Guildford Castle
Surrey, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Guildford Borough Council
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Guildford, 0.4 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX
Telephone 01483 444751
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 12:00 – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
What survives is really just the keep - once a royal fortress and later a common gaol - set in flower-filled gardens right in the centre of Guildford. The grounds are free and open till early evening, while the keep itself is ticketed and only open Wednesday to Saturday.
Worth the trip
The view from the keep over Guildford, reached via ramps to the middle level - reviewers call it one of the best accessible viewpoints in the town.
Before you go
If you want to go inside the keep, check the day of the week first - it's only ticketed Wednesday to Saturday, while the gardens around it are free and open daily until around 7.20pm.
Reviewers consistently enjoy the compact, well-maintained castle grounds and gardens in the middle of town, praising the accessible ramps and the views over Guildford from the keep. One visitor found the tower itself closed on their visit, and a few note it's worth checking the gate closing times before going.
Free grounds; keep ticketed Wed-Sat
“Beautiful castle grounds, especially as the spring has arrived. The grounds are free to enter; however take note of the times at which the gates close. The area is very well kept, and makes for a relaxing walk. Enjoy…”- P Purkayastha, visitor review
Common questions about Guildford Castle
Where is Guildford Castle?
Guildford Castle is in Surrey, England, at Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX.
Do you need a ticket to visit Guildford Castle?
Yes - Guildford Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Guildford Borough Council. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Guildford Castle?
The view from the keep over Guildford, reached via ramps to the middle level - reviewers call it one of the best accessible viewpoints in the town.
Is Guildford Castle a ruin or still intact?
Guildford Castle is a partial ruin - Free grounds; keep ticketed Wed-Sat.
