If you have a question about registering to vote or arranging a postal or proxy vote for the upcoming Ash Neighbourhood Planning Referendum, please call the Electoral Services Team on 07748 886624. Please note: this number is only for questions relating to voting at this referendum. The team answering cannot assist with any other matters.
Guildford Museum is a free family-friendly museum located in a range of historic buildings beside Guildford Castle Grounds. Discover fascinating objects from Guildford and the surrounding area, from prehistoric times to the present day, alongside a programme of changing exhibitions.
Younger visitors can explore the museum with activity trail sheets and enjoy hands-on fun in the Scullery Playroom. The museum is also home to an outstanding collection of textiles, offering a unique insight into local craftsmanship, fashion and design through the centuries.
History of Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum is formed of four main buildings, with various smaller additions. These buildings are Castle Arch House, 48 Quarry Street, the gallery extension and the Muniment Room. These buildings date back from the mid-16th century to the 1920s.
Castle Arch House is partly built using the walls from the gatehouse to the castle. The sheriff of Guildford Castle built the gatehouse in 1256. You can still see the remains of the arch that was part of the gateway.
The museum buildings have had various uses over the years. Castle Arch House was a high-class family home but was later split into five cottages. For many years, a girls' school used 48 Quarry Street and where the Muniment Room was once a garage.
Image One: Watercolour of Museum front by Henry James Sage (1868 - 1953). Image Two: Opening of new museum building 1911.
Changing Exhibitions
Gertrude Jekyll in Surrey: Artist. Gardener. Collector
Saturday 25 April until Saturday 24 October 2026 Discover more about the remarkable life of Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932), the famous local who became well renowned not just for her garden designs, but for her writing, and for being an artist, craftswoman, photographer, and a collector! She lived most of her life in Surrey and adored its countryside and rural ways of life, creating a collection of objects from rural cottage life.
Encore! Guildford's Theatre Stories
Saturday 14 November until Saturday 17 April 2027 Glimpse behind the curtain in a brand-new exhibition exploring Guildford's rich theatre heritage. Uncover stories of local theatres, performances, and the many people whose creativity and expertise bring productions to life, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Festive Opening Hours
You can check for the opening hours during the Christmas period here:
