Guildford Castle

Guildford Castle was built by William the Conqueror or one of his barons shortly after the 1066 Norman invasion, serving as a royal palace, prison, and private residence before the Guildford Corporation purchased it in 1885. The grounds feature an impressive 11th-century keep and are celebrated for vibrant seasonal floral displays, with attractions including a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass, a bowling green, and a war memorial. Visitors can climb the Great Tower for panoramic views of historic Guildford, explore open-air theatre productions during summer months, and enjoy regular concerts and music performances. The castle grounds blend military heritage with horticultural beauty, creating a family-friendly destination where history and botany flourish equally.