Places
to visit

Ask first

Most places of worship are happy to have visitors. Just ask before you come. Phone or email the office. Say who you are, how many of you there are, and what you would like to see. Groups and schools should always book. Ask when services are on, so you can come at a quiet time, or join in and watch.

What to wear

Wear loose clothes that cover your arms and legs. Bring a scarf, just in case. Wear socks you don't mind showing, because some places ask you to take your shoes off. Each place has its own customs: see “What you'll see” below. If you are not sure, ask your host. They will be glad you did.

Open days

Some doors open wider on special days. Every September, Heritage Open Days in England opens many buildings that are usually closed. Scotland has Doors Open Days and Wales has Open Doors, also in September. Inter Faith Week, each November, brings friendly events all over the UK.

Good manners

Be quiet and calm inside. Turn your phone to silent. Ask before you take photos, and never photograph people praying. Don't walk in front of someone who is praying. If people are sitting on the floor, try not to point your feet at the front. It is fine to say: “I don't know what to do here. Can you show me?”

Synagogue

Wear: Men and boys cover their heads. You will be offered a small cap called a kippah. In some synagogues, married women cover their hair too.

When: Avoid Friday evening and Saturday, the Sabbath (Shabbat), unless you are invited. Many synagogues do not allow phones or photos then.

At the door: Expect a friendly security check. Bring photo ID if you are asked to.

You'll see: A cupboard called the Ark, which holds the Torah scrolls. A light that is always on above it. A raised platform, the bimah, where the Torah is read. In some synagogues, men and women sit apart.

Church

Wear: Everyday clothes are fine. Men take off hats; women can keep theirs on.

When: Most churches are open in the day. Sunday morning is the main service. You are welcome to sit quietly at the back.

You'll see: An altar or table at the front, a font for baptism, a pulpit, crosses and stained glass. In an Orthodox church you will see icons (holy paintings), and people often stand for the whole service.

Try: Many churches let you light a candle and say a prayer, or just sit and think.

Mosque

Wear: Shoes off at the door; there are racks to put them on. Women and girls cover their hair with a scarf. Everyone covers arms and legs.

When: Muslims pray five times a day. Friday lunchtime is the busiest prayer of the week, so pick another time for a tour unless you are invited.

You'll see: A big carpeted hall with no chairs, pictures or statues. A small arch in one wall, the mihrab, shows the direction of Makkah. Beautiful Arabic writing. A washing area, because people wash before they pray. Men and women often pray in separate spaces.

Gurdwara

Wear: Everyone covers their head, men and women. Scarves are usually there to borrow. Shoes off, and wash your hands.

Don't bring: Tobacco or alcohol.

You'll see: The Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, on a raised seat under a canopy. People sit on the floor. You may be offered karah prashad, a warm sweet food. Take it in both hands, cupped together.

Stay for langar: a free vegetarian meal for anyone who comes, of any faith or none. Everyone sits together.

Mandir (Hindu temple)

Wear: Shoes off at the door. Wear modest clothes. Head coverings are not usually needed.

When: Arti, a short ceremony with lamps, songs and bells, happens at set times each day. Ask when, and you can watch.

You'll see: Shrines with murtis, sacred images of the deities, dressed in bright cloth and flowers. You may be offered prasad, a blessed sweet or fruit. Ask before taking photos of the shrines.