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Guildford Castle and Grounds

Type:Castle / Fort

C/O Guildford Museum
Castle Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3TU

Tel: +44 (0)1483 444751

Guildford Castle Grounds = Image: Blue Stevens Photography

About

The Castle Grounds

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.

The Castle Keep

Step into the past as you enter Guildford Castle! You are welcomed by a model of the castle as it might have looked in 1300, in all its glory. Follow its journey and evolution through informative panels detailing its history! To delve further, you can climb to the first floor where the building has been preserved so you can see it as it would have been in times gone by. If you’re feeling brave continue up the winding stairs to the top of the castle to see the panorama of the town and the breathtaking countryside of the Surrey Hills beckoning from afar!

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 grounds are open 8am to dusk throughout the year. The Castle Keep opens every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 until 16:30 from 27th July 2022 until 29th October

Video

Find out about the work and effort that goes into planting the borders in the Guildford Castle Grounds

Guide Prices

The castle grounds are free to enter. Entry to the Castle Keep:

Adult - £3.70
Child - £2.20
Family Ticket (two adults, two children) - £11.00
Under 5's - Free

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

There are various car parks and on-street parking places in Guildford town centre. Find out more about Guildford's car parks and Guildford's on-street parking.

Blue Badge holders can park at the metered parking almost opposite the museum in Quarry Street. There is a dropped kerb at the junction with Castle Street. Find out more about Blue Badge parking in Guildford.

Public Transport Directions

On Foot

Guildford Station is a 15-minute walk away from the Castle Grounds

The High Street is pedestrianised between the following times:
Monday to Friday: 11am to 4pm
Saturday: 9am to 6pm
Sunday: 12noon to 5pm

Bus

Guildford Castle Grounds are 10 minute walk from the Friary Bus Station.

Train

Guildford is connected by The South Western Railway line from London Waterloo to Portsmouth.

Opening Times

2022 Castle Keep (27 July 2022 - 29 Oct 2022)
Day	Times
Monday - Tuesday	Closed*
Wednesday - Saturday	12:00	- 16:30*
Sunday	Closed*

* The castle grounds are open 8am to dusk throughout the year. The Castle keep will be open Wednesday - Saturday from 27th July until the end of October. Last admission to the Castle Keep 4pm.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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Guildford Castle and Grounds

Type:Castle / Fort

About

The Castle Grounds

The Castle Keep

Video

Guide Prices

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Public Transport Directions

On Foot

Bus

Train

Opening Times

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What's Nearby

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