The 10 Best Synagogues in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 10 picks

London's most notable synagogues in 2026 are Bevis Marks in the City, Britain's oldest synagogue in continuous use since 1701; the Grade I-listed New West End Synagogue in Bayswater; Central Synagogue and Western Marble Arch for Orthodox visitors in the West End; and West London Synagogue, Britain's first Reform congregation.

London has well over a hundred synagogues, from historic City buildings to the large communities of north-west London. Most are Orthodox (United Synagogue, Federation, S&P Sephardi or independent), with active Reform, Liberal and Masorti movements too. For security reasons, visitors should contact a synagogue's office before attending a service or arranging a visit, and expect a bag check at the door.

1. Bevis Marks Synagogue — City of London

Britain's oldest synagogue, in continuous use since 1701.

Bevis Marks was built by London's Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community in 1701 and has held services ever since. Its plain exterior hides a beautiful interior of dark oak benches, brass chandeliers and a timber ark, largely unchanged for three centuries.

It is part of the S&P Sephardi Community. In 2026 it has been closed to general visitors while a visitor centre is prepared, with services continuing on Tuesday mornings and Shabbat.

Good to know: Check the S&P website for when tours and the new visitor centre reopen.

4 Heneage Lane, London EC3A 5DQ

Google Maps Website

2. New West End Synagogue — Bayswater, Notting Hill & Kensington

A Grade I-listed Victorian synagogue, often called the most beautiful in Britain.

The New West End Synagogue in Bayswater is a richly decorated Victorian building of red brick, stained glass and marble, listed Grade I. It is a United Synagogue community.

It sometimes opens for heritage open days and tours; contact the office to visit.

Good to know: Look out for London's Open House weekend, when historic places of worship often open their doors.

St Petersburgh Place, London W2 4JT

Google Maps Website

3. Central Synagogue — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

A long-established Orthodox synagogue near Great Portland Street.

Central Synagogue on Hallam Street is one of the longest-established Orthodox congregations in central London, part of the United Synagogue. Its original building was destroyed in the Second World War and later rebuilt.

It is a convenient Shabbat option for visitors staying in Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

Good to know: Contact the office before Shabbat if you plan to attend as a visitor.

36 Hallam Street, London W1W 6NW

Google Maps Website

4. Western Marble Arch Synagogue — Marble Arch, Soho & the West End

An Orthodox synagogue by Marble Arch that welcomes many visitors.

Western Marble Arch Synagogue on Great Cumberland Place serves a mix of local members and visitors from around the world staying in the nearby hotels. It is part of the United Synagogue.

It is a short walk from Oxford Street and Hyde Park.

Good to know: Its website has a central London kosher guide that is useful for visitors.

32 Great Cumberland Place, London W1H 7TN

Google Maps Website

5. West London Synagogue — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

Britain's first Reform synagogue, in a grand Victorian building.

West London Synagogue of British Jews was founded in 1840 as Britain's first Reform congregation, and its Victorian building on Seymour Place is a striking space.

It has a large, active community with services, cultural events and education.

Good to know: Check its website for services and events open to visitors.

33 Seymour Place, London W1H 5AU

Google Maps Website

6. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue — St John's Wood, Hampstead & North London

The flagship of Liberal Judaism, opposite Lord's Cricket Ground.

The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, founded in 1911, is the founding congregation of Liberal Judaism in the UK. Its building stands on St John's Wood Road, opposite Lord's.

It runs a busy programme of services, learning and culture.

Good to know: Combine it with a walk to Abbey Road's famous zebra crossing nearby.

28 St John's Wood Road, London NW8 7HA

Google Maps Website

7. Hampstead Synagogue — West Hampstead

A handsome Victorian Orthodox synagogue in West Hampstead.

Hampstead Synagogue on Dennington Park Road is a Victorian United Synagogue community with a striking interior.

It serves a lively local community in West Hampstead and nearby.

Good to know: West Hampstead station is a short walk away.

1 Dennington Park Road, London NW6 1AX

Google Maps Website

8. Sandys Row Synagogue — Spitalfields, Shoreditch & East London

The last of the old East End's working synagogues, in a former Huguenot chapel.

Sandys Row Synagogue occupies an 18th-century building first used as a Huguenot chapel, and is the oldest Ashkenazi synagogue still in use in London, a survivor of the Jewish East End.

It runs tours and heritage events that tell the story of Jewish Spitalfields and Whitechapel.

Good to know: Book one of its heritage tours for the history of the Jewish East End.

4a Sandys Row, London E1 7HW

Google Maps Website

9. Lauderdale Road Synagogue — Maida Vale

The S&P Sephardi community's large synagogue in Maida Vale.

Lauderdale Road Synagogue is the main synagogue of London's S&P Sephardi community outside the City, in a large building in leafy Maida Vale.

It follows the Spanish and Portuguese tradition of Bevis Marks.

Good to know: Contact the S&P office in advance to attend a service.

Lauderdale Road, London W9 1JY

Google Maps Website

10. Kinloss (Finchley United Synagogue) — Finchley

One of the largest Orthodox communities in London.

Kinloss, the Finchley United Synagogue, is one of the largest Orthodox congregations in the country, with a busy programme of services, youth activities and learning.

It is a short walk from Finchley Central station.

Good to know: Finchley's kosher shops and cafés are a short drive away in Golders Green and Hendon.

Kinloss Gardens, London N3 3DU

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the oldest synagogue in London?

Bevis Marks Synagogue in the City of London, opened in 1701 by the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community, is the oldest synagogue in Britain still in use.

Can tourists visit London synagogues?

Yes, but arrange it in advance. Contact the synagogue's office before a service or visit; security procedures are standard. Some, like Sandys Row, run tours on set dates.

Where can I go to synagogue in central London on Shabbat?

Central Synagogue near Great Portland Street and Western Marble Arch near Marble Arch are Orthodox options in the West End. West London Synagogue on Seymour Place is Reform. Contact them in advance.

Is Bevis Marks open to visitors?

In 2026 Bevis Marks has been closed to general visitors during building work for a new visitor centre, while holding services on Tuesday mornings and Shabbat. It hopes to reopen for tours before the end of 2026; check its website.

Where can I find kosher food near synagogues?

Golders Green and Hendon have the most kosher restaurants. See our kosher restaurants guide.