Did you know, there are more than 150 temples in London? We round up some of the city’s most magnificent, from recently uncovered Roman ruins to tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries and elaborate Hindu temples in London.
Wat Buddhapadipa
You could be forgiven for thinking you’re in Southeast Asia rather than south-west London at Wat Buddhapadipa. This gleaming, gold-fringed temple in Wimbledon was the first Thai Buddhist temple in London, and the UK as a whole. It moved to its current home in 1976 from nearby East Sheen and features four acres (1.6 hectares) of calming grounds, including lakes and gardens. For extra tranquility, join guided meditation sessions each week.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (9.30am-6pm in spring and summer, 9.30am-5pm in autumn and winter).
Location: 14 Calonne Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5HJ
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
Attracting 15,000 visitors each week, Southall’s Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is the largest Sikh institution outside India. With roots stretching back to 1964 and earlier places of worship in nearby locations, this Sikh temple in south-west London was opened in 2003 by King Charles III (then The Prince of Wales). Study its contemporary design, which provides a modern take on the traditional elements of a gurdwara, and don’t miss the chance to dine at the communal Langar kitchen.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (3am-9pm)
Location: Guru Nanak Road, Southall, UB2 4NP
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple)
The biggest temple in London and, as such, also the largest Hindu temple in London, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir immediately transports you to South Asia with its gleaming white limestone façade that was hand-carved in India. Take part in ancient rituals, spot intricate wood carvings in the Haveli, marvel at exquisite marble in the Maha-Mandap (Great Hall) and learn more about Hinduism at its exhibition.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (9am-12.15pm and 4pm-6pm)
Location: Pramukh Swami Road, Neasden, NW10 8HW
London Fo Guang Shan Temple
One of London’s most central temples, the London Fo Guang Shan Temple is tucked away near Oxford Street in a grand Grade II-listed, red-brick former school house. Promoting Humanistic Buddhism and inter-religious harmony, this Taiwanese-style buddha temple in London includes three traditional shrines and imagery of more than 10,000 buddhas.
Visitor information: Open Saturday to Thursday (10am-5pm)
Location: 84 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 8TD
Shree Ghanapathy Temple
The first fully consecrated Hindu mandir (temple) in London - and all of Europe - Wimbledon’s Shree Ghanapathy Temple was built in 1981 and continues to be a community hub. Built to serve Lord Ganesha, this south-west London temple has since been redeveloped, including its ornate gopuram – full of elaborate carvings of deities, which provides a striking entrance. All faiths are welcome to visit Ghanapathy temple in London, either for prayer or to join events and activities such as yoga.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (9am-9.30pm)
Location: 125-133 Effra Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8PU
Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir
Carefully built over 14 years following strict guidelines set out in the Shilpa Shastras scriptures, this Hindu temple in Wembley, London, is crafted from sand-coloured Jaisalmer limestone. Shri Santan Hindu Mandir features two impressive domes spanning nine metres (30 feet) each, while its ornate interior mixes eye-catching pink limestone and marble. Spot intricate carvings of Hindu deities and famous figures, such as Mother Teresa, and study 210 pillars that represent specific events from the scriptures. Don’t miss spiritual and cultural Arti ceremonies at 8am and 6.30pm and keep an eye out for events during major annual festivals.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (7am-7pm
Location: Ealing Road, Wembley, HA0 4TA
London Sri Murugan Temple
London Sri Murugan Temple in Manor Park came to fruition in 2005, thanks to the efforts of worshipers who had been gathering for prayer since the 1970s. Dedicated to the deity Lord Murugan – who is particularly revered by Tamils – this South Asian-style Hindu temple features an imposing, 15m-high (50 feet) Rajagopuram entrance tower. Visit for worship or specific events, including the colourful Chariot festival, which attracts up to 10,000 worshippers.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (8am-9pm)
Location: 78-90 Church Road, Manor Park, E12 6AF
London Sri Mahalakshmi Temple
Consecrated in 1990, the Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in London’s East End hosts regular pooja ceremonies and events dedicated to various deities, but it was built to honour the goddess Mahalakshmi. You’ll easily spot it a few blocks from East Ham station, thanks to its eye-catching gopuram tower.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (8am-9pm Sunday to Thursday, 8am-9.30pm Friday and Saturday)
Location: 241 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6SJ
Temple of Mithras
Housed within what is now the London Mithraeum at Bloomberg’s headquarters, the Temple of Mithras in London was discovered in 1954 during the construction of an office block. Since being reimagined in 2017, you can today embark on a multisensory experience, as the reconstructed remains of this Roman temple in London are brought to life with sights and sounds that will take you back to AD 240. Join for late openings until 8pm on the first Thursday of each month.
