The Spike Heritage Centre
INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING THE SPIKE
Drop in for a Tour
On most Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year we are open for the public to drop in from 10:00 AM, there’s no need to book. We like to be closed by 16:00 so usually close the door at 3 o’clock. The Spike is usually closed in December and January for drop in visits, please check we’re open in the winter months before setting out. Also visit Opening Times
We also offer pre-
All visitors to the Spike are given a tour of the Heritage area of the building. The tour usually starts outside in the car park where the origin of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act (aka the New Poor Law) is discussed. It also gives the visitor an opportunity to take in the vastness of the Guildford Poor Law site which eventually extended to some 9½ acres.
Tour times vary from 1 hour to 1½ hours depending on interest after which there is an opportunity for a closer look around the building. You might also like to hear from the four inmates we have staying at the Spike.
We also have a exhibition tells the tale of how the Guildford Union Workhouse infirmary evolved into one of Guildford’s two main NHS hospitals. Many of todays NHS hospitals originated on workhouse sites after the New Poor Laws ended in 1929. After all, that’s where the poor were treated.
Prices for 2024
Group Tours
For larger groups we can offer private tours at times when we are not open to the Public (Tue & Sat 10:00 to 16:00). These include evening tours which are very popular. Our tours are charged at £8pp but there is a minimum charge of £70. Even for a small group this represents very good value for a private tour of the Spike. Additionally, we can offer refreshments as part of your visit.
Please get in touch to let us know your specific requirements – heritage@charlotteville.co.uk
School Visits
We have several activities for school children, these we call Tasks. The most popular are for Years 5 & 6 who always enjoy a day at the Spike. We can accommodate typically 60 children per visit.
The day starts on arrival which is usually 10:00 AM where the students will follow a timetable offering a tour of the building and two Tasks. Departure is usually at 14:00.
The charge for a school visit is £6 per child with accompanying adults F.O.C. There is a minimum charge of £150 however.
Please get in touch if you are interested in a school visit – education@charlotteville.co.uk