FAQs

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​When is the Bishop's Palace open?

Most Wednesdays from 2pm for guided tours. Please visit the Home Page for the most up-to-date information

The Exhibition Room is open every day until 4pm. There is no charge.

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What is the admission charge?

£5 for adults (18 and over). Free to members of Historic Houses and under 18s. 

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Do you offer self-guided tours?

Only on Heritage Open Day otherwise tours are conducted in small groups by friendly and knowledgeable guides

Is car parking available?

There is  limited parking at the Castle. Blue Badge holders take priority

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Can I get to Farnham Castle by public transport?

It is an approx. 8 minute walk to the Castle from the centre of Farnham and about a 15 minute walk from Farnham Railway Station which has regular services from and into London Waterloo.

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Is there disabled access?

Due to the nature of the Castle there are a number of stairs some of which are steep, narrow and uneven which makes it very difficult for visitors with mobility issues to access much of the Bishop's Palace. There is, however, a very informative Exhibition Room which is easily accessed and is free for everyone, which covers both the keep and the Bishop's Palace.

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Are refreshments available at the Castle?

No. However, there are numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants in Farnham.

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Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted inside the Bishop's Palace

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Why is the keep currently closed and when will it re-open?

English Heritage has closed the keep temporarily for safety reasons. We are looking forward to its re-opening once the remedial work is complete. We will update the website as soon as we hear more.

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Who owns/operates Farnham Castle?

Farnham Castle is managed by the Farnham Castle Charity (charity reg number 313648) on behalf of the Church Commissioners for England

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​What can visitors currently see at Farnham Castle?

The Bishop's Palace was home to the Bishops of Winchester for almost 900 years. As one of the wealthiest dioceses in Europe the early bishops wielded immense power. 9 bishops of Winchester were Chancellors of England and 3 were cardinals, giving them a status above that of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Each room inside the Palace tells the story of momentous events and the power that often lay behind the throne.

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What else can I do in Farnham?

Farnham is beautiful town on the Surrey-Hampshire border. The Castle grounds afford a fabulous view over much of Farnham and its surroundings which offer visitors so much to see and do.  Here are a few suggestions:

 - the Museum of Farnham  local history museum, located in a beautiful Georgian town house with many original features and a delightful walled garden.​
https://farnhammaltings.com/museum
 

- the Maltings. An arts and cultural centre presenting a programme of performance, craft showcases and participation work.
https://farnhammaltings.com/

- St Andrews Church. A Grade 1 listed building with many points of historic, architectural and artistic interest. One of the key features of St Andrew’s large churchyard is the recently refurbished grave of William Cobbett, Farnham’s famous political reformer and author.

https://standrewsfarnham.org/st-andrews-history/
 

- Farnham Park. Lying adjacent to Farnham Castle,  comprises 320 acres of medieval deer park, with its impressive  tree-lined Kings Avenue offering tranquility, including walking paths, two excellent playgrounds, cafe, 9 hole golf course and trim trail.

​https://www.visitsurrey.com/listing/farnham-park/99878101/

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Farnham offers a backdrop of impressive Georgian architecture. Stop for a coffee in the Lion & Lamb Yard.  There are plenty of shops too, including a number of shops and department store. Local artists showcase their talents in the New Ashgate Gallery which has regular exhibitions. There are riverside walks and ancient flood meadows to explore. And if you venture out a little further you might like to visit:

- the ruins of Waverley Abbey, Britain's first Cistercian Monastery, the Sculpture Park at Churt and Birdworld at Holt Pound on the Surrey- Hampshire border. And not forgetting Farnham's history as a centre of hop growing. Local Farnham White Bine hops commanded a 30% premium. Today you can visit the Hogs Back Brewery in nearby Tongham which has revived this heritage hop. Oenophiles may like to visit the Greyfriars Vineyard on the Hog's Back (A31) between Farnham and Guildford.

 

 

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