Visiting a Hindu temple in the UK
A practical guide for first-time visitors, teachers planning an RE trip, and anyone who has walked past a mandir and wondered whether they could go in. You can. Hindu temples in Britain are open to people of any faith or none, and there is no entry charge.
This site is a directory, not a booking service — it is run by one person, and visits are arranged with each temple directly. What follows is everything worth knowing before you make that call.
What the building will look like
Britain's mandirs fall into three broad architectural types. Most are the third — ordinary buildings, often former churches and chapels, converted by communities who arrived with very little. A converted hall is no less a temple: a building becomes a mandir when the murtis are installed in it.
Which type you find near you depends on the community that built it. The five traditions guide explains the differences, and every listing in this directory is labelled by tradition.
What happens when you walk in
You will not be expected to do anything beyond removing your shoes and being quiet. Standing at the back and watching is completely normal.
The things worth knowing
Shoes come off
Always, without exception. There will be racks or shelves at the entrance. Socks are fine. This is about keeping the shrine space clean, not about you personally.
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. No special clothing is needed and you don't need to wear Indian dress. Avoid clothing with leather where you can — some temples ask visitors to leave leather belts and bags outside.
You can go in
Hindu temples are open to people of any faith or none. You do not need to be Hindu, and you will not be asked to worship or to convert. Standing quietly and observing is entirely normal and welcome.
Photography — ask first
Rules vary a lot. Many temples allow photos of the building but not of the murtis or during worship. Some prohibit phones in the shrine entirely. Always ask before taking a picture.
Prasad will be offered
Blessed food — often fruit, sweets or a full vegetarian meal — is shared with everyone. Accept it with your right hand if you can. It is a gesture of hospitality; declining politely is fine if you have allergies.
Don't point your feet at the shrine
When sitting on the floor, cross your legs or tuck your feet under you rather than stretching them toward the deities.
Walk clockwise
If people are circling the shrine (pradakshina), follow the same direction.
Donations are voluntary
There is usually a donation box (hundi). Nobody will ask you for money, and there is no entry fee.
Food is vegetarian
Temple kitchens are vegetarian, and many exclude onion and garlic. Do not bring meat, alcohol or leather items into the building.
Menstruation
Some temples ask women not to enter the shrine area during menstruation. Practice varies widely and many British mandirs do not raise it at all. If it matters to you, ask the temple when you contact them.
For teachers and group leaders
A mandir visit is one of the easiest ways to make RE concrete, and most temples are glad to host schools — but they are run by volunteers, so give plenty of notice and always ring ahead. Contact the temple directly; this site cannot arrange it for you.
Use the postcode finder to see which temples are nearest your school, then use the phone number or website on their listing. Worth asking when you call:
- Do you welcome school groups, and what size can you accommodate?
- Is there a quiet time of day that would suit a class visit?
- Is there coach or minibus parking nearby?
- Is the building step-free, and are there accessible toilets?
- Will someone be available to speak to the pupils, and in English?
- Are photographs allowed, and can pupils take notes inside?
- Should pupils bring anything, or avoid bringing anything?
- Is there a donation you would suggest for a group visit?
Two things that make a visit go well: tell pupils in advance that shoes come off and phones may need to stay in bags, and ask the temple what their own community would most like the class to understand. The answer is often not what a textbook would predict.
It also helps to know what kind of temple you are visiting. A Tamil kovil, a BAPS mandir and a community Sanatan temple offer very different experiences — see the guide to the five traditions.
Find temples near you
Search any UK postcode on the interactive map, or start from a city:
Browse all 154 temples by region →
Common questions
Can non-Hindus visit a Hindu temple?
Yes. Hindu temples in Britain are open to visitors of any faith or none. You will not be asked to take part in worship or to convert. Remove your shoes, dress modestly, and be quiet and respectful — that is all that is expected.
Do I need to book to visit a Hindu temple?
As an individual, usually not — just arrive during opening hours. For a group or a school class, always contact the temple first. Use the temple finder to get their phone number or website.
What should I wear to a Hindu temple?
Ordinary modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. No Indian dress is required. Shoes always come off at the entrance, so wear socks if you would rather not be barefoot.
Are Hindu temples free to enter?
Yes. There is no entry charge. Most temples have a donation box, but donating is entirely voluntary.
Can I take photographs inside?
Ask first. Policies differ: many temples allow photos of the building but not of the murtis or during worship, and some do not allow phones in the shrine at all.
How do I arrange a school visit to a Hindu temple?
Contact the temple directly — this directory is not a booking service. Find your nearest temples with the postcode finder, then phone or email them using the details on their listing. The questions to ask are listed above.