Radha Krishna Temple

Radha Krishna Temple London Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Soho, the Radha Krishna Temple London (ISKCON London) stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage and intercultural exchange. Founded in 1969 as the first ISKCON temple in the United Kingdom, it has become a prominent historical and religious landmark, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The temple’s establishment was profoundly influenced by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who brought Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra to the West, and by the support of George Harrison of The Beatles, whose patronage helped launch the temple into international recognition (Radha Krishna Temple - Wikipedia, ISKCON London History).

Today, visitors can expect vibrant devotional practices, unique architectural features that blend British urban design with Vedic aesthetics, and a rich program of spiritual, educational, and cultural events. The temple’s central Soho location offers serenity amidst London’s bustling landscape, making it both a peaceful retreat and a hub for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers (TemplePurohit, InTravel Review).

This guide provides in-depth information for planning your visit—covering historical context, visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, festivals, community life, architectural highlights, and practical tips for an enriching experience (ISKCON London).

Historical Background and Founding
Visitor Information
How to Get There
Theological Foundations and Deity Worship
Spiritual Practices and Community Life
Festivals and Ritual Observances
Art, Architecture, and Sacred Space
Social and Cultural Outreach
Pilgrimage and Personal Transformation
Challenges and Community Feedback
Architectural Style and Interior Layout
Accessibility Features
Location and Transport
Accommodation
Special Events, Guided Tours, and Photographic Spots
Architectural Contrast: Bhaktivedanta Manor
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and Further Reading

Historical Background and Founding

ISKCON’s Global Expansion and Arrival in London

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York in 1966, with the mission of sharing Gaudiya Vaishnavism and bhakti-yoga with the West (Radha Krishna Temple - Wikipedia). Recognizing London’s cultural influence, Prabhupada sent a group of devotees to establish a base in the UK in 1968. Despite initial challenges, their public kirtans (chanting) and outreach attracted growing interest.

The Role of George Harrison and Temple Establishment

A pivotal moment came when George Harrison of The Beatles became involved, lending credibility and financial support. In December 1969, the first Radha Krishna Temple was established at 7 Bury Place, Bloomsbury, near the British Museum. Harrison co-signed the lease and donated the marble altar, while the release of the “Hare Krishna Mantra” single on Apple Records made ISKCON a household name in Britain.

Growth, Relocation, and Bhaktivedanta Manor

As the congregation grew, the temple moved to Soho Square in 1979. Meanwhile, George Harrison facilitated the purchase of Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire in 1973, providing a rural headquarters for the movement. The Soho temple, now known as Radha-Londonisvara, remains a vibrant center for spiritual practice and cultural outreach.

Legacy

Today, the Radha Krishna Temple London symbolizes the successful cross-cultural transmission of spiritual traditions, its legacy shaped by visionary leadership, artistic patronage, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

General hours: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM daily
Main darshan (viewing) hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry: Free; voluntary donations encouraged to support temple activities (ISKCON London FAQ)

Special festivals may have extended hours. Always check the official website for the latest updates.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours are available by appointment and provide insights into the temple’s history, architecture, and rituals. Major festivals—including Janmashtami and Ratha Yatra—are open to all and offer a unique opportunity to experience vibrant devotional culture.

Accessibility

The main worship hall is wheelchair accessible at street level. Volunteers are available to assist visitors with additional needs. However, upper floors (boutique, seminar rooms, ashram) are only accessible by stairs.

Nearby Attractions

The temple’s Soho location is close to the British Museum, British Library, University College London, and Russell Square Gardens. These can be easily included in your itinerary (InTravel Review).

How to Get There

Address: 10-16 Soho Street, London W1D 3DL
Nearest Tube stations: Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus
Bus: Multiple routes serve Oxford Street and Soho
Parking: Extremely limited; public transport is strongly recommended. The temple is within London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) (SeeAroundBritain)

Directions and maps are available on the official website.

Theological Foundations and Deity Worship

The temple is dedicated to Gaudiya Vaishnavism, emphasizing loving devotion (bhakti) to Radha and Krishna. The presiding deities, Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, are central to worship, with daily arati ceremonies open to all (ISKCON London Darshan).

Regular classes, seminars, and workshops foster a deeper understanding of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, ISKCON’s foundational scriptures (ISKCON London Activities).

Spiritual Practices and Community Life

The temple’s daily schedule includes:

Multiple arati (worship) ceremonies
Kirtans (devotional singing)
Japa (mantra meditation) sessions
Scriptural classes and educational programs

Public kirtan events—such as the Saturday Night Maha Harinam—take devotional singing to the streets, offering communal joy (ISKCON London Events).

