The Cemetery Chapel is one of Castle Cary’s hidden gems. It’s on the outskirts of town at the end of South Street where the pavement ends.
Built in 1897, Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee year, with wonderful views towards Glastonbury Tor, it is a haven of peace with benches to sit on and contemplate.
The chapel is now non-denominational, in excellent condition, simply (and flexibly) furnished with 4 bright and colourful tapestries representing the four seasons of the year hanging where the altar cloth used to hang. There are tea/coffee making facilities inside. There is car parking but you can walk from the centre of town. Power is generated by a wind turbine and solar panels.
The chapel is used for funeral and committal ceremonies, and is also available for hire for small meetings and gatherings, concerts, book groups etc. It has a comfortable compost loo a short walk from the chapel, with disabled facilities.
The Friends of The Cemetery Chapel’s objectives are to promote the chapel, encourage local visitors, ensure the building is kept in good order and always welcoming, and is opened up to visitors at weekends and public holidays. The friends have a particular responsibility for the compost loo having raised the money for its building, and work in partnership with The Town Council who own the cemetery and the chapel.
Cemetery and compost loo – Open to visitors 24/7
Cemetery Chapel – Open to visitors Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10am – 4pm
To book or enquire about the Cemetery Chapel – Call 01963 351763
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Cemetery Chapel – Call Charles Simon on 01963 350276 or 0789 0549135.
Author: Catrin Loxton
