Farnham Castle
Farnham, Surrey, GU9 0AG
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
There is some parking for blue badge holders at the Castle (subject to availability) and the exhibition room is wheelchair-accessible. The Keep and Bishop’s Palace are both accessed by steps, some of which are steep and uneven.
Explore 900 years of history at Farnham Castle Keep and Bishop’s Palace. Located between the historically significant centres of London and Winchester, the castle was home to the Bishops of Winchester, host to royalty and a civil war military base.
Admire architectural gems including the Norman Keep, medieval great hall and the Tudor lodging range. Walk in the footsteps of Tudor and Stuart visitors to the castle including Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, Mary I, Elizabeth I and James I. Discover the story of Amy Anderson – the woman who saved the castle for future generations in the early twentieth century.
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided visit to the Castle Keep and exhibition room or a guided tour of the Bishop’s Palace.
Please note – due to repairs, the Castle Keep will be closed for much of 2025. Please check the Farnham Castle website for up to date information.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Farnham Castle offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors, focusing on its rich history and architectural significance.
Opening Times and Tours
The Bishop's Palace is open for guided tours most Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The last tour begins at 3:45 PM. Admission is £5 for adults, while students, under-18s, and members of Historic Houses can enter for free. Booking is not required; visitors can simply turn up.
The Exhibition Room is open every Wednesday afternoon and is free of charge to all visitors.
Unfortunately, the Castle Keep is currently closed due to safety concerns and is expected to remain closed until 2026.
Special Events
Farnham Castle participates in the Heritage Open Day, which in 2025 is scheduled for 21 September. On this day, self-guided tours are available.
Group and School Visits
Group tours for adults can be arranged for Wednesday afternoons, while school visits to the Keep and Exhibition Room can be scheduled on most weekdays. Additional storytelling sessions for children can also be arranged upon request.
Accessibility and Facilities
- Limited parking is available for Blue Badge holders.
- Due to the historic nature of the site, accessibility is limited, with steep and uneven stairs in some areas.
- Refreshments are not available on-site, but there are numerous options in the nearby town of Farnham.
Contact Information
For inquiries or to arrange group visits, email [email protected].
Additional Information
Farnham Castle is managed by the Farnham Castle Charity on behalf of the Church Commissioners for England. The charity aims to preserve the castle and its history for future generations.
Please note – due to repairs, the Castle Keep will be closed for much of 2025. Please check the Farnham Castle website for up to date information.
Castle Keep and Exhibition: free
Bishop’s Palace Tours: £5, free to Historic Houses members, students and under 18s
If you are interested in booking a group visit to the Castle Keep or Bishop’s Palace please email farnhamcastle1138.gmail.com with details of your group size and proposed visit date.
We welcome school and educational visits to the Castle Keep. We can provide a tour of the Keep to visiting school groups or can arrange for a story-teller to visit your school to talk about the history of the Castle (both free of charge).
To arrange a visit please email farnhamcastle1138.gmail.com and provide the following details: your name, school name, proposed visit date and contact details.
There is some parking for blue badge holders at the Castle (subject to availability) and the exhibition room is wheelchair-accessible. The Keep and Bishop’s Palace are both accessed by steps, some of which are steep and uneven.
Getting here
Farnham, Surrey, GU9 0AG
The Castle is located 0.5 miles from the centre of Farnham. Direct trains to Farnham leave London Waterloo every half hour. The castle may be accessed on foot via footpaths from the town, but please be advised the route is uphill and involves steps. Visitors travelling by car may park at Farnham Park, which is adjacent to the Castle.
There is parking for blue badge holders at the castle, subject to availability. Other visitors are welcome to park at neighbouring Farnham Park. There are also some car parks in Farnham town centre within half a mile.
