Castle Nursery - Markenfield

I would highly recommend this nursery setting to anyone!

I have been so impressed by the opportunities my children have been given - forest school, animal visits, etc - the developments they have made and how great each member of staff has been. I would thoroughly recommend Castle to parents looking for a Guildford nursery.

We cannot recommend Markenfield castle nursery highly enough. Our third child is now at the nursery and with each of our children we have the same consistent high level of care and I really feel each child has been recognised as an individual. Management is excellent and there is high staff retention with a number of staff having been there for at least 7years.

Castle Nursery on Markenfield Rd is wonderful! Archie started at 12 months old in September 2025 and has absolutely thrived. From the baby room to the toddler room we've watched his confidence and personality blossom into such a fun, caring, inquisitive and yes slightly cheeky little boy.

With a professional background in teaching you get a feeling when things are being done right and these guys are genuinely fantastic. What really makes them stand out though is their genuine desire to care. You're made to feel like part of the family rather than just another number. From the moment we drop Archie off to the moment we pick him up he's always smiling.

Despite only having a few words he's made lovely friends and built genuine connections with the staff. The variety of themes, activities and opportunities for exploration and learning are fantastic and Archie clearly loves it. They've created a warm and stimulating environment where children can really thrive and we couldn't be happier!

We started our 11 month old full time, just over a month ago and it has been nothing short of a great experience, from the first email I sent regarding a place for him, to the updates on a weekly basis. We are so grateful for the team at Castle Nursery for being so considerate and attentive, for always giving extra cuddles on days when needed. He goes into nursery happy every morning, arms wide open to receive a cuddle! The key workers are incredible and very quickly picked up his habits, likes and dislikes. His skills are developing every day and it's incredible to see him flourishing. We look forward to hearing about his day and seeing how his week has been!

The Nursery is fantastic! I enrolled my child there on the advice and positive feedback of other parents. I have not been let down. My son has thrived at the nursery and is so happy. Staff are caring and attentive. I couldn't recommend it more.

All my children have attended Castle nursery, the first started in 2019 and my third is still attending. I love the Castle team, most of whom have been the same over the last 7 years. Led by Leanne and Chelsea, they feel like one big happy family who genuinely care. They know each child so well and tailor their care to each child's needs. I trust them to create a warm, engaging environment that helps children thrive.

I was so nervous and guilty about sending my son to nursery but even on his clingiest days, he goes in gladly and I always find him playing happily when I go pick him up. Would really recommend Castle to any other parents.

And I know that when I go to work I trust that she is happy and safe with them and that is what matters most

My daughter has been at Castle since January and loves being here so much and all the staff. I feel so comfortable leaving her there. She has so much fun and learns so much. The best decision I made was moving her to this nursery.

A bonus for parents is the calendar of social activities, such as Mother's Day Breakfast. They offer a great opportunity to meet other parents, and to feel part of the Castle community.

Best of luck

I have / had all 3 of my children at Castle Nursery Markenfield. Starting off with my eldest back in 2017, Leanne (Nursery Manager) and her team have been amazing. They are friendly, caring, loving and I couldn't be more grateful for the support they've provided to me and my children during some tough times. Leanne and her team are excellent at following correct procedures / compliancy policies, whilst still maintaining that nurturing fun learning environment. They are also very focussed on correct nutrition for all their snacks and meals which is a bonus for me personally. Every single staff member at that nursery deserves recognition for their hard work. Highly recommend.

We have been so pleased with Castle Nursery (Markenfield) for our youngest son. We had a difficult experience with a different nursery with our eldest, and it's been much more positive here! I think it can be quite common in some childcare settings for staff turnover to be high, but Castle feels like a very stable and happy environment, and most staff members have been there a long time. Any changes are managed well and with plenty of notice. It might also seem like a small thing but I really like that all the staff make the effort to learn parents' names rather than just mum/dad!

Thank you Castle Nursery!

I would highly recommend Castle Nursery - Markenfield. My son has been here since he was 9 months old. He's now 3 and has loved his entire time. The staff have been outstanding and have always put the children as their highest priority. The staff in each room have built really strong relationships with my son as he's grown which meant he settled in really quickly and enjoys every day. The forest school is another highlight of the nursery as my son loves these weekly adventures, whatever the weather.

I have one child who has been at Castle for two years and is shortly going into pre-school and one who is just starting. We cannot rate the team at Castle highly enough. My son has loved it there as he has progressed through every room; the staff know the children inside out and their needs. My daughter is doing her settling-in sessions at the moment, and we haven’t had any problems so far. The facilities are great, and the children are challenged with activities each day. The daily updates, observations and food are also fantastic, and I always know my children are in very safe, caring and nurturing hands. Thank you to everyone!

I would strongly recommend this nursery as a happy, safe place for children to learn and grow.

My little boy has been at Castle since Sept 21 and absolutely loves it. Great indoor facilities, plenty of space, with zones in each room for activities. Always lots to do! The staff are so inventive. 4 different rooms to support the children growing and developing. Lovely outdoor space. The garden is split into age-appropriate areas. Enough space to get the paddling pool out in the summer and have ride on activities to learn safety and control. Lots to build, climb and play with. The staff are amazing. They are so supportive to the parents and nurturing to the children. Focused on development through play and activities. Different themes every few weeks, plus special activities on key days (Mother’s Day breakfast, Valentine's cards etc.). Dress-up days, farm visits to the nursery, forest school for the pre-school children, Xmas parties, summer BBQ. Very community-focused. The food is varied and well-planned. CCTV throughout, safe entrance and exit. Quiet location with easy parking.

Our daughter has been at Castle Nursery for nearly three years, and is very happy there. She is encouraged and challenged by the pre-school curriculum, and I believe it will set her up well for school this autumn. Throughout her time, the nursery staff have been very supportive, and always worked closely with us when there has been any kind of issue, for example, during unsettled periods like room changes. I would highly recommend Castle Nursery to anyone considering where to place their child.