Guildford Guildhall

The Guildhall is a 16th century building of great historic interest. It was formerly a courtroom and council chamber. It is still a thriving part of the local community. The ground floor is of Tudor origin. It has beautifully preserved panelling. The guildhall houses the civic plate and many rare items. The front of the building is dominated by a magnificent and iconic bracket clock made in 1683.

The Guildhall is used for civic functions and is also available to hire.

Guildhall address is:

131 High Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3AA

Guildhall public opening

Date: Every Tuesday from 6 May until 26 August 10am until 2pm

Discover the hidden treasures of this iconic building during one of our public open days. Stewards will be on hand to bring to life the history of the Guildhall and share stories of its historic past.

Coffee Time Talks programme

Our monthly programme of Coffee Time Talks take place in the Guildhall and cover a range of topics from local speakers.

Date: The first Thursday of the month (all events are listed below)

Time: 10.30am for coffee, 11am for the talk (for up to one hour)

Price: Free, suggested donation £2 per person

Prebooking required: email heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk or phone 01483 444751 to book. 

The Red Rover Stagecoach 

Date: Thursday 5 June 

In the heyday of horse-drawn coaches in the 1800s, the Red Rover Stagecoach travelled daily from London to Southampton, changing horses at a network of coaching inns. When residents in Normandy told John Squier they remembered seeing the coach in the 1950s, he had to find out more. 

Henry Peak

Date: Thursday 11 September

To mark the architectural theme of Heritage Open Days 2025 our speaker will delve into the life and works of Henry Peak. He did more to shape Guildford in the second half of the 19th century than any other person. Peak was the first Borough Surveyor at a time when the Corporation needed to improve public facilities for the town's growing population and his legacy is still with us today.