Guildford Castle and Grounds

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 is currently closed.