Issues to do in Guildford – Points of interest

Are you planning a visit to Guildford Surrey? Listed here are our high issues to do in Guildford city centre and surrounding countryside. This lovely area of England has its roots firmly linked to the River Wey, a spot the place the hidden treasures of each city and nation are ready to be found.

Guildford vacationer sights

The great thing about Guildford’s historic buildings, historical fortress and gardens, the picturesque countryside, sleepy villages and the scenic pathways of the River Wey, are all the explanation why Guildford must be in your record of locations to go to in England.

Motels in Guildford

Visiting Guildford final minute and on the lookout for someplace to remain? Listed here are our high suggestions for Guildford lodging. Make sure to ebook your keep forward of time to make sure availability!

What to do in Guildford Surrey

There may be a lot historical past in Guildford, simply strolling by means of the small laneways could have you discovering hidden treasures, listed here are our high picks for what to see in Guildford.

Guildford Citadel

Guildford Citadel’s nice tower has stood watch over Guildford for nearly a thousand years. The fortress was constructed by William the Conqueror quickly after he invaded England in 1066. The moat that after surrounded the fortress is now superbly manicured gardens, the place to sit down and chill out on a summers day.

For a small worth you’ll be able to enter the fortress tower and museum. Surprisingly the Kings rooms look lower than luxurious by at present’s requirements and it had me questioning how the widespread folks lived, one factor for positive our ancestors have been a tricky bunch.

With slim home windows and partitions are metres thick, the tower has stood the take a look at of time, a testomony to the engineering of what was extra a fortress than a house.

Guildford Guildhall

You’ll fall in love with this constructing, the intricately carved wood mantles that assist the portico, the ornamental city clock and dome roof and terrace, take pleasure and place on the Excessive Avenue. Seen from the road the Guildhall frames St Nicholas Parish Church and inexperienced fields and forests within the distance.

We arrived amid pomp and circumstance, Guildford had a brand new Mayor and we have been delighted to catch a glimpse of the swearing in ceremony. We met and had a chat to the city crier and mace bearers, all trying good-looking dressed up in full regalia.

From Could to September the Guildhall supply self-guided excursions each Sunday between 11am and 5pm. Guided excursions are held on Sunday between 2.30pm and three.30pm.

River Wey Navigations

In nowadays of quick trains and lorries, it’s straightforward to overlook that river and canal networks of the UK the place as soon as the life blood of the nation. These networks linked the nation and made it wealthy by means of commerce and commerce.

The River Wey was the primary opened to barge site visitors in 1653, a feat made potential by the River Wey Navigations, artifical waterways that linked Guildford to London.

Photos of heavy laden barges being towed by sturdy horses come to thoughts as you stroll alongside these former towpaths, the place cityscape turns to a panorama crammed with an abundance of wildlife.

Dapdune Wharf

Should you head to Dapdune Wharf you’ll be able to be taught extra concerning the constructing of the River Wey Navigations, the lifetime of the bargemen or take a brief cruise down the River Wey and uncover the landmarks of Guildford from a river perspective.

Dapdune Wharf additionally holds a collection of occasions all year long corresponding to guided walks and orientation weekends. I might have appreciated the City Foraging stroll as I’m curious concerning the vegetation rising alongside the towpath, sadly I missed it by a few days.

Dapdune Wharf is owned by the Nationwide Belief and costs a small price to enter. For extra locations to go in Guildford and vacationer info on Guildford Surrey, head to the Guildford Vacationer Info Centre on the Excessive Avenue.

Free issues to do in Guildford Surrey

Should you come on the lookout for free issues to do in Guildford, you gained’t be disenchanted. Listed here are a few of Guildford’s issues to do without cost.

City Walks

There is no such thing as a higher approach to get a really feel for a brand new metropolis or city than by taking a guided strolling tour, it’s the easiest way to be taught extra about Guildford’s vibrant historical past and forged of characters.

There are a number of free strolling excursions in Guildford between Could and September. A few of the walks on supply embody a stroll by means of Guildford’s previous from Saxon instances to the 20^th Century, Guildford’s pubs and inns, or you’ll be able to a stroll within the footsteps of Guildford’s well-known residents, previous and current.

The walks are held on most days and finest approach to be part of them is to fulfill on the Tunsgate Arch on Excessive Avenue at 2.30pm. For extra info on the strolling excursions head to the Guildford Vacationer Info Centre at Guildford Home on the Excessive Avenue.

Self-Guided Walks

The Guildford Historic Path map will take you on a journey to 23 of Guildford’s most well-known and attention-grabbing landmarks.

A combination of previous and new, you’ll be able to discover the nice tower of Guildford Citadel or go to the Alice and the White Rabbit statue, a tribute to Alice in Wonderland creator Lewis Carroll, who lived a part of his life in Guildford.

