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Guildford celebrates Heritage Open Days

Guildford House Heritage Open Day

England's largest community festival of history and culture returns to Guildford Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September. Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), discover hidden treasures on your doorstep.  

The annual Heritage Open Days festival offers everyone the chance to have fun, learn and explore our stunning borough for free. 

  • discover the beautiful architecture of our historic High Street
  • tour Guildford Museum's remarkable buildings dating back to 1256
  • explore the magnificent, Jacobean, grade 1 listed, Abbots Hospital
  • marvel in the splendour of the grade 1, late 16th century Guildford Grammar School. Vvisit the chained library or Tudor schoolroom
  • why not take part in the free family trail on Saturday around the town centre
  • 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
  • take a trip to the beautiful setting of Albury and the Saxon Church or dozens of others across the borough

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. 

Lead Councillor for Commercial Services, Cllr Catherine Houston 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 
  • Friends of Guildford Museum.  

"Our borough is packed with history and culture. 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. Historic buildings to idyllic landscapes, vibrant parks to gardens, we really do have so much to explore. 

"Anyone that would like to take advantage of these wonderful Heritage Open Days events should plan ahead. Remember to book where needed and make a day out of visiting our fabulous town." 

Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 and has become the country's largest community heritage festival. We are proud to be a part of it. 

Find all the exciting information about the Guildford venues taking place including new events to be announced soon on the Heritage Open Days website (opens new window).