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St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle

St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle with ceremonial guards on steps.

What is St George's Chapel?

St George’s Chapel, built in the 1400s, is one of England’s finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, featuring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and radiant stained glass. Beyond its architectural beauty, it serves as the final resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II, and stands at the heart of the centuries-old traditions of the Order of the Garter.

Where is it located?

St George’s Chapel is located within the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle.

How to access the chapel?

Entry to the chapel is fully included in the Windsor Castle admission ticket, so you can explore it as part of your visit to the castle.

Things to know before visiting St George’s Chapel

  • Ticketed entry: Access is included with Windsor Castle tickets, and no separate ticket is required.
  • What’s included: The chapel interiors, the tombs of monarchs, and historical exhibits related to the Order of the Garter.
  • When to visit: The chapel is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and closed to visitors on Sundays.
  • Accessibility: The chapel is wheelchair accessible, though visitor access may be limited during services or busy periods.

Why visit St George's Chapel

st george's chapel
  • Architectural masterpiece: St George's Chapel is a sight to behold, showcasing intricate Perpendicular Gothic design and exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Royal burials: The chapel is the final resting place of many monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and the late Queen Elizabeth II, adding a sense of regal grandeur to your visit.
  • Wedding bells for royals: If you love a royal wedding, this chapel has seen its fair share. You might remember one too – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot here in 2018.
  • Service at a royal chapel: St George's Chapel remains an active place of worship, hosting regular services and events. Experiencing a service within its hallowed walls can be a deeply moving and spiritual experience.
  • Current use: The chapel continues to function as a royal and religious venue. It hosts daily services, special royal events, and ceremonies, maintaining its historical role as a royal place of worship.

St George’s Chapel service hours

Monday to Saturday

  • 7:30 am – Mattins
  • 8am – Holy Communion
  • 5:15 pm – Evensong

Sunday

  • 8:30 am – Holy Communion
  • 10:45 am – Sung Mattins
  • 12 pm – Sung Eucharist
  • 5:15 pm – Evensong

Extra notes:

  • St George’s Chapel typically holds three services a day from Monday to Saturday, including Mattins, Holy Communion, and Evensong.
  • The chapel is open to visitors Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from around 10am to 4pm.
  • The Chapel Choir sings Evensong six days a week (on Wednesdays it is a spoken service not a sung one.)
  • All services are free and open to the public.
  • Attendees should arrive about 15 minutes before the service via the King Henry VIII Gate, which is the visitor exit from Windsor Castle.
  • On Sundays, the chapel is closed to general visitors and open only for worshippers attending services.

Historical and cultural significance of St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel is the spiritual heart of Windsor Castle and is deeply connected to the British Royal Family. It serves as the home of the Order of the Garter, the final resting place for eleven monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, and a venue for royal ceremonies such as weddings. What makes it truly significant is its magnificent Perpendicular Gothic architecture that marks it as one of England’s finest and most awe-inspiring examples of the style, symbolizing both royal heritage and the nation’s architectural legacy.

St George's Chapel highlights

Gothic window detail at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Gothic architecture

St George’s Chapel showcases centuries of masterful craftsmanship. The minute you enter, you are greeted by ceilings with graceful arches, while walls speak to you of stories of the past through their delicate carvings. Pause as sunlight passes through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colours across the space.

Windsor Castle architecture
Intricate ceiling and colorful banners inside St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Quire

The quire is the heart of the chapel’s choir, where the Knights of the Garter gather annually. Each wooden stall bears heraldic plates and coats of arms, telling the history of each knight. An intricately carved screen separates the quire from the nave. Spend a few minutes here, and centuries of royal tradition come alive.

St. George's Chapel interior with stained glass windows at Windsor Castle, London.

Stained glass windows

For a touch of colour, notice the chapel’s stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, saints, and other religious stories. Light filtering through them creates a calm and inspiring environment, offering a glimpse into medieval devotion and artistic skill.

St George's Chapel exterior with Gothic architecture, Windsor Castle, London.

Chapter House

Adjacent to the chapel, the octagonal Chapter House serves as the meeting room of the Knights of the Garter. Its high arched ceiling displays the order’s symbols, anchored by a central pillar. Ceremonies have taken place here for centuries, connecting visitors to the chapel’s long traditions.

