Heritage Open Days

Guildford's Heritage Open Days has one of the biggest number of activities and events in the UK, giving visitors the opportunity to explore Guildford's fantastic architecture and culture.

The event allows visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Heritage Open Days also includes guided tours, activities, talks and exhibitions, focusing on local architecture and culture so there is always plenty to see and do.

Nationally the event in 2018 took place over two weekends 6 to 9 and 13 to 16 September with organisers choosing to open on one or both weekends. This year the festival in Guildford was held from 13 to 16 September and was sponsored by Thesis Asset Management.

Useful guides

Our event brochure [5.8MB] is available to download. A hard copy of the brochure was also available from the Tourist Information Centre, High Street, Guildford and from the Council Offices at Millmead.

Why not find out more about Effingham and download a copy of the Effingham Heritage Trail [2.03MB] and also The Bishop's Walk [1.32MB] which provides an opportunity to explore the area.

About Heritage Open Days

The event is coordinated locally by Guildford Borough Council, The Guildford Society and the Guildford Town Guides.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers.
Heritage Open Days is coordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from players of People's Postcode Lottery.

How you can get involved

If you own a property or represent an organisation within the borough and would like to get involved in future Heritage Open Days, we would love to hear from you. Alternatively if you would like to volunteer to help steward participating properties, please get in touch by emailing managementsupport@guildford.gov.uk.