You are here: Things to Do > Guildford Castle and Grounds

Guildford Castle and Grounds

Type:Castle / Fort

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

Tel: +44 (0)1483 444751

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

2023 Castle Keep (27 July 2023 - 29 Oct 2023)
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

visitsurrey

Guildford, GuildfordGuildford - the historic and vibrant county town of Surrey.

What's Nearby

Guildford Museum

Guildford Museum is a beautiful 17C building, adjacent to the castle grounds, housing…

0.02 miles away
Guided Walks of Guildford

May - September - various dates and times. Booking recommended

0.05 miles away
The Undercroft

The medieval Undercroft on Guildford High Street is one of the finest examples in the…

0.1 miles away
The Ghost Tour of Guildford

Every Friday night from Good Friday until the end of November (and on October 31st) at 8pm

0.11 miles away

Guildford House Gallery

An exhibition gallery in a restored 17thC house of architectural interest. Temporary…

0.13 miles away
The Guildhall

A restored mainly Tudor/Stuart construction. There is a Court Room with 17thC panelling…

0.13 miles away
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is one of the country’s leading regional producing…

0.16 miles away
Abbot's Hospital

Tours available Thursdays and Fridays and the first Tuesday of each month at 11am

0.15 miles away
The Mill Studio

80 seated entertainment venue at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

0.18 miles away
Westnye Gardens Play Area

Westnye Gardens is where young children can experience adventure in a garden setting.

0.22 miles away
Electric Bikes Guildford

0.24 miles away
Allen House Grounds

Allen House Grounds is a hidden gem located in Guildford town centre.

0.28 miles away
Odeon Guildford

0.3 miles away
Guildford Harbour Spa

Guildford Harbour Spa is a luxurious and relaxing retreat within Guildford Harbour Hotel…

0.3 miles away
The Electric Theatre

The Electric Theatre is Guildford's local community theatre and is well known for its…

0.3 miles away
New House Art Space

0.34 miles away

Previous Next

Things to Do Attractions, Activities, Sports & Water Sports, Entertainment, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing,	What's On All Upcoming Events, Valentine's Day, Half Term Ideas, Spring Inspiration, Mother's Day , Easter , King's Coronation Celebrations, Surrey Day - 13 May 2023, Family Friendly events, Food & Drink events, Festivals, Fairs and Fetes, Markets & Shopping events, Music, Theatre, Film & Performance, Sport & Leisure events , SUBMIT EVENT,	Where To Stay Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Camping & Caravan Sites, Dog & Pet Friendly, Glamping, Business Friendly, Pubs & Inns, Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
Food & Drink Afternoon Tea, Restaurants, Pubs & Bistros, Local Produce, Farm Shops & Crafts, Exclusive use venues, Vineyards & Breweries, Cafes, Tea Rooms & Delis,	Ideas Practical Information for visiting with a group, Gardens in Surrey with a group, Surrey's Heritage and Houses with a group, Towns and villages with a group, Places to eat and stay in Surrey with a group, Get Active sports and countryside in Surrey, Surrey's Arts/Culture/ Museums with a group, Wedding Venues, Dog Friendly Surrey, Surrey Experience Days, Surrey Spas Hotels & Spa Days, Short Breaks, Guides to, Itineraries, Ideas for children's parties, Team Building and Corporate Events, Film & TV locations, Meeting & Conference Venues, Travel Articles & News, Special Offers, Weird & Wonderful,	Explore Our Regional Destinations, Countryside, History of Surrey, Our Towns, The Surrey Hills (AONB), Scenic Highlights, Our Villages, 7 of the best ways to enjoy Surrey,
Travel Tools Travel Information, Tourist Information Centre, Maps, FAQ's about Surrey, Sign Up For E-Newsletter, Medical Care,	About Visit Surrey Advertise With Us,	Visit Surrey Business Hub

Itinerary Planner

Follow Us...

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

Related

What's Nearby

Search What's Nearby

Follow Us...

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss