Take Advantage of Guildford’s Heritage Open Days

Published on: 8 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 10 Sep, 2024

Guildford High Street

The borough council is encouraging residents to discover the beautiful architecture of our historic High Street. Tour Guildford Museum’s remarkable buildings dating back to 1256. Explore the magnificent, Jacobean, Grade I listed, Abbots Hospital. Marvel in the splendour of the Grade I, late 16th century Guildford Grammar School and visit the chained library or Tudor schoolroom; or why not take part in the free family trail on Saturday around the town centre.

Early morning: the golden sun lights up the entrance to the Grade I listed Abbot’s Hospital in the High Street. Have you ever been in?

Alternatively, you could delve deep underneath Guildford Cathedral to see its original chapel, visit the 14th Century Great Barn of Wanborough, one of the oldest timber structures in South East England, or take a trip to the beautiful setting of Albury and the Saxon Church or dozens of others across the borough.

England’s largest community festival of history and culture returns to Guildford from Friday, 13 to Sunday, 15 September. Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), it allows everyone to discover hidden treasures on our doorsteps and celebrate Guildford borough’s heritage.

The annual Heritage Open Days festival offers everyone the chance to have fun, learn and explore our stunning, historic borough for free. But be aware due to space, some venues and events may need to be pre-booked.

All the locations with events over the Heritage Open Days weekend offer free entry. Many of these locations allow free access to areas usually closed to the public.

Cllr Catherine Houston

Lead councillor for Commercial Services Catherine Houston (Lib Dem, Shalford) said: “I am very grateful that Heritage Open Days weekend has the support of so many enthusiastic volunteers including the Guildford Society, Guildford Heritage Forum, Guildford Town Guides and Friends of Guildford Museum.

“Our borough is packed with history and culture, and I’m delighted that with their support we can showcase so much of it.

“We know how much people love to visit Guildford. Our borough offers so much to visitors and residents. From Historic buildings to idyllic landscapes, vibrant parks to gardens, we really do have so much to explore.

“Anyone wishing to take advantage of these wonderful Heritage Open Days events should plan ahead, book where needed and make a day out of visiting our fabulous town.”

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days has become the country’s largest community heritage festival.

Find all the exciting information about the Guildford venues taking place including some new events to be announced soon at the Heritage Open Days website.