St John the Baptist, Windsor
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St John the Baptist Church Windsor

4.6
·184 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic, free-entry church in Windsor featuring a 17th-century 'Last Supper' painting and intricate Gibbons carvings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning weekdays

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St John the Baptist, Windsor

St John the Baptist Church Windsor

Best Time

Mid-morning weekdays

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic, free-entry church in Windsor featuring a 17th-century 'Last Supper' painting and intricate Gibbons carvings.

4.6
(184 reviews)

"A quiet place for prayer and light a candle. Information boards all around to tell you what's there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry & Self-Guided

Entry is free! Explore at your own pace using the informative boards. :ticket:

🤫 Quiet Reflection Space

A perfect spot for a moment of peace and prayer amidst your Windsor explorations. :pray:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1600s 'Last Supper' Painting

1600s 'Last Supper' Painting

Above the entrance inside

A striking, large-scale painting of the Last Supper, dating back to the 17th century, commands attention.

Gibbons Carvings

Gibbons Carvings

Admire the intricate and detailed carvings by Grinling Gibbons, showcasing masterful artistry.

Salvador Dalí Print

Salvador Dalí Print

Discover a surprising artistic touch with a print by the surrealist master, Salvador Dalí.

Attractive Stained Glass

Attractive Stained Glass

The church features beautiful stained glass windows that add color and light to the interior.

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Planning Your Visit

Quick Visit, Big Impact

St. John the Baptist Church is a free-entry gem in Windsor. Most visitors spend about 15 minutes here, making it perfect for a quick stop while exploring the town. Information boards guide you, but expect a self-guided experience.

A Moment of Peace

This historic church offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of Windsor. It's a place for quiet reflection, prayer, or simply appreciating the art and architecture. Consider visiting when the organist might be rehearsing for a special treat.

Best Times

When
Mid-morning weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During organ rehearsals
Why
Enjoy beautiful live music
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Free Entry & Self-Guided

Entry is free! Explore at your own pace using the informative boards. :ticket:

🤫 Quiet Reflection Space

A perfect spot for a moment of peace and prayer amidst your Windsor explorations. :pray:

🕰️ Quick Visit

Allow about 15 minutes for a thorough look around this historic church. :stopwatch:

🤝 Trust-Based Souvenirs

Souvenirs are available on a trust system with CCTV monitoring. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry & Self-Guided

Entry is free! Explore at your own pace using the informative boards. :ticket:

🤫 Quiet Reflection Space

A perfect spot for a moment of peace and prayer amidst your Windsor explorations. :pray:

🕰️ Quick Visit

Allow about 15 minutes for a thorough look around this historic church. :stopwatch:

🤝 Trust-Based Souvenirs

Souvenirs are available on a trust system with CCTV monitoring. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(184 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate St. John the Baptist Church for its free entry and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful respite in the heart of Windsor. The historical art, including a 17th-century 'Last Supper' painting and Gibbons carvings, is a notable highlight. Some note the self-guided nature and lack of staff presence, but overall, it's seen as a worthwhile quick stop.

"Free to enter, see the "last supper" painting from 1600's in the church. A quiet place for prayer and light a candle. Information boards all around to tell you what's there, but pretty much no one is around to guide you. They sell souvenirs, based on trust to pay (and CCTV cameras). In and out 15 mins tops if you happen to be walking in Windsor."

Nee Shen Ho

"Really beautiful church located in the centre of Windsor.A large painting of a 1600 last supper looking down above the entrance inside. A little print of Dali. Very tranquil feel to the place."

Michael C

"I was lucky to find the organist having a rehearsal. I truly enjoyed the music."

Faith N

What People Like

Free entry
Tranquil atmosphere
Historical art

What People Dislike

Limited staff guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. John the Baptist Church is conveniently located in the heart of Windsor, just below the castle. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already exploring Windsor town. Many visitors find it during their walk between attractions.

While the church itself doesn't have dedicated parking, there are several public car parks in Windsor town center, such as the Windsor Riverside Station car park or the Alexandra Gardens car park, which are a short walk away.

