Heritage Open Days has come to an end and despite the Castle hauling up its drawbridge the festival went down a treat for residents.

Organised and presented by The Farnham Society and Farnham Town Council. This year’s festival had new participants including Andrew Windsor Almshouses, Sampson Almshouses and the Old Cottage in Bridge Square.

Sadly, Farnham Castle raised its drawbridge for this year due to business commitments clashing with the festival dates. There was much disappointment that Castle management did not participate this year, but it is hoped that they will agree to open in 2025. The Castle has always offered a family day, each year has proved immensely popular, sometimes drawing more than 1,000 visitors.

The Andrew Windsor Almshouses opened this year, the houses are a 17th-century Grade II Listed Building and has been providing housing for more than 400 years. Lucky visitors got to go inside the vacant residence and see how people lived when the almshouses first opened.

The Sampson Almshouses in West Street are a true sign of Farnham's history, as they were made with money from the brewing industry and are now housed in a building by local architect Harold Falkner.

One of the oldest houses in town, the Old Cottage, was included this year and the owners opened it for two days to offer visitors a look at the history of the building.

The programme featured several walks and talks, including outings from the Bourne Woods to Waverley and back again. 

Roy Waight presented a history of the Castle from its development in the Norman period up to the camouflage work during WWII.

Town Crier, Michael Stephens, talked about the role of the Town Crier through the ages. The dates for next year’s festival have already been announced from September 12 to September 21.