Guildford Castle, Castle in Guildford, United Kingdom
Guildford Castle is a medieval fortress in the English town of Guildford featuring a stone keep surrounded by defensive walls and earthworks. The site includes the surviving tower, ground-level foundations, and landscaped gardens that visitors can walk through.
The fortress was founded by William the Conqueror after 1066, starting as a timber structure before being rebuilt in stone. By the 12th century it had become a center of royal power and was expanded several times.
The castle tells the story of power and royal life through its remaining structures and the way its grounds are arranged. You can see how it once served as an important seat of authority and a place where the nobility spent their time.
The castle grounds are open year-round for visitors to explore freely without needing to book ahead. The site is best visited in dry weather as the slopes are steep and grass can be slippery underfoot.
The castle grounds feature a historic sundial depicting Edward I and his wife Eleanor, who visited the fortress regularly. This detail is easy to miss but offers a genuine connection to royal visits from the 13th century.
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