Farnham Castle
Farnham Castle was built in 12th Century and has been an important meeting place for the Kings and Queens of England.
- Farnham Castle
- Castle Keep Ruins © David Sheppard A&FCC
- Farnham Castle Gardens © Michele Sheppard - A&FCC
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 many of the kings and queens of England.
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 International Briefing and Conference Centre and the Castle Keep is managed on behalf of English Heritage.
Visit Farnham Castle
Local guides, who have extensive knowledge of the history of Farnham Castle, provide tours of the Bishop's Palace.
The Bishop's Palace
The Palace is open to the public at the following times:
Wednesday 2pm until 4pm (all year except Christmas week)
Adults: £3.50
Children (5-15 years) and concessions: £2.50
Family (2 adults + up to 4 children under 16 years): £10
Group tours can be arranged. Groups of 10 or more: £2.50 each
Tours last approximately 1 hour
An Audio Tour is available on the Farnham Castle website
The Keep
Open from 23rd February - 23rd December 2011.
• Monday to Friday 9am until 5 pm
• Saturday & Sunday 10am until 4pm
Entrance is FREE
An Audio Tour is available on the Farnham Castle website
900 Years of Living History Exhibition
This unique exhibition portrays the evolution of the Farnham Castle site over the last 900 years. It has been created by an association of the University of Creative Arts in Farnham and Farnham Castle to tell the fascinating story through displays of design and craftsmanship of UCA staff and students.
Open from 23rd February - 23rd December 2011.
• Monday to Friday 9am until 5 pm
• Saturday & Sunday 10am until 4pm
Entrance is FREE
Accessibility
Palace Building: Steps down to main entrance. Alternative access via assisted ramp entrance (please give advance notice). Severely limited access inside building due to numerous staircases
Palace Ground floor: Accessible
Grounds: Partially accessible - coarse gravel, grass and hard areas
Keep: Limited access due to steep steps. Audio introduction available in lobby
Exhibition: Interior displays accessible - entrance via heavy door may require assistance
Parking: 95 parking spaces, 1 disabled space
WC: Adapted WCs available in Palace and Keep
Full details available at www.farnhamcastle.com
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