Festivals and Ritual Observances

Major festivals celebrated at the temple include:

Janmashtami: Krishna’s birthday, with midnight arati and cultural performances
Ratha Yatra: Chariot procession through central London
Diwali: The festival of lights
Holi: Festival of colors and unity
Gaura Purnima, Ram Navami, Govardhan Puja: Other key Vaishnava celebrations

Festivals feature elaborate rituals, music, dance, and the distribution of sanctified vegetarian food (prasadam) (ISKCON London Festivals).

Art, Architecture, and Sacred Space

Exterior

The Soho temple occupies a modest, sand and orange-painted urban building. Its façade blends with neighboring properties but is distinguished by temple signage and color (TemplePurohit, TempleDuniya).

Interior

Main Worship Hall: Open-plan, maximizing space for congregational activities. Features the altar with deities, vibrant paintings, and flexible use for rituals, kirtans, and lectures (Back to Godhead).
Radha’s Boutique: Offers books, devotional items, and gifts
Seminar Rooms: Used for courses and workshops
Ashram: Upper floors house resident monks and volunteers
Tulasi Greenhouse: Cultivates sacred tulasi plants on the roof

The ground-floor vegetarian restaurant serves sanctified meals in a welcoming environment, supporting both the community and outreach efforts (ISKCON London).

The temple operates a vegetarian restaurant, gift shop, and farm shop, promoting ethical living and ahimsa (non-violence) (InTravel Review). Regular school visits, interfaith dialogues, and free meal distribution for the homeless are integral to its social mission.

Pilgrimage and Personal Transformation

For many, visiting the temple is a pilgrimage—an opportunity for spiritual insight and inner peace. The environment fosters serenity, and programs encourage personal growth through education, service, and ethical living (InTravel Reviews).

Challenges and Community Feedback

While widely praised for its inclusive atmosphere, the temple continuously works to address feedback and ensure a respectful, welcoming environment through volunteer training and community engagement (InTravel Reviews).

Architectural Style and Interior Layout

Main Worship Hall

An open-plan space with the altar close to the congregation, fostering intimacy during darshan. Decorated with murals and soft lighting, it adapts easily for various rituals and gatherings (Back to Godhead).

Additional Facilities

Upper floors contain Radha’s Boutique and seminar rooms; the ashram and tulasi greenhouse are located above.

Dining and Amenities

The restaurant and restrooms are on the ground floor. Facilities are clean and accessible.

Accessibility Features

Physical: Street-level entrance; main hall is wheelchair accessible; upper floors accessible by stairs only (ISKCON London FAQ)
Sensory: Calm environment outside festivals; lively during kirtans and aratis. Information is available in English and Hindi; volunteers assist with visitor needs.
Restrooms: Available on the ground floor
Dress code: Modest attire; shoes removed before entering worship areas

Location and Transport

Central Soho location: Easily reached by Tube (Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus) and bus
ULEZ: The temple is within the Ultra-Low Emission Zone; parking is scarce (SeeAroundBritain)
Directions: See official website for maps and public transport options

Accommodation

The temple does not offer guest accommodation, but many hotels and guesthouses are nearby (ISKCON London FAQ).

Special Events, Guided Tours, and Photographic Spots

Special events: Major festivals such as Janmashtami, Ratha Yatra, and Gaura Purnima
Guided tours: Available by arrangement via the temple website
Photography: Allowed in designated areas; always ask before photographing ceremonies or deities
Virtual tours: Available online (ISKCON London)

Architectural Contrast: Bhaktivedanta Manor

Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire, donated by George Harrison, offers a grand, traditional temple experience. With extensive gardens, a cow sanctuary, and full accessibility, it’s ideal for those seeking a rural retreat (TempleDuniya).

Practical Visitor Tips

Opening hours: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM; main darshan 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tickets: Free entry; donations appreciated
Dress code: Modest; shoulders and knees covered
Photography: Permitted for personal use; check during ceremonies
Transport: Use public transport; parking is limited and within ULEZ
Facilities: Restaurant, boutique, restrooms, seminar rooms
Assistance: Volunteers can help with accessibility and visitor queries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Daily from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM; main darshan from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No; entry is free, with voluntary donations welcomed.

Q: Is the temple accessible?
A: The main hall is wheelchair accessible; upper floors are not.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by prior arrangement via the official website.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, in designated areas; check with staff during ceremonies.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Very limited; use public transport where possible.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Radha Krishna Temple London is a unique spiritual and cultural destination, offering a welcoming sanctuary amid the city’s vibrant energy. Its blend of devotional worship, educational programs, social outreach, and inclusive community life make it a must-visit for anyone interested in London’s spiritual and historical landscape.

Plan your visit by consulting the official ISKCON London website for up-to-date information. Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and event updates. Experience the temple’s peaceful ambiance, join a festival, or simply enjoy a meal at the vegetarian restaurant—and discover the living tradition of Krishna consciousness in the heart of London.