The Guildford Green Spaces now internationally recognised as among the UK's best

Guildford's Stoke Park and Castle Grounds have received international recognition as some of the best green spaces the UK has to offer as part of the annual coveted Green Flag awards.

While both have been synonymous with Surrey's ancient capital for, at minimum a century, the two attractions continue to represent the town well, and that is no small part due to the teams who keep both areas clean and maintained to a high level.

The park and castle grounds are among 2,250 in the UK to achieve the Green Flag award, which acts as the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The criteria for the award covers all factors pertaining to park management such as community involvement, biodiversity, cleanliness, maintenance and the overall making sure that the parks are clean and safe for visitors.

Lead Councillor for Environment and Recreation at Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Angela Goodwin, said she and her colleagues were "proud" to see the green spaces receiving "international recognition", but took the time to highlight the "tireless dedication" of the staff who manage the areas and their upkeep.

Stoke Park is a 130-acre green area on the edge of the town centre, besides featuring an expansive field, the park also features a children's paddling pool, a skatepark, a mini-golf course, tennis courts and a play area.

Guildford's largest and best-known park has remained more or less intact since they were laid out in the 18th Century. Centuries ago there was a manor house complete with walled garden and icehouse, all owned by the Lord Onslow, who donated the land to the council in 1925 with the express wish that it "remain for all time a lung of the town".

One part of the town which has arguably been it's focal-point ever since the concept of Guildford was first formed is it's castle.

After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror led his army to Canterbury and then sacked towns along the Pilgrims' Way, including Guildford. Later William, or one of his barons, are believed to have built Guildford Castle.

However, there is no record of it in the Domesday Book of 1086, so historians believe that construction probably started after that date.

Into the 12th Century, constructions and extension continued, with the castle actually never experiencing any military battles in it's grounds, instead mostly being used as a royal residence.

Into the 1600s, the castles grounds were used for farming, however by the late-1800s, as part of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the castle's tower and walls were restored and opened to the public as pleasure gardens, with the moat being turned into the colourful flower beds we know today.

Lead Councillor for Environment and Recreation at Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Angela Goodwin, continued: "We’re proud to see Guildford Castle Grounds and Stoke Park receiving international recognition again with this Green Flag Award."

"This wouldn’t be possible without the tireless dedication of our staff. Their hard work and dedication make sure that our parks are welcoming and well-maintained for residents and visitors to enjoy." Parks and green spaces not only bring environmental benefits to the area, but they are also good for our physical and mental wellbeing. It’s fantastic that our commitment to high-quality green spaces has been recognised."

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, added:"_Crucially, Guildford Castle Grounds and Stoke Park are vital green spaces for communities in Guildford to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis they are free and safe spaces for families to socialise."

"They also provide important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green spaces."

Article by By Joseph Bickle, Surrey Live