Royal Victoria Chapel
Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 5RA
Join us for a captivating journey through history as we celebrate the rich heritage of the Royal Victoria Chapel. Nestled within the stunning Royal Victoria Country Park, the iconic chapel is all that remains of the main building of the Royal Victoria Hospital – a military hospital that served the British Army from 1863 to 1978.
What to Expect:
• Pop-Up Exhibition: Discover the casualty evacuation route from the battlefield to the hospital through the experiences of some of Netley’s patients in WW1 and make your own connections to Netley’s rich history.
• Heritage Walks: Join one of our volunteer guides for a walk in the footsteps of the Netley’s staff and patients or pick up one of our Royal Victoria Hospital Heritage Trail booklets* and explore the site at your own speed. (* 30 available free each day on a first come-first served basis.)
• Chapel Tower Views: For an additional charge, climb the 166 steps to the top of the Chapel tower. From there, enjoy breath-taking views across Southampton Water and beyond.
• Visit our Volunteer Recruitment Booth during the Heritage Open Days. We’ll be near the chapel entrance, ready to chat about how you can play a vital role in keeping history alive. The Royal Victoria Chapel relies on dedicated volunteers to bring its stories to life. Whether you’re an enthusiastic guide, a behind-the-scenes organiser, or a friendly face at the café, we welcome you to join our team.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 10.30am - 5.00pm
- Sunday 08 September:
- 10.30am - 5.00pm
Location & directions
Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 5RA
- Directions:
- You’ll find us in Netley Abbey, Hampshire - a couple of miles east of Southampton, alongside the shores of Southampton Water. If you’re using a sat nav to make your way here, use this postcode: SO31 5RA. The closest parking to the Chapel is in the Chapel Car Park, which includes accessible parking spaces. Alternative car parks include Tall Pines, Round and Sea Front Car Parks. The Tall Pines Car Park is closest to the Cedar Rooms Restaurant and Café and the Park Shop.
- Contact on day:
- Ursula Pearce
- Telephone number:
- +442380455157
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The tower is a challenging climb of 166 steps. Climbing the tower is not recommended for those with heart conditions, angina, vertigo, claustrophobia, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties or reduced mobility, or visitors who are pregnant. Babies must be in a carrier or sling, not carried in arms. Older children must be able to walk up the stairs unaided; they must not be carried on the stairs.
