Guildford has been shaped by its position at a cross-roads of important routes and by its proximity to London, 33 miles to the north-east. It is situated in a gap in the North Downs where the River Wey cuts through the hills. Since prehistoric times the downs have provided an easy east-west route above the…
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is a national event held every September. With 2500 participants it is the country’s largest history festival and started in 1994. Properties from historic buildings to modern offices are opened to the public free of charge. Over the years it has developed with talks, walks and living history displays. Guildford’s contribution has…
Guildford Museum Project – Latest News
This is the latest news on the Guildford Museum Project. It was last discussed at the full council on 8th October 2019 where councillors authorised the funding to allow the project to continue. What is purpose behind the project? The aim is to create a museum that enhances Guildford’s reputation as a great place to…
Heritage Attractions
Guildford is famous for its historic high street paved with stone setts and its unique town clock overhanging the roadway. Five minutes walk from the high street is the finest Norman Castle in the county set in a beautifully preserved award winning municipal park. The high street, with its views ofo the north downs contains…
Guildford Castle
Read report on the Interpretation of Guildford Castle Guildford Castle is not your typical Hollywood fortress with battlements, turrets and draw bridges. The Victorians turned it into an attractive ornamental ruin set in a pristine municipal park. It was not until 2004 that displays were put in the castle to illustrate its history. We now…
Guildford Museum – history
Guildford Museum opened in 1898. It was an age of a social improvement when services we now take for granted were being introduced. These included state schools, hospitals, swimming baths, public parks, libraries and, of course, museums. Guildford Borough Council wanted to put itself on the map as a modern borough. In 1885 it purchased…
About Us
The Guildford Heritage Forum brings together groups and individuals to share information, discuss local heritage issues and, when necessary, speak with one voice. In particular we are following the Guildford Museum Project due for completion towards the middle of the next decade. Members also organise the annual Heritage Open Weekend each September in conjunction with…
Chilworth Gunpowder Mills and West Lodge
West Lodge is part of the Chilworth Gunpower Mills Scheduled Monument. (Click here for more information). It stands at the entrance to an enchanting tree lined walk owned and run by Guildford Borough Council. The delightful walk goes past a fish pond with weeping willows, along a trickling stream and joins in with the North…
West Lodge – should it be sold?
Should the Council sell West Lodge at the entrance to the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills Woodland Walk? If it does what will be the impact on the natural and cultural heritage of the site? Why we should care? The ruins of the gunpowder mills may not be as spectacular as Guildford Castle but that does not mean they are unimportant. In fact,…
Will Burchatt’s Farm return to community use?
Burchatt’s Farm is owned by Guildford Borough Council. It is next to Guildford Model Engineering at the north-east end of Stoke Park and was for many years a popular venue for weddings and community events. The last Council closed it to the public in 2017 and wanted to let it. This involved a change in…