The month of Elul is a traditional time to visit the graves of loved ones – a time for reflection, remembrance and prayer. On the Sundays listed below during Elul, the cemeteries shown will be open for visitation. United Synagogue volunteers should be present at both Bushey and Waltham Abbey Cemeteries to provide guidance and assistance to visitors.
Cemetery Opening Times: Elul 2026
Sunday 30 August
| Cemetery | Opening Times |
| Bushey (Old and New) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Waltham Abbey | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Willesden | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| East Ham* | 10:00 – 14:00 pre-booked by appointment only |
All other heritage cemeteries are closed.
Sunday 6 September
| Cemetery | Opening Times |
| Bushey (Old and New) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Waltham Abbey | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Willesden | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| East Ham* | 10:00 – 14:00 pre-booked by appointment only |
| Alderney Road** | 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Brady Street** | 10:00 – 14:00 |
All other heritage cemeteries are closed.
*East Ham Cemetery
Due to advanced weed growth (see below) and health and safety issues in the cemetery, all visits to East Ham Cemetery are currently required to be chaperoned. To arrange a visit to East Ham please email [email protected] or call 020 8950 7767, option 3.
**Alderney Road and Brady Street Cemeteries
There will be no United Synagogue team members on site at these cemeteries. There are no welfare/toilet facilities available on site.
Please note: For health and safety reasons, Plashet and West Ham Cemeteries will remain closed.
All other Sundays:
- Bushey (Old & New), Waltham Abbey and Willesden will be open according to their usual opening times.
- East Ham will be open by appointment only, as outlined above.
- All other cemeteries will be closed.
Bank Holiday Monday 31 August 2026:
| Cemetery | Opening Times |
| Bushey (Old and New) | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| Waltham Abbey | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| Willesden | Closed |
| East Ham | Closed |
Friday 11 September and Eves of Jewish Festivals
- Bushey (Old & New), Waltham Abbey and Willesden will close at 16:00.
- All other cemeteries will be closed, including East Ham.
Daily Monday-Friday Opening Times (Excluding Bank Holiday & Erev Yom Tov):
| Cemetery | Opening Times |
| Bushey (Old and New), Waltham Abbey & Willesden | Summer: Sunday–Thursday 09:00–17:00; Friday 09:00– 16:00 Winter: Sunday–Thursday 09:00–17:00 or dusk, whichever is earlier; Friday 09:00–15:00 |
| East Ham | By appointment only, Sunday–Thursday 10:00–14:00 |
| Alderney Road | By appointment only |
| Brady Street | By appointment only |
| Lauriston Road | By appointment only |
| Plashet | Closed |
| West Ham | Closed |
Weed growth in our cemeteries
All cemeteries have weed growth in them. This is due to restrictions concerning certain weed killers that have been introduced via Europe but have been adopted into the UK over the last few years. We are now only permitted to use a systemic weed killer which has to be sprayed onto a growing weed. Once sprayed, it will slowly be absorbed and eventually kill the weed. We will endeavour to clear the sections that have weed growth by hand, but this is a very large task. The sprayed weeds will go brown, die and shrivel up into nothing. We use a reputable company to carry out this important process. If you have a particular area that you need “hand picking” please inform the cemeteries maintenance dept. on 020 8950 7767 option 2.
Important Health & Safety Information
The United Synagogue cemeteries are maintained to a good standard. However, due to the nature of cemetery grounds, there are inevitable risks, including slips, trips and uneven surfaces. By visiting our cemeteries, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these conditions. Please take notice of all signage indicating potential risks.
Please take care when visiting, as paths and areas around graves can be very uneven. When walking around the cemetery, please do not hold onto headstones or iron railings for
support, and ensure that you watch your footing at all times. Ground conditions can change, and subsidence may occur at any time. We recommend that less able-bodied visitors, or anyone who uses any form of walking aid, attend with someone who is able to provide assistance around the cemetery.
If you are visiting alone, we recommend that you:
- Carry a fully charged mobile telephone.
- Bring bottled water.
- Inform a family member or friend of the date and approximate time you intend to visit the cemetery.
We wish you a safe and meaningful visit during this important period of remembrance.