Yes, St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle is open to the public, but with certain restrictions and specific opening days and times. As a working church, the chapel hosts regular services, and visitors can attend these services or explore the chapel outside of service times.
Opening Days and Times
- The chapel is open to visitors on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
- It is closed to visitors on Sundays, as services are held throughout the day, but worshippers are welcome to attend.
- The chapel closes at 16:00, and visitors can attend evensong at 17:15.
Access and Services
- The chapel is a working church with services every day, and worshippers can attend any of the three services daily.
- Visitors can visit the chapel outside of services, but must pay for admission.
- The chapel has a capacity of 800 people.
Special Events and Closures
- The chapel may close for state visits and special occasions, so it is recommended to check the Windsor Castle official website for any closures or special events.
- The chapel was the site of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, as well as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding.
Accessibility and Facilities
- Windsor Castle, including St George’s Chapel, is fully accessible, with concessionary rates available for visitors with disabilities.
- The Undercroft Café serves meals and refreshments, and there are toilets and baby-care facilities available.
Planning Your Visit
- It is recommended to allow between 1½ and 2 hours for a visit to Windsor Castle, including St George’s Chapel.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the long distances and steep hill within the castle grounds.
Tickets and Booking
- Tickets can be booked online or over the phone, and it is essential to pre-book group visits.
- Visitors can convert their ticket to a 1-Year Pass for free re-admission for a year.
St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle is a unique and historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the British monarchy. Whether you’re attending a service, exploring the chapel’s architecture and artwork, or simply taking in the atmosphere, a visit to St George’s Chapel is a must-do for any castle enthusiast.
References:
– College of St George. (n.d.). Visit. Retrieved from https://www.stgeorges-windsor.org/visit/
– Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
– London Toolkit. (n.d.). Visiting Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.londontoolkit.com/whattodo/windsor_castle.htm
– Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Practical Information for visiting Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/practical-information-for-visiting-windsor-castle
– Time Out. (2023, May 6). How to visit the Queen’s grave at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. Retrieved from https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/how-to-visit-the-queens-grave-at-st-georges-chapel-in-windsor-092022