Explore our local history from the age of prehistoric man to modern life and times. Discover more about famous people connected with Guildford and Surrey. Including garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and author Lewis Carroll. Enjoy our unique collection of needlework and toys. As well as free displays and exhibitions, we have a programme of events and activities for all ages.
We are open Wednesday to Saturdays 12noon to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm).
Secret Agent Hub
Date: Saturday 10 February until Saturday 6 July
Have you got what it takes to be a secret agent?
The Secret Agent Hub is full of family friendly activities to practise your spy skills, just like those used by SOE agents featured in our Secret Guildford exhibition.
Join Agent Dash Hound to
read and send secret messages using Morse Code and Slidex
design an everyday object that hides a secret message, map or gadget
disguise yourself so the enemy won't recognise you
design a camouflage outfit for a secret agent parachuting into enemy land
Secret Agent Hub - competition!
Date: Until Saturday 22 June
Can you design an everyday object which conceals something a secret agent would need?
Design and submit your entry at the welcome desk during opening hours. Prizes include spy-themed books and a book token from the Secret World War II Learning Network. Winners must collect prizes from the museum.
Suitable for ages between 7 and 12.
From a Garrison to a Garden
Dates: 27 April to 14 September 2024
Free
Discover stories of Guildford Castle. From Norman fortress, to surviving medieval tower surrounded by glorious gardens. The exhibition tells the story of the Castle Gardens too, with a crafted garden at the centre of the display.
Design a flowerbed
Take inspiration from the photos of flowerbeds in the Castle Grounds to design your very own flowerbed. Will your design commemorate a special event? 80 years since D-Day? The Olympics and Paralympics in Paris? Or perhaps your birthday?
Hand your design in at the Welcome Desk and they will add it to the display, or you can take it home with you.
Colour in a flower to display on our collage wall
Design and create a coloured flower to bring to life our crafted flower display. Hand your flower to the Welcome Desk to get a sticky pad to add it to the collage wall.
Soldiers of Surrey: A display from the Surrey Infantry Collection
Dates: available during opening hours
Free entry
June 6, 2024, is the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Surrey Infantry Collection display D-Day +80 commemorates this anniversary of the Normandy landings. Explore the role of Surrey men in the Allied D-Day landings through personal artifacts and technical objects.
Image courtesy of the Surrey Infantry Collection
On the Trail of Guildford's History
Be a history detective! Search Guildford Museum, Quarry Street and Guildford Castle Grounds to find clues which tell us about the past.
A Tale of Two Torches: Austin Playfoot and the London Olympic Games
Date:From Saturday 20 July 2024
Marking the Paris 2024 Olympics, see the torches carried by Elstead's Austin who carried the Olympic torch in both the 1948 and 2012 London Games. See both of Austin's torches, carried in Guildford and Surrey on display, along with photographs and memorabilia from both Olympic Games.
You can also join in our Olympic Torch Family Fun activities. See details below:
A Tale of Two Torches: Austin Playfoot and the London Olympic Games
Date:From Saturday 20 July 2024
Olympics Craft and Storytime Family Fun!
Date: Thursday 25 July
Times: 10.30am until 11.15am
Free, donations welcome.
Join in the fun of the Olympics with stories and the chance to make an Olympic relay torch. No need to book, places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Suitable for ages 2+
Relaxed opening: A Tale of Two Torches
Date: Thursday 1 August
Time: 10.30am until 11.30am
Free, donations welcome.
For our first relaxed opening, come and enjoy the museum outside of normal opening hours. You'll have a chance to hold a London Olympics relay torch from either 1948 or 2012.
You can also make your own Olympic torch to take home in a fun craft activity.
Relaxed openings are aimed at families with children who have an autism spectrum condition or any other sensory needs.
If you have any specific questions or access requirements please get in touch and ask for the Access, Learning and Engagement team.
Olympic Torch Family Fun Drop-in!
Dates: Thursday 1 August and Saturday 17 August
Time: 12.30pm until 2.30pm
Free, donations welcome.
Hold Austin Playfoot's 1948 or 2012 Olympic torch and take a selfie at our "A Tale of Two Torches" display. Make your own Olympic torch craft to take home.
Suitable for ages 5+
Olympics Craft and Storytime Family Fun!
Date: Tuesday 6 August
Times: 10.30am until 11.15am
Location: Guildford Library
Free, donations welcome.
Enjoy Olympic stories and make an Olympic relay torch. No booking required, first-come-first-served.
Suitable for ages 2+
Be a Knight Family Fun Drop-in!
Dates: Wednesday 21 August
Time: 12.30pm until 2.30pm
Free, donations welcome.
Inspired by our display From a Garrison to a Garden, make a knights helmet and a shield decorated with your own coat of arms.
