Top 9 Castles in Surrey
Castles in Surrey offer a fascinating glimpse into England's past, set within a region known for its picturesque Surrey Hills and historical towns. The area features a mix of well-preserved historical structures and atmospheric ruins, reflecting centuries of British heritage. Visitors can explore royal residences, medieval keeps, and ancient castle grounds, often situated amidst vibrant floral displays and scenic landscapes. These sites provide diverse historical experiences, from grand palaces to ancient fortifications.
Best castles in Surrey
- The most popular castles…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water
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Hampton Court Palace and the Thames Path
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Guildford Castle Grounds
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The 11th-century castle sits atop a hill in Guildford, providing some picturesque views across …
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Guildford Castle and Gardens
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Farnham Castle Keep
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Hampton Court Palace Gardens
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Castle Arch
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Castle Arch was built in 1256 during the reign of King Henry III. …
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Reigate Castle Gateway
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Betchworth Castle Ruins
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Starborough Castle Garden House
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Popular around Surrey
Multi-use magic in the Surrey Hills – Leith Hill Greenway
Downs Link and South Downs Way loop from Guildford
Vanguard Way – Hike some of the finest countryside in the South East
Hiking the Serpent Trail — Snake across Sussex's vibrant Greensand Hills
Greensand Way — A spellbinding ridge-hike across Surrey and Kent
Thames Valley Cycle Route – Where red deer roam & history comes alive
Downs Link — Step back in time on ancient and beautiful hike
Downs and Weald Way – From London to the sea, a great adventure
Surrey Cycleway – Abundant history and olympic hills
Avenue Verte – Cycling a beautiful adventure from London to Paris
Other adventures in Surrey
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Hampton Court Palace is a grade 1 listed royal palace on the banks of the Thames a few miles from London. The building began in 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey, who later gifted the palace to the king. It became one of Henry VIII's favourite residences and he enlarged it to suit him. The monarchs no longer use it, so it's open to the public and cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
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Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal residence that was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16th century. The palace became one of King Henry VIII's primary residences and is closely associated with his reign. It hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year and is open most days as a tourist destination.
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more stuff plundered by the British Empire... Originally from Libya! 🤣
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interesting, but you have to walk a little bit
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North African Roman ruins in leafy Windsor Great Park! This is a really interesting story and worth reading more about after you've seen the ruins. Possibly inspired by Lord Elgin, British officer Hanmer Warrington shipped the ruins of the Temple of Augustus in 1817, with the intention of selling them to The British Museum. However, the museum was not interested, so the Roman temple ruins sat outside the museum for 8 years before being taken to Windsor and erected next to Virginia Water. A fascinating tale of Imperial plunder: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/01/roman-ruins-windsor-castle/550199/
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Reigate Castle is a former castle in the town of Reigate in the county of Surrey, England. The castle was built in the late 11th or early 12th century, probably by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. The castle was shaped like a motte-and-bailey castle and was originally built of wood, but the curtain walls were rebuilt in stone about a century later. None of the original castle buildings have been preserved, with the exception of the Barons' Cave, a cave beneath the castle that still exists and is occasionally open to the public. The castle grounds are now a public park and the castle gate is the main feature of the municipal coat of arms of Reigate and Banstead.
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The historic, scenic and well-maintained Guildford Castle is well worth visiting during a hiking tour close to Guildford. Guildford Castle has a fascinating history. It is one of nine impressive castles that were built in a ring around London by William the Conqueror soon after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The Castle has been used subsequently as a Royal Palace, a prison and as a private residence. Should you have time, you may wish to climb the Castle Great Tower via its spiral staircase. This will give a panoramic view of Guildford and of its beautiful surrounding countryside. It will also provide an appreciation of why the Castle’s location was geographically well-chosen. An additional highlight of visiting Guildford Castle is to see and to walk through the excellent year-round flower displays that occupy the Castle’s former moat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical castles and ruins can I explore in Surrey?
Surrey offers a diverse range of historical sites, from well-preserved royal residences to ancient ruins. You can explore medieval keeps, motte-and-bailey structures, and even unique Roman-style ruins. Notable examples include the 11th-century keep at Guildford Castle Grounds, the impressive motte and shell keep of Farnham Castle Keep, and the distinctive Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water, built from genuine Roman stones.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites in Surrey?
Yes, several sites are great for families. Guildford Castle Grounds offers beautiful gardens and the opportunity to climb the Great Tower for panoramic views. Farnham Castle Keep allows free exploration of its ruins, and the Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water provide a unique historical experience in a scenic setting.
Can I bring my dog to the castles in Surrey?
Many castle grounds and outdoor historical sites in Surrey are dog-friendly, though specific rules may vary. For example, the grounds of Guildford Castle are generally welcoming to dogs on leads. It's always best to check individual site regulations before visiting, especially if you plan to enter any indoor areas.
What kind of natural features or views can I expect around Surrey's castles?
Surrey's castles are often set amidst picturesque landscapes. Guildford Castle Grounds, for instance, offers vibrant floral displays and scenic views across the Surrey Hills from its hilltop location. Farnham Castle overlooks the town of Farnham, and the Leptis Magna Ruins are situated within the beautiful Virginia Water estate, offering a blend of history and nature.
Are there any castle ruins in Surrey that are free to visit?
Yes, several castle ruins and grounds are free to enter. The Guildford Castle Grounds are free, with a small fee to enter the keep. Farnham Castle Keep, managed by English Heritage, is also free to explore. The atmospheric Betchworth Castle Ruins are also publicly accessible.
What outdoor activities can I do near Surrey's castles?
The area around Surrey's castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and mountain biking trails. For example, near many of these historical sites, you can explore routes like the 'Watts Gallery & The Loseley Estate loop from Guildford' for running, or the 'Ranmore Common and Surrey Cycleway Loop' for road cycling. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Running Trails in Surrey, Road Cycling Routes in Surrey, and MTB Trails in Surrey guides.
Are there any unique or lesser-known historical sites besides the main castles?
Beyond the prominent castles, Surrey also features unique historical remnants. The Castle Arch in Guildford, built in 1256, is a remarkably intact medieval structure. Additionally, the ruins of Waverley Abbey, England's first Cistercian abbey, offer an atmospheric glimpse into monastic history, and the Betchworth Castle Ruins provide a sense of a former grand estate.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in Surrey?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting Surrey's castles, as the weather is milder, and the castle grounds, such as those at Guildford, are often in full bloom with vibrant floral displays. However, many sites, including the outdoor ruins, can be visited year-round, offering a different, often quieter, experience in autumn and winter.
Are there accessible castles in Surrey for visitors with mobility challenges?
Accessibility varies by site. While the grounds of many castles, like Guildford Castle Grounds, may offer relatively flat paths, some older structures, such as castle keeps or ruins, might have uneven terrain, steps, or spiral staircases. It's advisable to check the specific accessibility information for each site you plan to visit.
How long should I plan for a visit to a Surrey castle?
The duration of your visit depends on the site. For smaller ruins like Betchworth Castle Ruins or Reigate Castle Gateway, an hour or two might suffice to explore the grounds. Larger sites like Hampton Court Palace (while technically a palace, it's a significant historical structure in the region) or Guildford Castle Grounds with its keep and gardens could easily fill half a day or more.
Are there any castles in Surrey with unique architectural features?
Yes, Farnham Castle is notable for possessing both a shell keep and a stone tower, which is unusual for castles of its type. Hampton Court Palace showcases breathtaking Tudor and Baroque architecture. The Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water are also architecturally unique, being constructed from genuine Roman columns and slabs.
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