Guildford Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to get around in Guildford, Surrey.
- Introduction to Guildford
- List of Places to Visit in Guildford
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Guildford
- Best Things to Do in Guildford: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Guildford
- Food and Drink Scene of Guildford
- Where to Stay in Guildford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Guildford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Guildford
- Best Time to Visit Guildford
- Do’s and Don’ts of Guildford
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Guildford: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Guildford
- Where to Go Next from Guildford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Guildford
Located in the beautiful county of Surrey, Guildford is a vibrant and historic town dating back to the 10th century. Known for its stunning architecture, unique shopping experiences, and beautiful countryside, Guildford attracts visitors from all over the world.
Guildford is a bustling town with a population of around 80,000 people. It has been named as one of the top places to live in the UK thanks to its outstanding natural beauty and plenty of amenities. The town is located only 30 miles south-west of central London and can be easily reached by public transport.
List of Places to Visit in Guildford
Guildford is a town full of exciting places to visit, including:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Guildford Castle
- Spike Heritage Centre
- Guildford Museum
- Loseley Park
Natural Attractions of Guildford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Box Hill
- Pewley Downs Nature Reserve
- Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Newlands Corner
Hiking/Biking Routes of Guildford
Guildford is blessed with stunning countryside, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. When it comes to hiking and biking, the area has plenty of routes and trails suitable for all levels:
- North Downs Way National Trail
- The Greensand Way
- Wey-South Path
- Blackheath Common
Best Things to Do in Guildford: Activities and Tours
- Visit the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
- Go on a Food & Drink Tour
- Take a Guildford Ghost Tour
- Enjoy a River Wey boat trip
- Visit the Guildford House Gallery
Week-Long Itinerary for Guildford
If you are planning to spend a week in Guildford, here is a suggested itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Guildford Castle and explore the town center |
| 2 | Hike Box Hill or explore Pewley Downs Nature Reserve |
| 3 | Visit the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| 4 | Visit the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre |
| 5 | Walk along the Wey-South Path and enjoy a River Wey boat trip |
| 6 | Shop at the Tunsgate Quarter or the Friary Shopping Centre |
| 7 | Visit Loseley Park or the Guildford Museum |
Food and Drink Scene of Guildford
With a wide range of places to eat and drink, Guildford is a food lover’s paradise. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Fish and Chips
- Salted Beef Bagels
- Bangers and Mash
Local Beverages
- Hogs Back Brewery Ale
- Silent Pool Gin
- Guildford Dragon
Where to Stay in Guildford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Guildford has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some options worth considering:
- Mandolay Hotel
- Radisson Blu Edwardian
- Barnett Hill Hotel
- Travelodge Surrey
What to Buy in Guildford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Guildford is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products. Some of the best things to buy include:
- Local honey from the Surrey Beekeeper
- Handmade chocolates from Cocoa & Co
- Luxury skincare products from Guildford’s The Essential Bag Company
Local Culture and Customs of Guildford
Guildford has a rich history, and its residents are proud of their traditions and customs. Visitors are encouraged to respect local culture and customs, including:
- Observing traffic regulations
- Using polite and courteous language
- Dressing conservatively in holy or sacred places
Best Time to Visit Guildford
Guildford is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June-August). During this time, the weather is warm, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. If you prefer cooler temperatures, plan to visit during the spring or fall.
Do’s and Don’ts of Guildford
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Explore the countryside and outdoor spaces
- Use public transport to get around
Don’t:
- litter or damage the environment
- ignore traffic regulations
- disrespect local traditions and customs
Safety and Health
Safety in Guildford
Guildford is a relatively safe town with a low crime rate. However, visitors are advised to take the usual precautions and keep valuables out of sight.
Health in Guildford
Guildford has an excellent healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics in the area. It’s always best to travel with health insurance and have any necessary vaccinations before arriving.
Getting to Guildford: Transportation Options and Logistics
Guildford is conveniently located only 30 miles from central London, making it easy to reach by public transport. Here are some transportation options to consider:
Airports Near Guildford
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- London Gatwick (LGW)
Bus Stations Near Guildford
- Guildford Bus Station
- National Express Coach Station
Other Options
- Guildford Train Station
- Car rental services
How to Get Around in Guildford
Guildford is a pedestrian-friendly town, and many of the most popular attractions can be reached by walking. For longer distances, consider using public transport or car rental.
Where to Go Next from Guildford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you want to explore more of the UK during your visit, here are some nearby destinations worth considering:
- London (30 miles)
- Winchester (20 miles)
- Portsmouth (30 miles)
- Chichester (30 miles)
Conclusion
Guildford is a beautiful and vibrant town with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. From cultural and historical landmarks to scenic countryside and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in Guildford. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your visit to this charming town.
