A guide to Guildford

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Guildford Castle is the only royal castle ever built in Surrey, built on orders of William the Conqueror.
  • 2.
    George Abbott was born in Guildford and was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1611 to 1633. The town remembers him with his hospital, a statue in the High Street, a pub and a secondary school named after him.
  • 3.
    Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carrol, wrote “Through The Looking Glass” whilst living in Guildford.

Guildford Area

Located in a gap in the North Downs you will find some of the finest countryside in England with large swathes of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Some of the UK’s most outstanding educational establishments, both independent and state, can be found in the area, and many London families decide to make the move to Guildford for this very reason.

Surrounding Villages

  • Albury
    The village of Albury is located located within Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village is home to just over 1000 residents. The charming village is well-served by a post office, pubs, churches, a recreation ground and a busy village hall.
  • Blackheath
    Blackheath is an exclusive village five miles south-east of Guildford in the heart of the beautiful Blackheath Wood area. The old village hall remains a focal point for villagers, who also enjoy a vibrant cricket club.
  • Chilworth
    Chilworth is located four miles from Guildford on the A248 Dorking Road. Here, there is a church, an Abbey, infant school and junior school, and the Percy Arms public house offers a warm welcome to locals and visitors to the village and the nearby North Downs.
  • Brookwood
    Brookwood is situated to the north of Guildford. The village is home to many commuters who take direct rail services from the local railway station to London Waterloo, which takes just over 30 minutes. The local cricket green is home to Brookwood Cricket Club.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Guildford has the reputation as a quality shopping destination with visitors coming from far and wide to take advantage of the superb facilities on offer.

    Well known high street brands and bespoke retailers line the newly restored cobbled high street with its overhanging clock above the Guildhall. North Street is home to the weekly North Street Market and there is also a monthly Farmers Market on the first Tuesday of every month. Covered shopping can be found in The Friary, White Lion Walk and Tunsgate Quarter. Ample parking is available in the various car parks around the centre as well as a Park and Ride service.

  • Eating

    The Ivy

    Sophisticated brasserie offering all day dining with views across to the Castle.

    Blue Sardinia

    Serving traditional Sardinian fare with a modern twist. Think antipasti, risottos, pasta and meats with a wide range of rare and tasty herbs and spices.

    Thai Terrace

    With panoramic views across Guildford, it is the ideal location to enjoy a spot of lunch on the balcony or sip a cocktail while watching the sun set over Guildford castle.

    La Casita

    An authentic taste of the Mediterranean on the cobbled streets of Guildford. Famed for its extensive tapas menu, seafood paellas and Sangria.

    Turtle Bay

    Lively Caribbean restaurant with its own jerk pit barbecue.

  • Drinking

    Harbour Hotel

    This four star hotel in the centre of Guildford houses the stylish 'Long Bar' which offers visitors an excellent choice of wines, gins and cocktails.

    The Wayside

    Spacious pub features its own separate dining area and benefits from loads of afternoon light beaming into the pub - but most importantly, shining down on the vast picturesque riverside garden to the rear.

    The March Hare

    Overlooking the stunning Guildford Castle, The March Hare boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with an incredible food and drinks menu.

    The Queen’s Head

    Traditional, relaxing red-brick pub with a gastronomic menu of locally-sourced dishes.

Travel

  • Trains

    Trains from Guildford to London Waterloo in just over 35 minutes.

  • Other Transport

    Good access directly to the A3 which can take you into London in around 45 minutes.