Abbot's Hospital (Hospital of the Holy Trinity)
A living Jacobean almshouse on Guildford High Street, offering guided tours through its historic buildings and tranquil gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tour start time
Abbot's Hospital (Hospital of the Holy Trinity)
Best Time
Tour start time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A living Jacobean almshouse on Guildford High Street, offering guided tours through its historic buildings and tranquil gardens.
"A hidden gem on Guildford High Street, full of history and charm!"
🎯 Arrive for 11 AM Tour
Tours start precisely at 11 AM. Be there on time to join the guided experience and hear fascinating stories.
💰 Small Entry Fee & Donate
A small fee applies for tours. Consider making an extra donation to support the hospital's upkeep.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacobean Architecture
Exterior and Courtyard
Admire the stunning red-brick Jacobean building, a historical architectural gem dating back to 1619.
Tranquil Gardens
Hospital Grounds
Stroll through the peaceful gardens, offering beautiful views and a serene escape from the bustling high street.
Historic Chapel
Chapel
Visit the delightful chapel, a beautiful and historic space often used for services and events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Respect the Residents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for 11 AM Tour
Tours start precisely at 11 AM. Be there on time to join the guided experience and hear fascinating stories.
💰 Small Entry Fee & Donate
A small fee applies for tours. Consider making an extra donation to support the hospital's upkeep.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The tour includes a walk through the lovely grounds and garden, offering beautiful views.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
The red-brick Jacobean building is a highlight. Great for history and architecture buffs!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for 11 AM Tour
Tours start precisely at 11 AM. Be there on time to join the guided experience and hear fascinating stories.
💰 Small Entry Fee & Donate
A small fee applies for tours. Consider making an extra donation to support the hospital's upkeep.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The tour includes a walk through the lovely grounds and garden, offering beautiful views.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
The red-brick Jacobean building is a highlight. Great for history and architecture buffs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Abbot's Hospital is widely praised as a hidden gem on Guildford High Street, lauded for its beautiful Jacobean architecture and rich history. Visitors consistently highlight the engaging and humorous guided tours, often led by residents, which offer unique insights into the hospital's past and present. The peaceful gardens and chapel are also noted as delightful aspects of the visit.
"Abbot’s Hospital is a hidden gem right on Guildford High Street. The red-brick Jacobean building is beautiful and full of history—it’s been housing elderly residents since 1619! You can’t just walk in, but guided tours are available and definitely worth it if you're into architecture or local history. Even from the outside, it’s a lovely spot to admire and snap a photo. Peaceful, charming, and a real part of Guildford’s character."
Ajay Raj
"Took the tour, paid a fiver, had a lovely walk in the grounds and visited the garden, common room, and the lovely chapel. Beautiful views, our guide was a lovely gentleman with a great sense of humour! And very engaging storytelling! Would absolutely recommend! Just show up at 11am sharp and you will be collected for the tour"
willow tsang
"An interesting historical place and an educational story from a guide - a woman who lives here.
We enjoyed visiting this place.
Thank you🥰"
Снежана Цветик
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Abbot's Hospital is conveniently located right on Guildford High Street, making it easily accessible. If arriving by train, Guildford station is a short walk away. Parking is available in nearby public car parks.
Yes, Abbot's Hospital is very close to Guildford's main bus routes along the High Street. The nearest train station is Guildford, which is a walkable distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you cannot just walk into Abbot's Hospital. Access to the interior and grounds is only permitted via guided tours, which typically start at 11 AM.
There is a small fee for the guided tours, often around £5. Donations are also welcomed to support the hospital's ongoing work and maintenance.
Tours for Abbot's Hospital generally commence at 11 AM sharp. It's advisable to arrive a few minutes early to ensure you can join the tour.
While not always strictly required, it's a good idea to check if advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving promptly at 11 AM is key.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours typically include a visit to the common room, the chapel, and a walk through the beautiful grounds and garden. You'll learn about the hospital's history and its residents.
Yes, the guided tours are often led by residents of the hospital or knowledgeable staff members, providing personal insights and engaging storytelling.
While the grounds offer some accessibility, the historic nature of the building may present challenges. It's best to inquire directly with the hospital about specific accessibility details for tours.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally best to ask your guide if photography is permitted inside the buildings, especially in sensitive areas like the chapel or residents' private spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The red-brick Jacobean facade from the High Street is iconic. The courtyard and the garden also offer picturesque opportunities for capturing the historic charm.
The garden is usually a great spot for photos, offering a peaceful and scenic backdrop. Always be mindful of residents and other visitors when taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
Guided tours are essential for experiencing the interior. These tours are often led by the residents themselves or knowledgeable staff, who share personal anecdotes and historical facts, making the experience incredibly engaging and authentic. You'll get to see areas like the common room, the chapel, and the beautiful gardens. The tranquil gardens are a particular highlight, providing a serene space for reflection and offering lovely views of the historic architecture.
Donations are crucial for the hospital's upkeep, as it relies on charitable support to continue its mission. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can, ensuring this historical gem can be preserved for future generations. It’s a place where history truly comes alive, offering a poignant connection to Guildford's past and present.
The Tour Experience
During the tour, you'll explore key areas of the hospital, including the common room, where residents gather, and the chapel, a beautiful and historically significant space. The tour also includes a walk through the hospital grounds and garden, offering a chance to appreciate the architecture from different angles and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The guides are usually happy to answer questions, making it an interactive and educational experience.
While the tour offers a comprehensive look at the hospital, remember that it is a residential home. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the residents' privacy and the peaceful environment. The small fee contributes to the maintenance of this historic site, and additional donations are always appreciated to help continue its legacy.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit