Table of Contents
Ramadan 2025 dates in the UK
This year, Ramadan commenced on Saturday, 1 March 2025 and will conclude on Sunday, 30 March 2025. Although the start is confirmed by traditional moon sightings, slight variations might occur depending on local observations. For tourists and locals alike, understanding these dates is key to planning visits and appreciating the cultural rhythm during this sacred period.
Ramadan in England
England is home to the largest Muslim communities in the UK, and Ramadan here is a blend of solemn observance and vibrant communal spirit. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience a unique facet of British multicultural life.
London
The London Central Mosque © mapandlens.com
London’s Muslim population is concentrated in areas like Edgware Road and around the London Central Mosque, which buzzes with energy especially during iftar and suhoor. You’ll find that many restaurants offer special iftar menus featuring traditional dishes alongside innovative culinary twists. The city’s diverse neighborhoods allow you to experience Ramadan’s reflective mood while enjoying art exhibitions, cultural talks, and community iftar events. The blend of historic landmarks and modern amenities creates a memorable backdrop for the month.
Edgware Road in London © 5pillarz.com
Birmingham
Birmingham, often considered the UK’s second Islamic capital, has a significant Muslim population, particularly in Sparkbrook, Small Heath, and Bordesley Green. The Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre (GLMCC) is one of the city’s most important Islamic hubs, organizing large-scale iftar meals and Taraweeh prayers.
During Ramadan, Ladypool Road and Coventry Road transform into vibrant food destinations, with restaurants like Al-Bader, Shahi Nan Kebab House, and Antep Turkish Cuisine offering iftar buffets featuring lamb kebabs, mezze platters, and falooda desserts.
Manchester
Manchester’s diverse Muslim community, concentrated in areas like Rusholme (Curry Mile), Longsight, and Cheetham Hill, brings a festive Ramadan atmosphere. The British Muslim Heritage Centre organizes educational events and open iftars, making it a great place for visitors to learn about Ramadan.
Rusholme’s Curry Mile—famous for its South Asian and Middle Eastern eateries—becomes especially lively at night, with places like MyLahore, Jazeera Restaurant, and Al Jazeera Express serving grilled meats, falafel wraps, and sweet treats like kunafa and baklava.
The Manchester Central Mosque and Didsbury Mosque welcome thousands of worshippers for Taraweeh prayers, and many local businesses extend their hours to accommodate those fasting.
Ramadan in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales
Scotland
Scotland’s Muslim community is most prominent in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with major mosques such as Glasgow Central Mosque and Edinburgh Central Mosque offering free iftar meals every evening.
In Glasgow, the areas of Pollokshields and Govanhill have a high concentration of halal restaurants and shops. During Ramadan, spots like Raza’s Grill, Chaakoo Bombay Café, and Café Lahore serve extended suhoor and iftar menus featuring pakoras, haleem, and Kashmiri chai.
Edinburgh’s nightly iftars at the mosque on Potterrow attract hundreds of students, professionals, and tourists. The Scottish Islamic Foundation also organizes interfaith iftars, where locals of different backgrounds come together to share a meal.
Ireland
Dublin is home to Ireland’s largest Muslim population, with mosques such as the Islamic Foundation of Ireland and Clonskeagh Mosque serving as key Ramadan centers. The IFI Mosque hosts communal iftars where traditional dishes like lamb stew, dates, and samosas are served.
Restaurants in Rathmines and South Circular Road cater to fasting individuals with halal offerings, while local grocery stores stock special Ramadan foods like zam zam water, Medjool dates, and rose-flavored drinks.
One of the highlights of Ramadan in Dublin is the annual interfaith iftar, where people from various religious backgrounds come together to foster unity and mutual understanding.
Wales
In Wales, Cardiff’s Butetown area has a thriving Muslim community, with the Cardiff Central Mosque hosting large Ramadan events. Many local businesses, such as Shaam Nights, Lahori Karahi, and Khyber Pass, offer traditional Pakistani and Middle Eastern iftar platters.
The University of Cardiff’s Islamic Society organizes student-led iftar programs, ensuring Muslim students have access to hot meals. Meanwhile, the Welsh Islamic Cultural Association in Swansea provides free suhoor and iftar packs for those in need.
