Surrey's Heritage and Houses with a group

Surrey is lucky to have a very rich history and a wonderful range of historic houses throughout the county.  Many historic houses are open to visitors, showing the families that lived in them and the local people who worked in the houses and estates.  There are unique museums and industrial buildings all showing the heritage of our county.

Loseley Park
This is a very rare example of a beautiful Elizabethan house.  The original family still own the house after 500 years, and it is a well loved family home with a beautiful garden and large estate.
Prices – groups 10+
Parking  - plenty of free parking
Catering – café
Other – reduced opening during winter months
Length of visit – 2 – 4 hours

Hampton Court Palace
A magnificent Royal Palace over 500 years old.  Absolutely huge with grand rooms, court yards, gardens, and more together with some of Britain’s key history.  A full days visit, this beautiful palace next to the Thames is a must.
Prices – groups 15+ and discount for pre-booking
Parking – free near by or for a small cost at Hampton train station
Catering – can be pre-booked up to 80 people
Other – bookable guided tours
Length of visit – all day

Brooklands Museum
A complete one off, the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.  The Brooklands motor circuit was the first to be built anywhere in the world to race the new invention, the motor car.  Brooklands was also key to the development of early aviation, testing and building early planes.  It also played a key part in building planes in both world wars.
Prices – groups 15+ and must be booked at least two weeks in advance
Parking – free
Catering – snacks and light lunches available or call if group is more than 35
Other – guided tours available
Length of visit – around 4 hours

Guildford Castle
Not many people associate Surrey with Castles, but there are a few, Guildford has a fantastic restored tower and Farnham Castle is 1000 years old.  Guildford Castle is just off the High Street and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.  The central tower is open to the public and gives an idea of how large the castle would have been and how it would have dominated the town over 800 years ago.
Prices – around £3
Parking – Guildford town parking
Length of visit – up to 1 hour

Rural Life Centre
The Rural Life Centre is a fantastic open air museum showing country life over the ages.  A chance to see how we all lived, with examples of a Victorian Laundry, Village Hall, Dairy, Wheelwright shop, Forestry, Smithy and much more.  This absolutely fascinating museum also has many events throughout the year.
Prices – 10% discount for 30+
Parking - yes
Catering – The Old Kiln Café
Other – open Mar to Oct each year
Length of visit – around 4 hours

Other attractions to visit – Titsey Place, Guildford Union Work House, Surrey History Centre, Dapdune Wharf in Guildford

Itineraries and suggested ideas:

- Morning at Brooklands Museum with lunch, followed by a trip to Guildford town centre to see the Castle and a walk around the town.

- Start with few hours in Guildford town, to see the castle, the Undercroft, the workhouse and a guided tour.  Followed by a trip to Polesden Lacey to visit the house and gardens with afternoon tea.

- The morning at the Rural Life Centre followed by a late lunch.  A trip then to see Farnham a Georgian town, with a walk up to see the Farnham Castle Keep which is over 1000 years old.