The chapel was specifically designed to house a relic believed to be a drop of the Virgin Mary's milk.
It is built as an 'inner and outer' structure, with a stone inner chapel protected by a brick outer building.
Despite its religious history, the chapel was repurposed over the centuries as a public library, a schoolroom, and even a dwelling.
The upper chapel features a late 15th-century fan-vaulted ceiling, a sophisticated architectural detail for its era.
The ground floor level is technically a basement, which served as a storage or service area for the chapel above.
The Red Mount Chapel is a unique 15th-century octagonal pilgrim chapel located within The Walks public park in King's Lynn. Built in 1485, it served as a waypoint for pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. The structure consists of a red-brick exterior shell housing a stone chapel within. It is noted for its rare design, which features three distinct floors, including a basement, a central worship area, and a vaulted upper chamber. The chapel was designated a Grade I listed building due to its architectural rarity and historical significance. It remains one of the few surviving structures of its kind in England.
From the park paths directly north of the chapel to capture the octagonal profile against the park trees.
Walk the entire perimeter of the building to see the transition between the brick exterior and the stone masonry.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding 18th-century landscape of The Walks.
Check local heritage event calendars, as the interior is only accessible during specific guided tours or designated open days.
Do not expect to enter the building on a casual walk-by, as the interior is typically locked for preservation outside of organized events.
Interior access is restricted; typically open to the public only on specific guided tour days or during Heritage Open Days.
