What to do and see in Guildford, England: The Best Historic Sites

The National Trust property at Clandon Park (Surrey) comprises the historic house and its formal gardens. The mansion was built by a Venetian architect for the Onslow family in the 1730s and was one of the country’s most complete examples of English Palladianism. In April 2015 a fire broke out causing significant damage, effectively leaving the house a shell. The National Trust has announced one of its largest projects in a generation to restore, reimagine and rebuild Clandon Park. Sharing our progress since the fire has been really important to us and you can visit Clandon Park from April to October, following two purpose-built walkways into the ground floor, including the spectacular Marble Hall, and the basement spaces, giving you a unique view of the incredible structure. The small four acre garden is also accessible. The wider Clandon Park estate is privately owned and managed by the Onslow family.

Visit Guildford Castle and head to the top of the Great Tower for a 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Inside you'll find a model of the original castle circa 1300, and interpretation panels tracing its history to the present day. Opening times: April to Sept: 10am to 5pm daily (last admission 4.30pm). Oct and March: Saturdays and Sundays only, 11am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). Castle Grounds are free to visit and open all year from 8am to dusk. The gardens feature spring and summer bedding displays, unique each year, Victorian bandstand and passageways, pond, 17th century bowls green and Alice Garden. Bands play each Sunday in summer 2pm to 4pm. The Gardens have been awarded a Green Flag Award.

LOSELEY PARK ( GARDENS ONLY) IS OPEN FROM MONDAY'S TO THURSDAYS- 10-5PM UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2020 . Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park stands in ancient Surrey Parkland close to the North Downs yet within reach of London. Still the home of the More-Molyneux family, it is remarkably unchanged since 1562 when Sir William More laid the first stones, and remains, as he intended, a place of calm, grace and subtle beauty. From the house itself, where the intricate panelling in the Great Hall was once in Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace; to the Tithe Barn with its ancient oak beams; to the elegant and restful walled garden, Loseley Park is sought after for civil weddings, corporate events, and as a location for films such as Sense and Sensibility. But it’s also a place to visit, to enjoy the grounds, the garden and house, and relax in one of England’s friendliest historic homes. ‘Invidiae claudor, pateo sed semper amico’ Shut to envy, but always open to a friend.

Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Frances. Since then it has housed wealthy families, a finishing school for girls and even a printing press. It is still a family home, containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture. Also on display is the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers including JC Bach, Chopin and Elgar. The house is open on four afternoons a week, between April and October. The 400 acres of rolling parkland and woodland is one of the largest country estates in the area. Full of seasonal colour, it is open to visitors throughout the year. You can follow waymarked walks, discover areas of the garden partly landscaped by Humphry Repton or bring the family to experience the natural adventure area for children. The Kitchen Cafe, dog-friendly Coach House cafe, gift shop and second hand bookshop can be found in the courtyard.