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 Opening Times and Visitor Information
Farnham Castle, a historic site with a rich history dating back over 900 years, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Bishop's Palace and learn about its significance. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and visitor information:
Guided Tours of the Bishop's Palace
- When: Most Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Last Tour: Starts at 3:45 PM.
- Admission: £5 for adults (18 and over). Free for members of Historic Houses, students, and individuals under 18 years of age.
- Booking: No prior booking is required; visitors can simply turn up.
Exhibition Room
- When: Open every day until 4:00 PM.
- Admission: Free of charge.
Castle Keep
- Status: Currently closed due to safety concerns and awaiting masonry repairs.
- Expected Reopening: Unlikely to reopen until 2026.
Additional Information
- Accessibility: Limited parking is available for Blue Badge holders. Due to the nature of the site, access to some areas may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
- Refreshments: Not available on-site, but there are numerous cafes and restaurants in Farnham.
- Pets: Dogs are not permitted inside the Bishop's Palace.
Group and School Visits
- Adult Groups: Tours of the Bishop's Palace can be arranged for Wednesday afternoons.
- School Visits: Visits to the Keep and Exhibition Room can be arranged for most weekdays. Storytellers can be provided upon request.
For further details or to arrange a visit, contact Farnham Castle via email at [email protected].
Location and Transport
- Address: Castle Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 0AG.
- Public Transport: Farnham Castle is approximately a 15-minute walk from Farnham Railway Station, which has regular services to and from London Waterloo.
Visitors are encouraged to check for updates regarding opening times and accessibility before planning their visit.
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.
