Guildford Castle and Grounds

About

Visit Guildford Castle and head to the top of the Great Tower for a 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The Tower contains a model of the original castle circa 1300, and interpretation panels tracing its history to the present day. There is a visitor platform on the roof offering panoramic views of Guildford. There is a small gift shop on the ground floor of the castle.

Guildford Castle is thought to have been built by William the Conqueror, or one of his barons, shortly after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Used as a Royal Palace, a prison and a private residence, Guildford Castle and grounds was sold to the Guildford Corporation in 1885. The grounds at Guildford Castle opened as public gardens in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.

The castle gardens are famous for their vibrant floral displays, centred on the 11th Century Castle Keep. Other attractions include a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass, a bowling green and music concerts in the bandstand. The town's war memorial stands in the grounds. Open-air theatre takes place in the summer months. 

Please note the castle is open April to September every day from 10am – 5pm, final admission 4.30pm. It is open at weekends in March and October and autumn half term 10am until 3.30pm.

Admission:
Adult: £3.50
Child £2.00 (under 5s FREE)

Family 2 adults and 2 children £10.00

 

Watch a short video of the beautiful castle grounds. See the hard work that goes into making the flower displays.