Celebrate Guildford's culture, community and hidden history at Heritage Open Days 2025
Explore culture, community and hidden history at Heritage Open Days
You can explore Guildford's history and culture through an exciting programme of Heritage Open Days events.
Venues across the borough will host free activities for all the family from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
Guildford's Heritage Open Days programme includes:
- vintage bus rides
- a display of 13th and 14th Century life, including combat displays, leather work and crafts in the Castle Grounds
- pre-war Dennis vehicles and heritage fire engines in the High Street
- a new sculpture of the sun by artist Luke Jerram at National Trust Clandon Park
- entertainment and music from local groups including Guildford Jazz
- a talk at Guildford Institute to mark 120 years of the railway in the town
- tours of Guildford Cathedral, and church events in West Horsley, Shere, Albury, Shalford and Wanborough
- a chance to see inside the iconic Guildhall
- a celebration of 110 years of the Women's Institute
- tours of Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Mill Studio
- an opportunity to visit the trig point at Henley Fort
- the opening of buildings that are usually closed to the public, including the Royal Grammar School and Abbots Hospital
- The Little People children's trail of events around the town - collect the guide from our Tourist Information Centre.
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture.
Run by the National Trust, the celebration will bring together local organisations and volunteers to showcase the historic beauty of our borough.
To find out more about the programme of events in Guildford, visit the Heritage Open Days website or Visit Surrey.
Published on 27 August 2025.