Free Visits To Guildford’s Heritage Sites Over This Weekend’s Festival

Published on: 13 Sep, 2019
Updated on: 15 Sep, 2019

Visitors explore George Abbot Hospital at the top of Guildford High Street, during a previous Heritage Open Day.

Historic buildings, idyllic landscapes and vibrant parks and gardens across Guildford, are open to all free of charge from today (September 13) until Sunday the 15th as part of the annual Heritage Open Days celebration, now in its 25th year.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture allowing everyone a chance to explore hidden places and learn about local architecture and culture, co-ordinated by The National Trust. And for the first time in the festival’s history, it will last 10 consecutive days; September 13 till 22, with organisers choosing when to participate. If you want to explore the heritage in the surrounding area take a look at www.heritageopendays.org.uk which provides a national event directory.

Cllr James Steel

GBC Cllr James Steel (Lib Dem, Westborough), lead for Leisure, Heritage and Tourism, said: “Heritage Open Days are a great free opportunity to enjoy Guildford’s rich history and architecture.

“It’s a chance for all the family to learn and experience some fantastic buildings and outdoor spaces which you may not have visited before. We have so many beautiful venues in our borough from castles to cathedrals, you’ll be spoilt for choice.”

More than 80 events and venues across the borough will be open to all-comers, including, the Guildhall, Guildford Castle, Guildford Cathedral, the Great Barn in Wanborough and the Guildford House Gallery, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and to mark that are currently running “The People and Place” exhibition until September 22.

Included is a series of six individual mini displays based on a portrait or landscape (including some from the town’s most famous portrait artist John Russell RA) and telling a story often with a local link. The exhibition also contains wonderful objects from the Guildford Collections.

Cllr Steel added: “There are also plenty of excellent guided tours, walks, talks and activities on offer. There’s something for everyone.”

Copies of the event brochure are available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre in the High Street or online at www.guildford.gov.uk/heritageopendays The event is co-ordinated by Guildford Borough Council, The Guildford Society and Guildford Town Guides and supported by Sanlam and Visit Guildford (Heritage).

If you would like to find out more, please visit: www.guildford.gov.uk/visitguildford/HOD19 and www.guildford.gov.uk/heritageopendays