Just a few minutes walk from Guildford High Street stands Guildford Castle tower keep, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The imposing stone tower keep of Guildford Castle was the subject of major conservation work in 2003, costing almost £3/4 million. Major discoveries were made, including the fact that the keep was built in two phases. The conservation works revealed early 12th century crenellations at a lower level in the keep wall than its full height.
Henry III made it one of the most luxurious royal residences in England but in later years the castle was allowed to fall into disrepair.
The keep is open to the public at certain times and one can climb to the top to gain magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as well as entering into the first floor chamber for the first time in centuries!
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Admission |
- Gardens open all year round sunrise to sunset
- Castle:
- January and February - closed
- March - Saturday and Sunday only
- April to September, 10am - 5pm everyday
- October - Saturday and Sunday only (open 11am - 5pm everyday during October half term)
- November and December - closed
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Tours
Guides available from 09.30 - 16.30 (A charge is made for a group guided tour). Group tours should be booked in advance by contacting the Visits Secretary.
Time
Allow 1-1 1/2 hours for keep and gardens visit.
Educational visits
Contact Mary Alexander at Guildford Museum on 01483 444750.
Coach parking
Bedford Road Coach Bays or Guildford Park Road Coach Park (half a mile). Drop off outside Guildford Museum in Quarry Street.