Is Windsor Castle worth seeing if the chapel is closed?

Posted by admcmaster on 04/20/16 02:02 AM

We're going to be in London June 10-15 (but leaving very early on the 15th). My 16 year-old daughter really wanted to see Windsor Castle, but the dates are terrible for us: it's closed completely on the 13th, the state apartments are closed on the 12th and 14th, and St. George's Chapel is closed the 10th-13th. We would go on the 11th, when the state apartments are open, but we wouldn't be able to see the chapel.

I'm wondering if we would be better off seeing Windsor another trip, and maybe doing Hampton Court instead. But, DD really liked the idea of Windsor. How much would we be missing out on without the chapel?

Posted by Diane 🏖️

04/20/16 02:11 AM

2150 posts

The chapel was closed when I visited and I really enjoyed the visit. I would go.

Posted by cslh324

Richmond, VA

04/20/16 02:18 AM

301 posts

Yes, you should definitely go anyway. If your daughter's so enthusiastic, she'll likely get a lot of out the trip, even with the chapel being closed. The state apartments are really interesting and Queen Mary's dolls' house is intricate and fascinating, even if toys and dollhouses aren't your thing.

Caroline

Posted by Gail

Downingtown, USA

04/20/16 02:40 AM

2456 posts

Totally agree that you should go. Was not super impressed with the Chapel but it could be that we had seen so many churches, cathedrals by that time we were getting overloaded. However, the dollhouse alone was the highlight of the visit. Even my twenty something son was impressed.

Posted by Tim

Knoxville, TN, USA

04/20/16 02:40 AM

7209 posts

I've been to Windsor Castle several times and the chapel has NEVER been open. Yes, it's worth visiting (of course).

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

04/20/16 03:45 AM

8913 posts

Both were open when I was there. I would still think it worthwhile to go if only the state apts were open.

Posted by Maggie LAT

Ilford, London, United Kingdom

04/21/16 11:56 AM

9 posts

Windsor Castle as a castle certainly has a wow factor and it is worth Visiting without St.George Chapel. If your daughter is interested in visiting Windsor castle you better prefer it rather than visiting Hampton Court.For more info about Winsdor Castle visit
https://www.londontoolkit.com/whattodo/windsor_castle.htm

Posted by Robin Z

Troy, Oh, USA

04/21/16 04:02 PM

2805 posts

Yes, it's worth. I would go, it's a 35 minute train ride from Paddington Station. As you exit the train turn to your left and walk up to the road, and you will see the castle across the street. You can also walk down to Windsor Great Park, as you face the castle turn to your right, follow the road to the park (5 minute walk) you get a great view of the Royal residence from the gates in the park. On the 13th is the Order of Garter Service, my daughter (16 at the time) and I went to this years ago, it was truly fantastic. We got in the queue about 2 hours early. When we were admitted into the castle we got spots in the grass across from St. George's Chapel, when the procession came down from the castle to the chapel we were an arms length from them,
perfect to see all the Royals. Prime Minister and others. I think your daughter would love it, but you would need to get tickets, which are free.

Posted by TexasTravelMom

TX, USA

04/23/16 02:32 AM

4893 posts

Thanks for all the replies - I had the same question. I am due to go with a group of young people to London (and Windsor); but for various reasons, the date had to be changed to the morning of June 11, even knowing the chapel would be closed. We ARE going but this makes me feel much better. :)