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 is Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water, a historical site built from real Roman stones brought from Leptis Magna in Libya. These unique ruins were constructed from columns, pedestals, and slabs, offering a distinctive historical experience.
- Another must-see spot is Guildford Castle Grounds, a viewpoint atop a hill in Guildford. Visitors can stroll through the historic grounds, which feature vibrant floral displays and offer picturesque views across the surrounding countryside.
- Visitors also love Farnham Castle Keep, a historical site overlooking the town of Farnham. This motte and shell keep castle, founded in 1138, allows exploration of its well-preserved ruins.
- Surrey is known for its historical castles, palaces, and ruins, including medieval keeps and motte-and-bailey structures. The region offers a variety of sites, from grand royal residences to ancient fortifications and atmospheric remnants of former castles.
- The castles in Surrey are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and 70 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 28, 2026
Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water
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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 the surrounding countryside. The gardens of the castle are beautifully pristine and feature a multitude of colourful flowers and a moat. The castle grounds are free to enter, and if you want to go inside the castle itself, a small fee of under £5 will be required.
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Farnham Castle Keep
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Castle Arch
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Castle Arch was built in 1256 during the reign of King Henry III. Nearly 800 years later this robust and impressive structure remains remarkably intact and functional. Traffic still passes through the Arch albeit one way at a time!
Castle Arch is situated next to the Guildford Museum and near to the ruins of Guildford Castle. The Arch is thought to be a remnant of the original castle wall. It is believed that the original Arch had a portcullis – a spiked grill that slid up and down.
A bonus of visiting Castle Arch is to see Castle Arch House – the building that the Arch adjoins to its left when viewed from Quarry Street. This House is one of the oldest buildings in Guildford and dates from 1544.
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Reigate Castle Gateway
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In 1777, a mock medieval gateway was constructed on the ruins, which you can still see today. The Castle grounds are used as a public gardens.
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Betchworth Castle Ruins
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Starborough Castle Garden House
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Tips from the Community
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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A great viewpoint of Farnham from above is from the Keep at the Castle.
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The excellent Guildford Castle Grounds are unique, interesting and well worth visiting during a hiking, cycling or running tour. The Grounds are famous for their excellent flower displays in the valley that surrounds the Castle Keep. Other free attractions include the remains of Castle walls, passageways, a Victorian bandstand (where music concerts take place), a delightful 17th century bowling green bordered on one side by specimen beech trees, an impressive war memorial and a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass. Guildford Castle Grounds has a fascinating history. The Castle is thought to have been built either by William the Conqueror or by one of his barons soon after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The Castle has been used as a Royal Palace, a prison and as a private residence. The grounds at the Castle were opened as public gardens in 1888 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. You might wish to explore the Guildford Castle Grounds or to simply admire its scenery during a stop for a snack and a drink. However, should you have time, you may also wish to climb the Castle Great Tower via its spiral staircase. This will give a panoramic view of Guildford and its beautiful surrounding countryside, and provide an appreciation of why the Castle’s location is strategically good.
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Seeing the medieval Castle Arch and walking through it is a highlight of any walk around Guildford. Castle Arch was built in 1256 during the reign of King Henry III. Nearly 800 years later this robust and impressive structure remains remarkably intact and functional. Traffic still passes through the Arch albeit one way at a time! Castle Arch is situated next to the Guildford Museum and near to the ruins of Guildford Castle. The Arch is thought to be a remnant of the original castle wall. It is believed that the original Arch had a portcullis – a spiked grill that slid up and down. A bonus of visiting Castle Arch is to see Castle Arch House – the building that the Arch adjoins to its left when viewed from Quarry Street. This House is one of the oldest buildings in Guildford and dates from 1544.
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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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