Guildford is sometimes described as the county town of Surrey. In the 21st century, Guildford is one of the few places that still has a High Street paved with cobblestones. Famed partially for being a posh place, there’s plenty to do in Guildford that won’t break your wallet. Check out the 10 best things to do in Guildford below!
1. Steam Dreams - The Cathedrals Express
Anyone a fan of steam trains? A day out on The Cathedrals Express is one to be remembered, and visitors can sit on the vintage carriages, while white smoke drifts past the window and the shrill whistle of the train can be heard. Truly an experience that evokes memories of the glorious bygone age of steam train travel.
Steam Dreams - The Cathedrals Express
Address: Albury Lodge, The St, Albury, GU5 9AE Guildford, UK
2. Hatchlands Park
Being in the countryside gives you the opportunity to really soak in the vast amounts of green all around. Enter Hatchlands Park, where stretches of sweeping parkland shelter a classic country house. Hatchlands Park is one of the largest country estates in the green belt surrounding Greater London and is easy enough to walk through on a nice spring morning, enjoying the breeze and impossibly beautiful surroundings.
Hatchlands Park
Address: East Clandon, GU4 7RT Guildford
Website: Hatchlands Park
3. The Boilerroom
Guildford also caters to its budding arts scene. Check out the Boilerroom, which was founded in September 2006 by an independent collective dedicated to promoting the highest quality live music, creative arts, and club events. The Boileroom has a strong national presence, having played host to countless award-winning artists. This is the place to be if you want to be hip and discover people before they become cool and the Boilerroom remains the first port of call for music fans and creative minds to come and visit.
The Boilerroom
Address: 13 Stoke Fields, GU1 4LS Guildford, UK
Website: The Boilerroom
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4. Guildford Cathedral
There’s always a beautiful church around the corner and the Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit, Guildford is no different. An Anglican cathedral designed by Sir Edward Maufe, it was built between 1936 and 1961 and remains the seat of the Diocese of Guildford. Guildford Cathedral markets itself as the People’s Cathedral, a place of welcome, worship, inspiration, and engagement for people of all ages. Also for horror buffs, you’ll be pleased to know that scenes in the classic horror film “The Omen” were filmed at the cathedral.
Guildford Cathedral
Address: Stag Hill, GU2 7UP Guildford
Website: Guildford Cathedral
5. Guildford Castle
What’s an English town without a castle? Guildford Castle offers a lovely 360-degree panoramic view of Guildford and the idyllic surrounding countryside. With gorgeous gardens begging to bloom, there’s even a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass, a memorial to Lewis Carroll who stayed nearby at his sister’s house until his death.
Guildford Castle
Address: Castle St, GU1 3SX Guildford
Website: Guildford Castle
6. Spike Heritage Centre
On Guildford’s periphery, the Guildford Union Workhouse acts as a testament to the current welfare system. Built in 1838 as a result of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, the Spike Heritage Centre is a rather grim alternative to the clean cobblestones of Guildford, with a history of housing the forgotten classes of Edwardian England. Come here to learn more about the sad state of life in the past, and sober yourself up from the 21st century.
Spike Heritage Centre
Address: Warren Rd, GU1 3JH Guildford, UK
Website: Spike Heritage Centre
7. Watts Gallery - Artists Village
Nestled in the wilds of Surrey Hills lies the Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, a unique arts and crafts gem housing stunning Victorian paintings and sculpture. Besides the gallery, there is some great tea and scones at the tea shop, and of course, actual art and souvenirs you can buy.
Watts Gallery - Artists Village
Address: Down Lane, Compton, GU3 1DQ Surrey
Website: Watts Gallery - Artists Village
8. Watts Chapel
This gorgeous chapel is a Grade I listed building, and draws you in with its bright red brick exterior, endlessly fascinating to visitors venturing up the winding yew tree paths.
Watts Chapel
Address: Down Lane, Compton, GU3 1DN Guildford
Website: Watts Chapel
9. Clandon Park
Clandon Park houses Clandon House, an early 18th-century Grade I listed Palladian mansion in West Clandon. What used to be the home of the Onslow family. Clandon House has been owned since 1956 by the National Trust. Although damaged by fire in 2015, it has since been determined to be restored to its original 18th-century designs and the upper floors will be used for exhibitions and events.
Clandon Park
Address: A247, West Clandon, GU4 7RQ Guildford, UK
Website: Clandon Park
10. Shalford Mill
Shalford Mill is an 18th-century watermill with well-preserved machinery, filled with history and the memory of a simpler time, of a village rife with the tradition that eventually gave way to modernity. The mill no longer works, but you can still buy Shalford Mill flour bagged by Imbhams Farm Granary after doing a tour that will let you hear the amusing story of the Ferguson Gang.
Shalford Mill
Address: Shalford, GU4 8BS Guildford, UK
Website: Shalford Mill
Gorgeous Guildford!
Guildford is often thought of as a very liveable place with not much to do, but in fact is a great glimpse into English suburban living with a surprisingly large number of activities to do, from arts to heritage to huge sprawling countrysides. Certainly, a place to visit for peace of mind and to get away from the city for a while!