Why not take time during your visit to Barnett Hill Hotel to dive into a bit of local history? 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. Discover the beautifully maintained gardens and stunning floral displays in Guildford Castle’s grounds and explore the history behind the medieval castle.

Although there are no documents about the early years of Guildford Castle, it is almost certain that it was built shortly after the Norman conquest of 1066. William the Conqueror built castles in all the important towns to prevent rebellions and to strengthen his hold on the country. Guildford was therefore an obvious site as it was on an important route from London to the South Coast and the West of England.

In 1888 the tower and other walls were restored, and the grounds were opened to the public as pleasure gardens. In 2003-2004 The Great Tower was conserved and the original crenellations and other features were discovered. A display detailing the history of the castle was also installed. The Great Tower contains a model of the original castle in about 1300 and interpretation panels trace the tower’s history to the present day.

With plenty to see and do at Guildford Castle, it is certainly worth a visit. You can even take your perfect pooch with you for a sniff (just be sure to keep them on lead!)