The gardens at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford are set to open to the public on 17 June 2026, as part of the National Garden Scheme. Visitors can take part in guided tours led by the Head Gardener and enjoy a hot lunch, with pre-booking essential for those wishing to attend.
Bhaktivedanta Manor is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu temple located in the village of Letchmore Heath. The estate is owned and operated by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which was gifted the property in 1973 by former Beatle George Harrison. Since the donation, the site has expanded from 17 acres to approximately 77 acres, now housing gardens, a temple, a school, and an organic farm.
The grounds feature the George Harrison Memorial Garden, a woodland area that includes eight artworks dedicated to the spiritual life of the former musician. The estate’s history dates back to 1884, when the current mock-Tudor house was constructed. The building previously served as a training college for nurses operated by St Bartholomew’s Hospital between 1957 and 1972. The initiative supports the National Garden Scheme, a charity that directs proceeds from garden visits to nursing and health organisations, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK, and Carers Trust.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
