Red Mount Chapel
A unique 15th-century octagonal chapel, once a pilgrim stop, now a historical gem with scenic park views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Seasonal opening, check times
Red Mount Chapel
Best Time
Seasonal opening, check times
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique 15th-century octagonal chapel, once a pilgrim stop, now a historical gem with scenic park views.
"A wonderful surprising place with great atmosphere. Take care on the steps however!"
Check Opening Times First
Open seasonally (May-Sep) and often only a few days a week. Verify hours before you go! :calendar:
Mind the Steps
Be cautious on the steps, especially leading to the upper levels. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Octagonal Architecture
Ground Floor
A unique octagonal building dating back to the 1480s, offering a glimpse into medieval pilgrimage routes.
Fan-Vaulted Ceiling
Upper Chapel
Marvel at the ornate late Perpendicular Gothic style fan-vaulted ceiling in the upper chapel, added in 1506.
Pilgrim's Resting Spot
Exterior
Imagine pilgrims pausing here on their journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, the second most popular pilgrimage site in England.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Access & Bat Roosts
Pilgrim History & Restoration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Times First
Open seasonally (May-Sep) and often only a few days a week. Verify hours before you go! +1 :calendar:
Mind the Steps
Be cautious on the steps, especially leading to the upper levels. :athletic_shoe:
Explore The Walks
The chapel is nestled in The Walks park, perfect for a combined nature and history stroll. :park:
Volunteer-Run Gem
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, this historic site is accessible. +1 :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Times First
Open seasonally (May-Sep) and often only a few days a week. Verify hours before you go! +1 :calendar:
Mind the Steps
Be cautious on the steps, especially leading to the upper levels. :athletic_shoe:
Explore The Walks
The chapel is nestled in The Walks park, perfect for a combined nature and history stroll. :park:
Volunteer-Run Gem
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, this historic site is accessible. +1 :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Red Mount Chapel as a 'little gem' with a 'great atmosphere' and 'fascinating history.' Its unique octagonal architecture and fan-vaulted ceiling are highlights, offering a glimpse into medieval pilgrimage. Some note caution is needed on the steps. +1
"A motte and bailey castle may have stood inside the Town wall of Kings Lynn in a loop of the Gaywood River, there is no recorded evidence but this would have been a good location for one. The area was remodelled during the English Civil War creating positions for canons. A building was built on the mound in 1485 as a wayside chapel known as the Red Mount Chapel or Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, it was a stopping point in the port of Lynn on the way to Little Walsingham which was the second most popular destination for pilgrims after Canterbury. It was started by Robert Currance from June 1483 and the upper chapel was possibly added in 1506 by Simon Clerk and John Wastel the masons who built the chapel in Kings Collage, Cambridge. It had a varied history but for a chapel it was only used as a religious site for about 50 years of it's life. It is normally open two days a week but you would need to check before visiting."
stephen mudie
"A wonderful surprising place with great atmosphere. Take care on the steps however! This Chapel was an essential stopping point for pilgrims en- route to Walsingham in Norfolk prior to the dissolution of the monasteries during the reign of Hentry Vlll. After this time, it fell into disrepair and was used as a storage depot and ancient graffiti shows how it was visited and vandalised. Fortunately the value of this ancient gem was recognised and now, fully restored ,we can once again marvel at its 'Tardis' -like quality and benefit from its unique
atmosphere."
Sue Johnson
"I am volunteering for the first time at the Red Mount. It's open May - September (closed for Autumn and Winter because of roosting bats). It is open between 1 and 4 pm initially on Wednesday and Saturday. Fascinating little place."
Jill Jupp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Red Mount Chapel is located in The Walks, a public park in King's Lynn. It's conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from the train station, making it easily accessible for day-trippers.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, its location within The Walks park suggests that nearby public parking facilities in King's Lynn would be the most practical option.
Yes, the chapel is very close to the King's Lynn train station, making it an easy destination to reach via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The chapel is typically open seasonally, from May to September, and often only on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 1 PM and 4 PM. It's crucial to check current opening times before visiting as they can change.
Information on ticket prices is not readily available, but given its volunteer-run nature and location in a public park, it's likely to be free or have a nominal entry fee. It's best to confirm on-site or via local listings. +1
Red Mount Chapel closes for the autumn and winter months, primarily due to the presence of roosting bats.
While the chapel itself is a historic structure, visitors should be aware of the steps involved in accessing different levels. Take care when navigating these.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Built between 1483-85, it served as a wayside chapel for pilgrims traveling to Walsingham. It has a unique octagonal design and three stories, with a notable fan-vaulted ceiling in the upper chapel.
Inside, you can explore the lower and upper chapels, and the priest's room. The upper chapel features an impressive fan-vaulted ceiling.
Yes, it's described as a 'little gem' with a great atmosphere and fascinating history, offering a unique glimpse into medieval pilgrimage. +1
It was a vital stopping point for pilgrims heading to Walsingham, which was the second most popular pilgrimage destination in England after Canterbury.
Photography is generally permitted in historic sites, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions once you are there. The fan-vaulted ceiling is a popular subject.
📸 📸 Photography
The octagonal exterior offers unique angles, and the fan-vaulted ceiling inside the upper chapel is a must-capture. The surrounding park, The Walks, also provides scenic backdrops.
Absolutely! Its distinctive architecture and historical significance, combined with its park setting, make it a photogenic location.
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the chapel's details and the surrounding park. Check opening hours to plan accordingly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the chapel itself is small, the surrounding park provides ample opportunities for family fun. The historical aspect can be a great learning opportunity, especially if you can share stories about pilgrims and medieval times.
🚶 Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the adjacent The Walks park for a refreshing break. The chapel's unique history as a pilgrim stop and its distinctive architecture make it a worthwhile historical detour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Pilgrim's Path: The History of Red Mount Chapel
Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s, the chapel's religious use ceased, and it endured various transformations. It was repurposed for practical, and sometimes unusual, functions including water storage, a gunpowder store during the English Civil War, and even a stable.
Volunteers play a vital role in keeping the Red Mount Chapel accessible to the public. Their dedication ensures that this historical gem, nestled within the scenic The Walks park, can be explored and appreciated by a new generation.
Exploring The Walks: A Green Oasis
Strolling through The Walks provides a pleasant contrast to the historical introspection of the chapel. You can enjoy the lush greenery, scenic views, and the general atmosphere of relaxation. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply to take in the natural surroundings.
Combining a visit to the Red Mount Chapel with an exploration of The Walks offers a well-rounded experience of King's Lynn's historical and natural attractions. It's a chance to appreciate both man-made heritage and the beauty of the local landscape.
Social
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