CastlesHistory and heritageGardens

Guildford Castle and Grounds

Guildford, Guildford

Paths and flower beds in the Guildford Castle grounds

Photo: Serenapaliria, CC BY-SA 4.0

The keep of the Norman castle stands on its mound in the middle of Guildford, surrounded by award-winning gardens that are free to wander. When the keep is open you can climb to the top of the tower for views across the town and the Surrey countryside.

Highlights

Norman keep with a roof-top view over Guildford
Castle Grounds and Castle Cliffe Gardens, a Green Flag park
Halloween event in the keep from 14 to 31 October
Guildford Museum next door

Good to know

The keep is seasonal, so check the council page before planning a visit inside
The grounds are a free, central stop for families

Getting there

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Guildford Castle and Grounds, Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3UWParking: The nearest car park is Castle car park. Guildford station is about a 15-minute walk away.

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Checked on 19 October 2026 against guildford.gov.uk, guildford.gov.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check

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Where: Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3UW
Price: Free. The Castle Grounds and Castle Cliffe Gardens are free. Castle Keep: adult £5, child £2.50, family (two adults, up to three children) £12, under 5s free.
Opening: The grounds open by 9am all year and close at 7.30pm in summer and 5pm in winter. The keep has closed for the season but opens for a Halloween event from 14 to 31 October, Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 4.30pm (last admission 4pm). The 2027 reopening date has not been published yet.
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Parking: The nearest car park is Castle car park. Guildford station is about a 15-minute walk away.
Access: Most of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, but there are steps and steep slopes, particularly around the keep. The council publishes an access guide.

Visit the official website Directions

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What's on at Guildford Castle and Grounds

Guildford High Street with the Guildhall clock

Photo of Guildford: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

14 Oct to 31 Oct

HalloweenGuildford

Half-term hauntings at Guildford Castle

Guildford Borough Council dresses the castle keep for Halloween before it closes for winter. Families can follow a ghost hunt, hear spooky stories and do Halloween colouring inside the medieval keep.

From £2.50Directions

Photo of Guildford: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

14 Nov to 1 Jan

Christmas lightsGuildford

Illuminate: Guildford Castle winter light trail

A 30 to 40 minute light trail around the grounds of Guildford Castle in the town centre, with a new route and new installations for 2026. It suits young families, with hot drinks at the bandstand and marshmallow toasting pits.

Tickets are sold online for timed sessions; check prices on the Illuminate website.Directions

More things to do in Guildford

Nearby

Photo of Guildford: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

MuseumsGuildford · under 1 km

Guildford Museum

A free museum in a run of historic buildings beside the Castle Grounds, partly built into the walls of the castle gatehouse of 1256. It covers Guildford and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to today, with a fine textile collection and changing exhibitions.

FreeDirections

The entrance canopy of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Photo: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

Pantomime and theatreGuildford · under 1 km

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Guildford's main producing theatre, on the bank of the River Wey about seven minutes' walk from the station, staging drama, musicals, comedy and dance. Its family pantomime is one of the biggest Christmas outings in the town.

Prices vary by show. Pantomime tickets from £15, with babes in arms (under 2) free.Directions

Photo of Guildford: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

Arts and cultureGuildford · under 1 km

Guildford House Gallery

A 17th-century Grade I listed town house on Guildford High Street, opposite Sainsbury's, now a free gallery with changing exhibitions. It is also home to the town's Tourist Information Centre and a craft shop.

FreeDirections