England’s largest community festival of history and culture returns to Guildford from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September 2024. It allows everyone a chance to explore hidden places and learn about local architecture and culture for free. During this time around 70 locations and events will be available across the borough offering free entry over the Heritage Open Days weekend. Many of these allow free access to areas usually closed to the public, including Guildford Castle. The festival is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF),
This programme of events offers something for everyone including:
- walks and talks by the award winning Guildford Town Guides
- museums and churches
- educational institutions
- galleries
- historic buildings
- a free family trail in town
The annual Heritage Open Days festival offers everyone the chance to have fun, learn and explore our stunning, historic 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 and visit the chained library or Tudor schoolroom. Or 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. Or 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.
How to find out what’s on
To see a complete list of events visit heritigateopendays.org.
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 and Friends of Guildford Museum. Our borough is packed with history and culture, and 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. From Historic buildings to idyllic landscapes, vibrant parks to gardens, we really do have so much to explore.
“Anyone wishing to take advantage of these wonderful Heritage Open Days events should plan ahead, book where needed and make a day out of visiting our fabulous town.”
Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days has become the country’s largest community heritage festival. To find all the exciting information about the Guildford venues taking place including some new events to be announced soon at the Heritage Open Days website.