Farnham Castle

The magnificent Castle overlooks the town. In 1138 Henry de Blois started building the Castle. It provided a fortification at the meeting of the highways and also hospitable accommodation for the Bishops of Winchester in frequent journey between his Cathedral and the capital.  

At the foot of the 12th Century Keep, more spacious and comfortable living quarters were gradually built. 

Mary Tudor stayed whilst on her way to marry Philip of Spain at Winchester Cathedral and Elizabeth the First visited the castle several times. Domestic buildings followed in the 13th century and today the castle is still a blend of the fortified and residential. 

From the 12th century until the 1920’s it was a residence; a palace of the Bishops of Winchester. Through the years, they entertained kings and queens. 

The castle saw little conflict but was the scene of fighting during the Civil Wars. 

After the Reformation, Bishop Morley restored the residential buildings, retaining the shell of the medieval structure but re-modelling the interior, particularly the Great Hall. 

The Diocese of Guildford was created out of the Diocese of Winchester in 1927 and buildings altered to make a residence for the Bishop of Guildford.  However, no bishop has lived at the castle since 1955.  

Today the residential part is occupied by Farnham Castle of International Briefing and Conference Centre and the Castle Keep is owned by English Heritage. 

Guided tours of the Bishop's Palace take place every Wednesday (except Christmas week) between 2pm and 4pm. Between April and August tours also take place on Friday at 2.30pm. Unfortunatley, the tours are not accessible to the disabled, due to stairs.

The Castle Keep is open on Fridays, Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays in May between 1pm and 5pm from 21st March - 30th September. A guided tour takes place on Sundays during August at 2.30pm.

More information on Farnham Castle is available from the Farnham Castle website or contact the Castle on 01252 721194.