Interior view of St. George's Chapel ceiling at Royal Windsor Castle, England.

Nave

The nave, the main aisle of the chapel, is where history feels strongest. Lined with memorials, plaques, and artwork honouring kings, queens, and notable figures, each step reveals more of the chapel’s history.

Exterior view of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, showcasing Gothic architecture.

Cloisters

Surrounding the chapel, the cloisters offer quiet walkways and small courtyards framed by arches. They provide a peaceful spot to pause and enjoy views of the Windsor Castle grounds.

St George's Chapel altar with intricate carvings and stained glass windows, Windsor, England.

The High Altar

Located in the Quire, the high altar serves as the spiritual heart of the chapel, framed by the Knights’ Stalls and Gothic architecture. It holds the tombs of King Henry VIII, King Charles I, and King Edward IV. The altar also features the Royal Pews and an altar rail gifted by the royals to Windsor Parish Church.

Know before you visit St. George’s Chapel

windsor castle
  • Open: 10am to 4pm
  • Sunday: Only open for worship
  • Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
Timings
Windsor Castle view with visitors walking along the Long Walk, England.
  • For attending a service, consider Holy Communion at 8am or Evensong at 5:15pm on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays)
  • For sightseeing, visit before 11am or after 3pm to avoid crowds.
  • For a quieter experience, plan your visit between October and February, though it may be chilly. May to September offers warmer weather and sunshine, but more crowds.
Plan your visit

Address: 2 The Cloisters, Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK | Find on map.

St George’s Chapel is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, which sits on a high spot overlooking the River Thames, about 21 miles west of central London.

Getting to St George's Chapel
windsor castle accessibility
  • Wheelchairs: Ramps and lifts are available, and wheelchairs can be borrowed on-site (subject to availability).
  • Toilets: Accessible restroom facilities are available within Windsor Castle.
  • Guide dogs: Service animals, including guide dogs, are welcome throughout the chapel and castle.
  • Listening devices: Assistive listening devices are available for visitors with hearing impairments.
  • Staff assistance: Windsor Castle staff are trained to provide guidance and support for visitors with disabilities.
Visitors using audio guides
  • Allow at least 30–45 minutes to explore the chapel fully.
  • Photography may be restricted during services. 
  • Pick up a guide brochure or audio guide for deeper insights into the chapel’s history and architecture.

Frequently asked questions about St George's Chapel

Can I visit St George's Chapel with Windsor Castle tickets?

Yes, a standard Windsor Castle ticket provides entry to St George's Chapel. The ticket also provides access to the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, the Round Tower, the China Museum, and Queen Mary's Doll's House.

Can I attend a service at St George’s Chapel?

Yes, you can attend a service at the chapel for free. You do not need to buy a ticket. Arrive at the King Henry VIII Gate (the visitor exit) 15 minutes before the service begins.

Is there music at all the services?

The Chapel Choir normally sings 6 days a week and does not sing on Wednesdays.

Is photography allowed at St George's Chapel?

No, photography or recording of any kind is not allowed inside St George's Chapel or the State Apartments. However, you are free to take photographs outside the castle premises.

Is there a cafe at St George’s Chapel?

No, there is no cafe. However, feel free to visit the Undercroft Cafe at Windsor Castle near the State Apartments during opening hours.

Is St George's Chapel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, St George's Chapel is wheelchair accessible, provided the wheelchairs are compatible with lifts. You can also reach out to the staff at Windsor Castle for any assistance as they are trained to help visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair entry to the chapel is through the North Door, and ramps are available.

Is there a dress code for visiting St George's Chapel?

No, there is no mandatory dress code to be followed inside St George's Chapel. However, since this is a place of worship, it is expected to wear modest clothes and avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, or tank tops.

Are there any restrooms available at St George’s Chapel?

There are no restrooms in the chapel. However, you can make use of the facilities in the Windsor Castle North Terrace and cafe during the castle opening hours.

Can I get married at St George's Chapel?

No. Only knights, Windsor Castle residents, College of St George residents, and members of the royal family can get married at St George’s Chapel, with the King’s permission.

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