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 

Open from Saturday 1st April until Saturday 28th October 2023

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! 

Guildford Castle will be open for visitors from Saturday 1st April until Saturday 28th October 2023. It provides an excellent opportunity to discover the history of our Norman Castle. Climb to the top of the Great Tower and you can experience stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Opening hours will be Wednesday to Saturday from 12noon to 4.30pm (last admission 4pm).

Entry fees for visiting the Castle are:

· Under 5's : Free

· Children: £2.30

· Adults: £3.90

· Family Tickets (two adults and two children): £11.40

Payment can now be made by Apple and Google Pay, as well as card and cash.

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

Visitors can also discover more about the history of Guildford and the surrounding area by visiting our Museum. A short walk away from the Castle, on Quarry Street, the Museum has the same opening hours as the Castle.

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.