Site Closed
Farnham Castle Keep is currently closed, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused, we hope to have it open soon. Waverley Abbey is open, a beautiful and peaceful ruined Cistercian monastery, it is a short drive from Farnham Castle. Waverley Abbey House, across the stone bridge has a café serving hot and cold drinks, with wonderful views of the Abbey
Free Entry
Standing on the crest of a hill overlooking the town of Farnham are the impressive motte and 'shell keep' of a castle founded in 1138 by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester and brother of King Stephen. In medieval times the diocese of Winchester was the richest in England, and Farnham was a favourite residence of the bishops. The castle was rebuilt in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, but a viewing platform reveals the buried remains of an earlier tower.
For information about visiting the Castle Keep and for tours visit Farnham Castle Trust
Overlooking the beautiful, historic town of Farnham, on the Surrey/Hampshire border, The Castle keep is on the site of an award winning venue for Weddings, Private Hire, Meetings and Events. For information and contact details see Farnham Castle Events website
Other parts of the wider site are privately owned.
Before You Go
Parking: 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.
Opening Times: The keep is open daily from February to Christmas Eve from 9am to 5pm, or dusk if earlier, on weekdays, and from 10am to 4pm at weekends and on bank holidays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Closed between 25 December and 31 January. See details.
Access: The keep is accessed by steep flights of uneven steps but wheelchair access is possible to an exhibition about the castle.
Facilities: There are toilets at the castle, including some with wheelchair access. There are no other facilites but Farnham town centre is a 1/2-mile walk downhill from the castle, and has a range of shops, and places to eat and drink.
Exhibition: There is an free exhibition of the 900 years of Farnham Castle history located close to the keep entrance.
Guided tours: Tours of the Bishop's Palace are available for an additional fee on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm, with the last tour starting at 3.30pm.For details and to arrange a tour please email: farnhamcastle1138@gmail.com
Occasionally it may not be possible to operate tours of the Bishop’s Palace so, to avoid disappointment, please email in advance.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
Plan a Great Day Out
Just a couple of miles away from Farnham stand the remains of Waverley Abbey, the site of the first Cistercian abbey in England.
Further afield you'll find Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre and pleasant parkland and Greek Revival architecture at The Grange at Northington.
