Guildford Union Workhouse - The Spike

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Guildford Union Workhouse

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Type: Historic Site

In 1906 the Guildford Union Workhouse which was visible for miles,was a dreadful warning of the fate that would ill befall all who failed to find work, fall sick, become lame or feeble of mind for it was to the Workhouse they must go. It was far better than the asylum but for those who could still earn a crust - the able-bodied beggar - it was the casual ward.

This is no stately home, no playground for the rich and famous but the most innovative on-going heritage project, the Vagrants and Casual Ward of the Guildford Union Workhouse will always have a very real story to tell.

Ticket Information

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£3.50 per ticket
Child/Concession£2.50 per ticket
Costume Tour£5.00 per ticket
Group Rate£4.00 per ticket
Multi-media guide£2.50 per ticket

Free on Heritage Open Days in September

Opening Times

Open (15/01/2012 - 15/12/2012)
DayTimes
MondayClosed
Tuesday10:0016:00
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday10:0016:00
SundayClosed

* Groups may book on other days/evening by arrangments. Special events thougout the year. Closed mid December to Mid January.

Contact Details

Warren Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3JH

Tel: + 44 (0)1483 598420

Facilities

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre - Close to town centre

Accessibility

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Disabled lift to heritage centre. Ramps to outside heritage areas
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - There is a multi media audio guide
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - 2 spaces
  • Wheelchair user accessible - Disabled Lift

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - One Hour
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Groups Accepted - Group bookings essential for groups larger than 10
  • Max group size - 40
  • Min group size - 1
  • Open by appointment only - Pre booking for groups over 10 people

Establishment Features

  • Toilets - Including disabled

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun - Special events throughout the year

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Multi media guide available as alternative for individuals

Related Events

Sunday, 1st January 2012 - Monday, 31st December 2012

Guildford Union Workhouse Casual Ward - The Spike Tours
more info

Road Directions

By car
From A31 travelling northbound – Follow signs for Guildford A31 and continue to follow the A31, down Farnham Road, and straight across the mini roundabout at the bottom. After crossing the railway the road becomes part of the one-way system. Staying in the middle lane marked A322, follow the road over the bridge crossing the river, and bearing round to the left continue to follow the signs for A322, until you reach the roundabout. Turn right at the roundabout into York Road (A246/A25).
**Go straight over three sets of traffic lights, crossing the Epsom Road at the final set into Harvey Road, taking an immediate left turn into Warren Road. The Spike is located 200m up the road on the right.

From A3 travelling northbound – Exit the A3 at Guildford A322/A25. Keeping to the right hand lane of the slip road, follow the road marked A25 which immediately bears round to the left and goes under a railway bridge, until you reach the main traffic lights at Ladymead Retail Park.
Staying to the right, take the road marked A281 (Horsham) into Woodbridge Road (signposted Guildford centre) and follow this road over the roundabout and under the railway until the next roundabout.
Turn left at this roundabout into A246 York Road, signposted for Leatherhead. Then follow directions as above at * shown above.


From A3 travelling southbound – Exit the A3 at Guildford A322. Keeping to the middle lane on the exit slip road, turn left at the traffic lights at the bottom of the slip road and staying in the same lane, carry on straight over the main traffic lights onto the Stoke Road. Follow signs for Guildford town centre, travel under the railway bridge until you reach the traffic lights at the crossroads. Turn left at the traffic lights into York Road and follow the road over two further sets of traffic lights into Harvey Road, taking an immediate left turn into Warren Road. The Spike is located 200m up the road on the right.

On foot from the town centre (High Street)

The Spike is within 10 minutes walk of the town centre and Guildford Museum, and has a secure cycle park .
From the High Street continue to walk up the hill, past Abbots Hospital and Holy Trinity Church until you reach the top of the High Street and the cobbled surface ends, and it merges with the end of North Street. Continue to walk straight on past the Royal Grammar School until you reach a mini-roundabout.
At the roundabout, take the road that bears off to the right (Epsom Road). Continue to follow Epsom Road until you reach the traffic lights, turning right into Harvey Road and then taking the immediate left into Warren Road. The Spike is 200m up the road on the right.

Public Transport Directions

From Guildford Bus Station take the Number 10 bus. The Stop is called The Spike.