Get involved in Guildford's Heritage Open Days celebration

Venues and groups across Guildford borough are invited to take part in a national celebration of heritage and culture this Autumn.

Heritage Open Days, run by the National Trust, will take place in September. Guildford will celebrate with a programme of exciting events from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September, and we're encouraging new venues and groups to get involved.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, says:

"Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture. The celebration will bring together local organisations and volunteers to showcase the inclusive culture and historic beauty of our borough.

"Sign up now to secure your place in this years' festival, attract new visitors to your venue or event, and join the amazing network of Heritage Open Day organisers across the country."

The theme of Heritage Open Days 2025 is Architecture. Your venue or event doesn't need to be big or fancy, or boast famous connections, it just needs to meet these conditions:

• Admission from entrance to exit must be free of charge.
• You must offer something special - you could feature a venue that isn't usually open to the public, launch a new event or online activity, offer free entry when you usually charge, or work with others to celebrate local art, music, culture or history.

Your venue or event can be anywhere in Guildford borough, and doesn't have to be open for the full weekend.

By signing up to take part in Heritage Open Days, you'll also benefit from:

• a social media training session
• a Getting Good Press webinar
• inclusion in event promotional materials, listings and online information.

Guildford's Heritage Open Days programme already includes:

• vintage bus rides to events around the borough
• heritage vehicles and Victorian strollers in the town centre
• re-enactments in the Castle Grounds
• events and activities in the Council's heritage attractions
• entertainment and music from local groups including Guildford Jazz
• an event to mark 120 years of the Railway in Guildford
• guided tours
• the opening of buildings that are usually closed to the public, including the Royal Grammar School and Abbots Hospital
• a children's trail of events around the town - find out facts you never knew!

To find out more, or to register your venue or event, visit the Heritage Open Days website. Registration will close on Thursday 14 August.

Published on 23 June 2025.