The historic buildings are listed Grade I and Grade II. The castle was built as a Palace of the Bishops of Winchester and visited by royalty, but when the Diocese of Guildford was created in the 20th century it was no longer needed by the Church Commission, who proposed to ‘ruinate’ the buildings (take the roofs off) and leave it as a romantic ruin. It was saved by the Farnham Society in the 1950s which was instrumental in arranging a full repairing lease to the Centre for International Briefing which offered courses for people about to take up jobs abroad. The dilapidated buildings were gradually restored and used by the Centre until 2012, when the Castle became what it is today, a successful Events, Conference and Wedding venue.

Self-guided tours of the Bishops Palace, 11.00-17.00, guides present between 14.00 and 16.00 to offer information. Cream tea with musical accompaniment in the magnificent surroundings of the Great Hall (advance booking essential on 01252 721194 or [email protected]), light food options available outside. Historic re-enactments all day featuring military drills, musket and cannon firing.