Visitor information: Free entry, but advance booking is recommended. Open Tuesday to Saturday (10am-6pm) and Sundays (12pm-5pm). Some times may vary during school holidays.
Location: 12 Walbrook, City of London, EC4N 8AA
Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple
A gathering place for London’s Shin Buddhist community, this Shogyoji temple houses a sedate Japanese Zen garden inspired by the Kyoto gardens from the 15th and 16th centuries. Take time to reflect on your thoughts in the garden at Three Wheels Shin Temple among 12 stones and raked gravel that represents ripples, before spending time in its meditation shelter. You can only visit the temple and garden during organised events; or get in touch for a private visit.
Visitor information: Open for specific events or private visits only. Contact the venue for more information.
Location: 55 Carbery Avenue, Acton, W3 9AB
London Sivan Kovli
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this striking temple stands proud among the streets of Lewisham, in south-east London. Complete with fascinating carvings, this Shiv temple in London was built as outlined by Saiva scriptures. Time your visit to London Sivan Kovli to coincide with annual events, such as the long-running Chariot festival that spills out across the surrounding streets with floral displays and music.
Visitor information: Open daily (8am-2pm and 5pm-9pm Monday to Thursday, 8am-9pm Friday to Sunday)
Location: 4A, Clarendon Rise, Lewisham, SE13 5ES
Oshwal Centre
Located on the outskirts of London in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, Oshwal Centre’s Derasar is the largest Jain temple in the UK and the first Shikarband Jain temple in Europe. Completed in 2005, it’s built in the traditional style with intricately carved pratimajis (idols), including the main figure of Mahavir Swami. Join for worship and events or explore sprawling landscaped gardens.
If you’re looking for a Jain temple in London, you can also visit Shree Digambar in Harrow, Mahavir Derasar in Kenton or Kailash Giri in Hounslow.
Visitor information: Free entry, open daily (10am-2pm)
Location: Oshwal Centre, Coopers Lane Road, Northaw, Hertfordshire, EN6 4DG
How many temples are there in London?
There are estimated to be around 150 temples in London catering for various faiths, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Aside from these long-standing religious temples, the ruins of the Roman Temple of Mithras were discovered in 1954 and are now on display as part of the London Mithraeum.
Confusingly, the area known as Temple in London is not actually a temple. The precinct includes Temple Church in London, built by the Knights Templar military order, as well as two Inns of Court: Inner Temple and Middle Temple, which are professional associations of barristers.
Does London have Hindu temples?
Yes. London has numerous Hindu temples, catering to the Shaivism, Shaktism, Smartism and Vaishnavism denominations. Among the more prominent are BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, Shri Santan Mandir in Wembley, Shree Ghanapathy temple in Wimbledon, Siddashram Shakti in Harrow, and Sri Murugan and Sri Mahalakshmi temples in Manor Park.
Can you visit Wembley Hindu temple?
There are a number of Hindu temples in Wembley, London. Shri Sanatan Mandir, Eelapatheeswarar Aalayam, plus Shirdi Saibaba temple in London are each open daily for worship. Check the opening times before visiting, as timings may vary due to services and events.
What are the most famous temples in London?
Among the most famous temples in London is BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple), which is known for its ornate limestone and marble architecture. The Roman Temple of Mithras has also become a well-known attraction, having been uncovered during construction of an office block in 1954 - it reopened to the public in 2017, following a period of restoration.
What are the best temples in London?
The best temples in London vary, depending on what you seek: whether architecture, worship or cultural events and activities. Most temples in London host services of worship, cultural events, and activities throughout the year. These temples usually welcome all faiths, and some are available to visit either on a public or private basis (either inside or outside of worshiping hours). See traditional temple designs spanning all cultures, religions, and designs, from Indian and Sri Lankan temples to Thai and Chinese temples in London.
Check out more quiet and relaxing places in London or uncover plenty more hidden gems tucked away within the city. If you’re into history, why not plan a visit to these historic towns to visit near London.