8AM

SESSION 2 | 9.30 – 10.45AM

REFRESHMENT BREAK: 10.45 -11.30 AM

SESSION 3 | 11.30AM – 12.45PM

LUNCH | 1PM

SESSION 4 | 4PM – 5.30PM

SUPPER | 6PM

SESSION 5 | 7.30PM – 9PM

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST |  8AM

SESSION 6 | 9.30AM -10.45AM

REFRESHMENT BREAK | 10.45AM – 11.30AM

SESSION 7 | 11.30AM – 12.45AM

LUNCH |  1PM

Cost & Booking

ONLINE BOOKING ESSENTIAL!  On site accommodation is limitied

Please note: Online Booking & Payment prior the start of the retreat only.

main house
Main House
Stable Block Single Room
Stable Block
Meditation Hall

LOCATION

FAQs

Our classes are for everyone who is interested in learning how to meditate, regardless of background or belief. They are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, teachings, and practice. Everyone is invited to use whichever aspects of the teachings they find helpful.

No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits that come from having a peaceful mind.

No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.

No special clothing is required, come as you are.

No. The classes focus on meditation and teachings alone. You can choose to sit on a chair or meditation cushion.

We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, no-one receives a salary. The funds we receive are used to pay for our venues and operating expenses. Although we charge for classes we also offer low-income rates and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

What People Are Saying

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