According to the 2021 census, there are over 250,000 Buddhists in England and Wales - about 0.5% of the population. Buddhism is one of the fastest-growing religions in the UK by conversion.

Who are British Buddhists?

British Buddhists come from two main groups:

Heritage Buddhists - people with family roots in traditionally Buddhist countries: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, China, Tibet, Japan and Vietnam. Many came as refugees or migrants in the late 20th century.
Convert Buddhists - British people who chose Buddhism in adulthood, often attracted by the meditation tradition.

Important Buddhist Centres

The Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon (founded 1965) was the first Thai Buddhist temple in Europe, with golden roofs visible from afar.
The Samye Ling Tibetan Centre in Scotland (founded 1967) was the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West.
The London Buddhist Centre and Manchester Buddhist Centre serve large urban populations.
The Forest Hermitage near Warwick is a quiet Theravada monastery.

Wider Influence

Buddhist ideas have spread far beyond the religion itself. Mindfulness meditation - now used in schools, hospitals and apps like Headspace - is rooted in Buddhist practice. Buddhism also influences British attitudes to environment, animal welfare and well-being.

Y9 Buddhism

Buddhism in Britain Today