About Bhaktivedanta Manor
In 1973 George Harrison of the Beatles bought this Tudor style manor house and gave it to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Its founder, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, named it and stayed here on visits. The manor has become a major center of Gaudiya Vaishnava devotion in Europe, with a temple room, a farm with protected cows and a school.
Daily worship of Radha and Krishna begins before dawn with chanting and offerings of lamps and food. Free vegetarian meals are served to visitors. At Janmashtami, Krishna's birthday, tens of thousands of pilgrims arrive, making it one of the largest Hindu festivals in Britain.
What to see
- Temple room with Radha Gokulananda deities
- Cow sanctuary and ox-powered farm
- Gardens and lake
- Free vegetarian prasadam
- Janmashtami festival
Visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor: practical guide
- Best time
- Year round; August or September for Janmashtami
- Hours
- Temple usually open daily from about 4:30 to 21:00
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Modest dress; remove shoes before entering the temple
- Nearest airport
- London Luton Airport (LTN), 25 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Join a free guided tour on weekends
- Sunday programme includes a feast
- Shuttle buses run from Watford Junction for big festivals
Festivals and special days
- Janmashtami (August or September)
- Diwali
- Ratha Yatra (summer)
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Hinduism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered.
- Some temples, such as Puri Jagannath, admit only Hindus; respect posted signs.
- Ask before photographing shrines, rituals or cremation grounds.
- Use your right hand to accept prasad, the blessed food offering.
- Avoid bringing leather items or meat into temple grounds.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bhaktivedanta Manor?
Bhaktivedanta Manor is in Watford, England, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, Europe. GPS coordinates: 51.6656, -0.3364. The nearest airport is London Luton Airport (LTN), 25 km.
What is the best time to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor?
Year round; August or September for Janmashtami
Is there an entry fee for Bhaktivedanta Manor?
Free Opening hours: Temple usually open daily from about 4:30 to 21:00
What should I wear when visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor?
Modest dress; remove shoes before entering the temple
Which religion is Bhaktivedanta Manor sacred to?
Bhaktivedanta Manor is sacred to Hinduism. Active place of worship.
