Our journey back in time begins with Guildford Castle, a true jewel of Surrey's medieval architecture. Erected shortly after the Norman conquest of England, this majestic monument still impresses today with its power and beauty. Guildford Castle, located in the heart of the town of Guildford on Castle Street, is not only an impressive building, but also a place full of fascinating stories and legends.

When visiting the castle, look out for its distinctive square tower, which towers over the area, offering unforgettable views of the town and the surrounding Surrey hills. The castle's gardens are a true paradise for nature and history lovers - here, among the carefully tended flowerbeds and alleyways, you'll find an unusual combination of medieval heritage and Victorian charm.

Interestingly, the castle gardens feature a life-size statue of Alice in Wonderland, a tribute to Lewis Carroll, who lived nearby from 1868 to 1898. It's the perfect place to spark the imagination of children and combine the study of history with the magic of literature.

Guildford Castle is open to the public year-round, and its high ratings (4.5 out of 5) attest to how much it is appreciated by tourists. It is worth planning a visit on a warm, sunny day to fully enjoy not only the tour, but also a picnic in the beautiful gardens.

The next point on our trip is Reigate Fort, a lesser-known but equally fascinating Surrey landmark. This fort, located on Reigate Hill, offers not only a history lesson, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Reigate Fort, although dating from a later period than Guildford Castle, is an important element in Surrey's historical mosaic.

Open to the public 24 hours a day, the fort allows visitors to freely explore and discover its secrets. Numerous information boards dotted around the fort detail the various buildings, their purpose and the history of the site. This is an excellent opportunity for children to learn about the history of the region in an interactive way.

It is worth noting that although there is no dedicated parking or public amenities at the fort, the site offers a unique atmosphere and tranquility, ideal for family walks and picnics. Visitor ratings (4.5 out of 5) confirm that Reigate Fort is a place worth visiting.

Comparing Guildford Castle and Reigate Fort, we can see that both places offer unique experiences. Guildford Castle is more elaborate, with more amenities and attractions, ideal for a longer stay. Reigate Fort, on the other hand, is a more austere place, but offers unforgettable views and the opportunity to freely explore history. Both monuments are an excellent choice for families looking for an educational yet enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Our journey through Surrey's medieval treasures now takes us to two fascinating sites that, although fallen into disrepair, still harbor remarkable stories and the atmosphere of centuries past. We are talking about Betchworth Castle and Woking Palace - two monuments that, despite the passage of time, have not lost their charm and ability to spark the imagination of visitors.

Betchworth Castle, located in the picturesque Brockham area near Dorking, is a true gem of medieval architecture. These atmospheric ruins, surrounded by lush greenery, are part of the former Deepdene estate. The castle's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served as a fortification and residence. Today, although in ruins, Betchworth Castle still impresses with its majesty and mystery.

The castle can be reached by a short 5-10 minute walk from a small parking lot on the A25. Although the ruins are fenced off, there is a path around them that allows you to admire the remains of the castle from different perspectives. There are information boards on the grounds so you can learn more about the fascinating history of the site.

Betchworth Castle is the perfect place for a family outing. Children will love discovering the secrets hidden in the ruins, and a walk among the old walls will spark their imagination. It is worth planning a visit on a sunny day, when the sun's rays piercing through the treetops create a magical, relaxing atmosphere.

The next point on our trip is Woking Palace - a place equally fascinating, though less well-known than Betchworth Castle. This medieval palace, though now in ruins, was once an important royal residence. Located in the picturesque countryside of Woking, Woking Palace offers an unusual combination of history and nature.

Although Woking Palace is located on private property and admission is permitted only on designated open days, it is well worth planning a visit to this remarkable site. The ruins of the palace, surrounded by a picturesque landscape, allow you to imagine the former splendor of the place. This is an excellent opportunity to tell children about life in medieval England and spark their interest in history.

It's worth noting that both Betchworth Castle and Woking Palace offer unique history discovery experiences. Betchworth Castle, with a rating of 4 out of 5, is more easily accessible and offers the freedom to explore at any time. Woking Palace, despite limited access, has a higher rating (4.3 out of 5), a testament to the uniqueness of the site and the value it brings to visitors.

Comparing the two sites, we can see that Betchworth Castle is a better choice for families looking for a spontaneous trip, offering easy access and a picturesque setting ideal for a picnic. Woking Palace, on the other hand, requires more planning, but can be a fascinating educational experience, especially during special open days when additional attractions and historical presentations are organized.

Both Betchworth Castle and Woking Palace are places that allow you to touch history in the literal sense of the word. Walking among the old walls, you can almost hear the echoes of old conversations and feel the atmosphere of past centuries. This is an excellent opportunity to ignite a passion for history and archaeology in children, showing them how fascinating it can be to discover traces of the past.

It is worth remembering that both sites, although in ruins, require visitors to be respectful and careful. They are not only monuments, but also valuable ecosystems, where nature takes over former human dwellings. Watching this process can be a fascinating lesson in ecology and show children the importance of caring for our historical and natural heritage.

Our journey through Surrey's medieval treasures is coming to an end, but we left a real gem at the end - Farnham Castle. Located in the heart of the charming town of Farnham, this majestic monument is the perfect culmination of our historic trip.

Farnham Castle, with an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5, is not only a testament to medieval architecture, but also a vibrant cultural center of the region. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when it was built as the residence of the Bishops of Winchester. Over the centuries, the castle has served various functions, witnessing key events in English history.

Today, Farnham Castle offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Walking within its walls, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Farnham and the surrounding countryside. The castle's gardens are a true oasis of tranquility and beauty, the perfect place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll. What sets Farnham Castle apart from other monuments is its lively atmosphere - it often hosts a variety of cultural events, from art exhibitions to concerts and festivals.

For families with children, Farnham Castle offers many activities. Young explorers can explore the castle's nooks and crannies, imagining the lives of medieval knights and court ladies. Periodically, it also hosts workshops and historical demonstrations that introduce children to the history of the place in an interactive way.

It is worth noting the accessibility of Farnham Castle - unlike some other monuments in the region, it is easily accessible and accommodates the needs of different groups of visitors. This makes it ideal for both short visits and longer, educational tours.

Comparing Farnham Castle to other medieval Surrey monuments we visited, we can see that it offers the most comprehensive experience. Unlike the ruins of Betchworth Castle or the limited access to Woking Palace, Farnham Castle is a fully functioning historical and cultural site. Its rich educational and cultural offerings make it a place you can return to again and again, discovering something new each time.

At the same time, like Guildford Castle, Farnham Castle combines elements of medieval architecture with later additions, creating a fascinating mix of styles and eras. This is a great opportunity to show children how architecture and lifestyles have changed over the centuries.

To summarize our journey through Surrey's medieval treasures, it's worth noting the variety of experiences offered by the sites we visited. From the majestic Guildford Castle, to the mysterious ruins of Betchworth Castle and Woking Palace, to the vibrant Farnham Castle, each of these places has its own unique history and atmosphere.

A trip to these five medieval Surrey landmarks is not only a history lesson, but above all a fascinating adventure for the whole family. It's an opportunity to ignite children's passion for exploring the past, teach them respect for cultural heritage and show them how fascinating it can be to learn history outside the school walls.

We encourage all history buffs, families looking for educational activities and architecture enthusiasts to discover these remarkable sites. Surrey, with its medieval treasures, offers an unforgettable experience that will live long in the memory. Let's remember that learning about history is not only a way to learn about the past, but also a way to better understand the present and inspire us to shape the future. May this journey through time be the beginning of many fascinating discoveries and unforgettable family adventures for you!