Yes, Windsor is well-served by public transport. Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside train stations are both within walking distance of the church. Local bus services also stop in the town center.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The church is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check locally or assume it's open when you are visiting Windsor town, as it's a place of worship.

No, entry to St. John the Baptist Church is completely free. This makes it an accessible and wonderful addition to any Windsor itinerary. Reddit

There's no need to book tickets in advance as admission is free and it's a place of worship. You can simply walk in during opening hours.

Yes, visitors often light candles for prayer or remembrance. There's usually a designated area for this within the church. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a 17th-century 'Last Supper' painting, intricate Gibbons carvings, attractive stained glass windows, and a print by Salvador Dalí. Information boards provide details about the church's history and features. Reddit

Most visitors find that 15 minutes is sufficient to see the main points of interest. It's a quick yet rewarding stop. Reddit

Absolutely. The church is a place of worship and offers a tranquil atmosphere for prayer and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Typically, there are no formal guided tours. The church relies on information boards to educate visitors, offering a self-guided experience. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid flash photography. Check for any specific signage regarding photography.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, being in the center of Windsor, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants within a short walking distance of the church, offering a variety of dining options.

📸 📸 Photography

The 'Last Supper' painting, the detailed Gibbons carvings, and the colorful stained glass windows are prime subjects for photography. The exterior architecture also offers good shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. John the Baptist Church is a great, quick stop for families exploring Windsor. Since entry is free and it doesn't require a long time commitment, it's easy to fit into a busy day with children. The 'Last Supper' painting can be a good visual to discuss with older kids, and the general quiet atmosphere can offer a brief moment of calm. Reddit

While there aren't specific play areas, the church's historical art, like the Gibbons carvings and stained glass, can spark curiosity. It's a chance for children to see a piece of local history and art in a real-world setting, making it an educational and accessible experience for all ages.

🚶 Day-Trippers

For day-trippers to Windsor, St. John the Baptist Church is an ideal, free attraction that requires minimal time. It's perfectly situated for a brief visit as you move between other major sites like Windsor Castle. Reddit

In just about 15 minutes, you can appreciate its key artistic features, including the 17th-century 'Last Supper' painting and Gibbons carvings. It offers a peaceful interlude and a glimpse into the town's historical and artistic heritage without taking up valuable sightseeing time.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

St. John the Baptist Church boasts origins stretching back to the 12th century, making it one of Windsor's oldest structures. Its central location, just below the imposing Windsor Castle, has placed it at the heart of the town's historical narrative for centuries. While much of the original structure has been modified over time, its enduring presence speaks to its significance in the community's past. Reddit

The church is particularly noted for its artistic treasures. Among these is a significant 'Last Supper' painting from the 1600s, which is a focal point for many visitors. Additionally, the presence of Gibbons carvings adds another layer of artistic merit, showcasing the skill of renowned craftsmen. These elements, alongside attractive stained glass windows, transform the church into a small but rich gallery of historical art. Reddit

Adding a touch of the unexpected, the church also houses a print by the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. This unique inclusion offers a fascinating juxtaposition of historical religious art with modern artistic expression, making a visit to St. John the Baptist Church a surprisingly diverse cultural experience. Reddit

The Art Within

The 'Last Supper' painting, dating back to the 1600s, is a prominent feature above the church's interior entrance. Its scale and historical significance make it a compelling piece for visitors to admire. Reddit

Beyond the painting, the church showcases exquisite Gibbons carvings. These intricate works are a testament to the craftsmanship of Grinling Gibbons, adding a rich textural and visual dimension to the church's interior. The stained glass windows also contribute significantly to the ambiance, casting colorful light throughout the space and enhancing the spiritual feel. Reddit

Adding a modern and intriguing element, a print by Salvador Dalí is also on display. This unexpected artwork provides a unique point of interest, blending the sacred space with avant-garde artistic expression and offering a talking point for art enthusiasts. Reddit

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