Explore our local history from the age of prehistoric man to modern life and times. Discover more about famous people connected with Guildford and Surrey. Including garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and author Lewis Carroll. Enjoy our unique collection of needlework and toys. As well as free displays and exhibitions, we have a programme of events and activities for all ages.
We are open Wednesday to Saturdays 12noon to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm).
On the Trail of Guildford's History
Be a history detective! Search Guildford Museum, Quarry Street and Guildford Castle Grounds to find clues which tell us about the past.
Guildford's Quilt: Your Stories Stitched into History
Date: From Saturday 28 September 2024 to Saturday 15 March 2025
A display of embroidered panels made by local people illustrating the thoughts, feelings and acts of kindness that helped them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Assembled by Stitch Together, the hangings now serve as a touching reminder of an unusual time that everyone went through together.
Nature, Stitched with Style by Stitch Together
Date: From Saturday 28 September 2024 to Saturday 15 March 2025
In this display, we invite you to celebrate the skill of embroiderers, and to share their joy in the natural world which inspires their work. Flowers, foliage, fungi, and fruit are skilfully re-created with needle and thread. There are embroidered mice clamber, short quotes from poems and books are paired with detailed plant drawings made with stitches, reminding us of their powers to heal and soothe.
Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail
Date: From 19 October 2024 to Saturday 9 November 2024
This October half term, dive into Roman Britain at Guildford Museum. Join the Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail by Kids in Museums and Walker Books. It celebrates Greg Jenner's new book, "Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy." Enjoy insights from Dr. Emma Southon and illustrations by Rikin Parekh.
Discover intriguing objects, give yourself a Roman name and design your own Roman outfit. Complete the activity sheet to receive your Totally Chaotic History sticker!
Design a mosaic and share your drawing on Twitter/X or Instagram. Use the hashtag #TCHMuseumTrail and tag @kidsinmuseums for a chance to win a book and a Double Art Pass plus Kids donated by Art Fund. Find out more about the Trail on Kids in museums. (opens new window)
Family Fun! Design your own museum board game
Date: From Saturday 26 October 2024 to Saturday 9 November 2024
Do you love a board game? Design your own board game based on the displays in the museum. We'll supply a template, resources, and lots of inspiration from the museum displays.
Free, donations welcome.
Suitable for ages 5+
Family Fun! Museum Christmas Trail
Date: Saturday 30 November to Saturday 4 January 2025
A fun trail around the museum looking for clues to different Christmas carols and songs.
Suitable for ages 6+
Family Fun! Make a Christmas Cracker or Decoration
Date: Saturday 21 December 12pm until 2pm
Join us to get ready for the big day and craft a handmade cracker or a decoration to hang on the tree.
Drop-in, suitable for ages 4+
Family Fun! New Year, New Choices
Date: Friday 3 January 2025 12pm until 2pm
Help friends and family choose their New Year's resolutions with this fun craft activity.
Drop-in, suitable for 5+
Family Fun! Wheels of Time
Date: Ongoing
Join Roamin' Rex as he travels through time (and around Surrey)! Collect a badge from each participating museum, including ours. For more details, visit Surrey wheels of time. (opens new window)
Soldiers of Surrey: A display from the Surrey Infantry Collection
Dates: available during opening hours
Free entry
June 6, 2024, is the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Surrey Infantry Collection display D-Day +80 commemorates this anniversary of the Normandy landings. Explore the role of Surrey men in the Allied D-Day landings through personal artifacts and technical objects.
Image courtesy of the Surrey Infantry Collection
A Tale of Two Torches: Austin Playfoot and the London Olympic Games
Date:From Saturday 20 July 2024 to Saturday 23 November
Marking the Paris 2024 Olympics, see the torches carried by Elstead's Austin who carried the Olympic torch in both the 1948 and 2012 London Games. See both of Austin's torches, carried in Guildford and Surrey on display, along with photographs and memorabilia from both Olympic Games.
You can also join in our Olympic Torch Family Fun activities. See details below:
A Tale of Two Torches: Austin Playfoot and the London Olympic Games
Entry, exhibitions and activities are free (unless otherwise stated). Donations are welcome.
