Heritage Open Days – Your Chance to See Behind the Scenes or Gain Free Entry

Published on: 1 Sep, 2012
Updated on: 5 Sep, 2012

Guildford’s iconic Guildhall

By Flora Windebank

You have probably walked down Guildford High Street countless times but what about Guildford behind the scenes? Have you visited the Royal Grammar Schools rare chained library or explored inside George Abbot’s hospital? Perhaps you have never even stepped inside Guildford’s iconic High Street building The Guildhall? Well now is your chance.

Local architecture, history and art will all be celebrated, once again next week as part of ‘Heritage Open Days’. From the 6th to the 9th September, many historical buildings, churches, walks and exhibitions which are either closed to the public or charge an entry fee, will open their doors free of charge.

Clandon House

Some of the exciting places which will be opened to the public are: the historic Royal Grammar School, the Guildhall, the Hogs Back Brewery, the Abbots Hospital and Clandon House.

As well as historic buildings, the open days will also include talks, guided walks, theatre tours and workshops. The full list includes over 120 heritage sites and the brochure, which includes details of them all, can be downloaded here. Be warned, some events do require bookings.

The event, organised locally by Guildford Borough Council, The Guildford Society and the Guildford Town Guides, is part of a national program in which Guildford can boast one of the largest number of heritage sites on offer.

Cllr Jen Powell, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, says: “Heritage Open Days offer a great chance to take a look behind closed doors and see the hidden history of our borough. This year’s programme is more varied than ever, so there’s sure to be something new to discover!”

Visitors are taken on a Theatre tour of ‘G Live’

With special events also included for children, such as a ‘children’s drop in craft activities’ workshop in White Lion Walk, the Open Days seem to have something for everyone to explore and are a perfect way to round off the summer.