Advaita Vedanta Retreats
A residential weekend of Self enquiry and guided presence.
Advaita Vedanta Retreats in Somerset UK
Vedantarama holds residential spiritual retreats each year at the Ammerdown Estate near Bath, Somerset UK. These events are profound, inspiring and high quality experiences.
You may feel drawn to this retreat even if you are unsure whether you are ‘ready enough.’ That uncertainty is no barrier. What matters is not spiritual achievement, but the steadiness to be present in silence and open to Self-enquiry.
Advaita Vedanta Retreat Dates
2026:
Autumn: Friday 9th – Sunday 11th October. Open for bookings.
Cost: £460 for full board in single ensuite rooms, payable in instalments as needed.
2027:
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th September
The venue
Ammerdown is in the Somerset countryside near Bath UK. The retreat centre is part of an 18th Century country estate in a beautiful, spacious and peaceful setting. See video. It is a very conducive venue for sharing in the potent spiritual radiance of the Advaita Vedanta teachings. Accommodation is all single ensuite rooms. Vegetarian and Vegan food is served in the dining hall
The Advaita Vedanta teaching
Advaita Vedanta is the timeless non-duality wisdom of the Upanishads. The teachings describes who you are, what this is and the nature of reality.
The purpose of retreat is to take time out from routine activities and be in auspicious company. This gives you the opportunity to focus fully on the teachings. Receiving such spiritual direction in a live setting through an accomplished teacher brings Advaita fully alive. The benefits are expanded insight, peace, happiness and a renewed spiritual security. It is this security and its clarity that refreshes and empowers the seeker.
The retreat programme
The teacher presents twelve guided sessions unfolding the sparkling, mature vision of Vedanta and its realisation. Meditation is directed, mantras from the Vedas and other sources are shared. Silence is in place throughout the weekend, creating undisturbed quietness.
The environment is kind, comfortable and peaceful. The silence is alive, the work is deep and fulfilling and the enquiry is direct. This is not a relaxation or introductory weekend, but a focused engagement with Jnana – direct Self knowledge – in a held and supportive setting.
A Q&A session concludes the programme. Plenty of free time is included for you to roam in the beautiful gardens and grounds, or to rest.
The teacher
The weekend is led by Derek Thorne, an accomplished and highly influential teacher. Fully established in this knowledge he leads the Vedantarama community, supporting individuals toward awakening and Self-realisation in everyday life.
Audio from previous retreats
Short extracts from live session recordings, giving a sense of the character, tone and depth of the teaching sessions on retreat.
'Guru Shishya' - a conversation on the seeker - Retreat 2025
'Ananda' - from a session on love - Retreat 2025
'Align with the light' - a dialogue on suffering - Retreat 2025
'The miracle of the Field' - from a session on existence - Retreat 2025
Who should attend?
An Advaita Vedanta retreat is for spiritual seekers from any background in life who feel drawn to these timeless teachings. You may already have a well developed understanding and seek further clarity to resolve remaining doubts. You may be established in meditation and enquiry and wish to deepen. You may also feel inwardly drawn without being certain why or how to describe your instinct. What matters most is capacity rather than accumulated experience.
This retreat naturally suits those who recognise themselves in the following:
• Being comfortable in silence
• Remaining present as the teachings deepen
• Staying with intensity as it arises
Prior retreat experience is not required; steadiness is.
“I arrived unsure what to expect. The atmosphere immediately allowed me to settle. The silence felt natural and welcoming. The depth of the teaching was clear and inviting. I left feeling genuinely inspired, with a much deeper understanding. Thank you.“
Our retreat is intended for those drawn to silence and Self-enquiry. It is designed for depth and profound meaning, within a meditative environment. If this resonates, you are warmly invited to enquire or ask a question.
Booking
Enquire about availability and request a place by using the contact us form. We will then discuss the arrangements with you.
