Clumber Park Chapel
A stunning 19th-century 'mini cathedral' with impressive Victorian Gothic architecture, nestled within the expansive Clumber Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Clumber Park Chapel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 19th-century 'mini cathedral' with impressive Victorian Gothic architecture, nestled within the expansive Clumber Park.
"Truly a magnificent building, impressive in stature & architecture, you’ve got to wonder how they managed to erect this back in the day."
📸 Capture the Spire's Illusion
The spire's design makes the chapel seem larger than it is. Experiment with angles for stunning photos!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The chapel is nestled within the vast Clumber Park. Combine your visit with a walk around the lake or to the walled garden.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Gothic Architecture
Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin
Admire the intricate stonework, soaring spire, and stained glass of this 19th-century masterpiece.
+1The Impressive Spire
Visible from Clumber Park grounds
The 180-foot spire is a prominent feature, designed to give the impression of a larger structure.
Atmospheric Interior
Inside the Chapel
Experience the serene ambiance, detailed wood carvings, and historic organ within this 'mini cathedral.'
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Chapel's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Spire's Illusion
The spire's design makes the chapel seem larger than it is. Experiment with angles for stunning photos!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The chapel is nestled within the vast Clumber Park. Combine your visit with a walk around the lake or to the walled garden.
🎶 Special Events
Check for seasonal events like Christmas performances or Armistice commemorations held in the chapel.
⛪ Admire the Details
Don't miss the intricate wood carvings and the historic organ inside the chapel.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Spire's Illusion
The spire's design makes the chapel seem larger than it is. Experiment with angles for stunning photos!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The chapel is nestled within the vast Clumber Park. Combine your visit with a walk around the lake or to the walled garden.
🎶 Special Events
Check for seasonal events like Christmas performances or Armistice commemorations held in the chapel.
⛪ Admire the Details
Don't miss the intricate wood carvings and the historic organ inside the chapel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin as a 'mini cathedral' with magnificent architecture and a serene atmosphere. Its historical significance and intricate details, like wood carvings and stained glass, are frequently highlighted. While some note it's a place of worship, most appreciate its beauty regardless of religious affiliation.
"Beautiful building and is definitely right to have been described as a mini cathedral. Set in the grounds of the National Trust Clumber Park. Built in the 1880s, it has some very fine stonework and stained glass. It's definitely worth a visit."
Darren Barton
"The Anglican church is Grade I listed by English Heritage as a building of outstanding architectural or historic interest.
The Chapel of St. Paul at Clumber Park was commissioned by Henry Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle in 1864. It was designed by the architect Thomas Chambers Hine but not completed and became known as the pigeon coop. Henry Pelham-Clinton, 7th Duke of Newcastle, demolished it and commissioned a new chapel dedicated to St Mary the Virgin in 1886. It was designed by George Frederick Bodley and built by the contractor R. Franklin of Diddington, Oxfordshire. It is built in white stone re-used from a previous chapel, and red Runcorn sandstone, and has lead roofs. There is a cruciform plan, consisting of a nave, north and south transepts, a chancel, a baptistry, a Lady chapel, vestries, and a steeple at the crossing. The steeple has a tower with two stages, lancet bell openings, and four crocketed pinnacles, linked by flying buttresses to a pierced octagonal corona, above which is a spire with lucarnes (dormer window). It was completed by 1889 at a cost of £30,000 (equivalent to £3,527,690 in 2021). It was opened by the Bishop of Southwell on 22 October 1889 but this ceremony caused alarm in the Protestant Alliance of the Church of England as reported in the Derby Daily Telegraph on 6 November 1889.
The 3 manual organ was installed in 1889 by Gray & Davison. Apart from an overhaul by Harrison and Harrison in 1979 under the direction of consultant David Butterworth, it has remained unaltered. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Some great architecture and wood carvings."
Pete / Hel
"Very atmospheric and beautifully kept Chapel with great architecture and historic significance. Well worth a visit whether religious or not just to admire the building itself."
Chris Lambert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clumber Park Chapel is located within the National Trust's Clumber Park. You can drive to the park and follow signs for the chapel. Parking is available within the park.
Public transport options to Clumber Park itself may be limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from nearby towns like Worksop.
Clumber Park is generally open daily, but specific opening times for the chapel may vary. It's advisable to check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Clumber Park typically requires a fee or membership to the National Trust. The chapel itself is usually free to enter once inside the park.
As an active place of worship, visitors are expected to be respectful. Check the National Trust website for any specific visiting guidelines or temporary closures.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good practice to be discreet and respectful of any ongoing services or other visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find impressive Victorian Gothic architecture, detailed wood carvings, a historic organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. It's often described as a 'mini cathedral.'
A dedicated visit to the chapel might take 30-60 minutes. However, many visitors combine it with exploring the wider Clumber Park, which can take several hours.
While the park has accessible paths, the chapel's historic nature might present some challenges. It's recommended to contact the National Trust directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
The chapel's spire is visible from many points around the lake, offering great exterior shots. For interiors, focus on the architectural details and stained glass.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific drone policy for Clumber Park before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit to the chapel with activities like hiring bikes from the Cycle Hub to explore the park's trails, or visiting the 4-acre walled garden with its impressive glasshouse. These elements make for a well-rounded family day out, offering both educational and recreational opportunities.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, focus on the intricate details: the stained glass windows casting colorful light, the detailed wood carvings, and the historic organ. The atmospheric interior provides a more intimate photographic experience. Remember to be respectful of the space and any visitors or services.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: A 'Mini Cathedral'
Inside, the chapel continues to impress with its cruciform plan, featuring a nave, transepts, chancel, baptistry, and Lady chapel. Visitors often remark on the exquisite wood carvings and the beautiful stained glass windows that fill the interior with colored light. The presence of a confessional, unusual for an Anglican church, hints at its Anglo-Catholic leanings, a testament to the vision of the 7th Duke of Newcastle who commissioned its rebuild.
This chapel is more than just a building; it's a piece of history and a testament to the craftsmanship of its era. Its Grade I listing by English Heritage underscores its outstanding architectural and historic significance, making it a must-see for anyone interested in heritage and design.
A Rich History: From Pigeon Coop to Grand Chapel
The new chapel, designed by George Frederick Bodley, was completed by 1889 at a significant cost of £30,000. Its opening in October 1889 caused some alarm among the Protestant Alliance of the Church of England due to its High Church, Anglo-Catholic style. The chapel also houses a three-manual organ installed by Gray & Davison in 1889, which has largely remained unaltered.
Today, the chapel stands as a beautifully kept and atmospheric building, a focal point within the expansive Clumber Park. Its history adds another layer of appreciation for visitors, who can marvel at how such a structure was erected with the tools and labor of the late 19th century.
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