You will get your map from the Guildford Vacationer Info Centre at Guildford Home on the Excessive Avenue and comply with the path from the primary disc on the Tunsgate Arch on Excessive Avenue.

Guildford Buying

Guildford has procuring at its coronary heart and can fulfill even probably the most ardent shopaholic amongst us. Guildford has all the things from procuring malls, small boutiques, curio retailers and you may even seize a discount on the markets.

Avenue Markets

If like me you like markets, head to North Avenue on Friday and Saturday. Stalls embody freshy picked fruit and greens, flowers, artisan breads and a number of jewelry and luggage. Nice worth for cash.

The Friary

For many who love procuring malls The Friary has all the things you can ask for, with manufacturers corresponding to Mango, Zara and Topman, there’s something that may please each member of the household.

Tunsgate Arch

If you’re strolling as much as Guildford Citadel by means of Tunsgate Arch, ensure you take the time to cease on the black and gold exterior of Cry for the Moon. This charming jewelry store sells gorgeous assortment of vintage and trendy jewelry, that’s positive to place a smile on any girl’s face.

Slightly additional up the street you will discover Ben’s Collectors Data. Anybody who grew up with information or is into the vinyl revival will probably be in heaven, you will discover all of your favorite basic albums. We even received to hearken to a primary urgent of the Beatles Revolver album, an actual journey down reminiscence lane.

Issues to do in Guildford at night time

What’s on in Guildford at night time chances are you’ll ask, loads! There’s a good selection of issues to see in Guildford, comedy reveals, golf equipment and pubs, listed here are only a couple.

The Ghost Tour of Guildford

For many who like issues a bit of spookier, ensure you preserve Friday nights free between April and November.

The Ghost Tour of Guildford is simply one of many enjoyable issues to do in Guildford by night time (and just a bit bit scary). This strolling tour will introduce you to all issues paranormal whereas discovering the stunning historical past of Guildford.

The tour begins at 8pm exterior the Holy Trinity Church on Guildford’s Excessive Avenue.

G Reside Guildford Surrey

For a enjoyable Guildford night time out, look no additional than the G Reside leisure venue on London Avenue. G Reside’s upcoming visiting acts embody circus, music, theatre and comedy acts, all of the makings for an incredible night time out.

My favorite occasion must be the Hellfire Comedy Membership which host an evening of curry and comedy as soon as a month, ensure you ebook as tickets promote out quick.

Fringe Pageant

Ensure you don’t miss the Guildford Fringe Pageant, a multi-arts competition which is held each July. The competition has an unlimited vary of leisure together with comedy, music, theatre and workshops, better of all, a lot of them are FREE!

Eating places and Pubs

Rumwong Thai Restaurant Guildford

We couldn’t go previous making an attempt a bit of style of Thailand in Guildford. Strolling by means of the elegant décor of the Rumwong Thai restaurant we have been immediately transported again to Thailand.

We feasted on Ped Yang, a roast duck dish that was served with soy sauce, pickled ginger and Chinese language cabbage and Kai Pud Bai Horapa, hen stir-fried with bamboo shoots, onions, inexperienced beans, chilli and candy basil.

The meal was completely cooked, scrumptious and served by Rumwong Thai Restaurant’s pleasant and gracious workers.

Rumwong Thai Restaurant could be discovered at 16-20 London Highway Guildford.

The Three Pigeons Pub Guildford

We have been lured in to the Three Pigeons Pub by its charming façade, as soon as inside we have been much more charmed by the cosy model of this conventional English pub.

The Three Pigeons is a good place to sit down with a quiet cider or craft beer or take pleasure in a leisurely pub lunch or dinner. The Three Pigeons is at 169 Excessive Avenue Guildford.

Issues to do close to Guildford

Many individuals wish to know what to do close to Guildford, in case you are hiring a automobile, you’ll be shocked of the variety of the issues to do round Guildford.

Locations to go to close to Guildford embody Hatchlands Park, a stunning Georgian mansion and parklands or why not cease off for a wine tour and lunch at Denbies Wine Property, each are good for days out close to Guildford.

Farncombe and the River Wey and Godalming Navigations

One among my favorite locations close to Guildford is the peaceable village of Farncombe. Only one prepare cease from Guildford, Farncombe is well accessible from Guildford city centre.

What I really like about Farncombe is its proximity to the River Wey and Godalming Navigations, a Nationwide Belief strolling towpath that connects the close by village of Godalming to Guildford, Weybridge and the River Thames.

Go to Farncombe Boat Home

The very first thing you discover if you come to Farncombe Boat Home are the colorful slim boats moored alongside the waters edge.

What made me much more excited was the truth that you’ll be able to rent these slim boats for brief breaks, weekly holidays or in case you are pressed for time you’ll be able to rent a slim boat for the day.

 Go to Godalming Navigations

The Godalming Navigations have been opened in 1764 and prolonged the River Wey Navigations right down to the village of Godalming. Today the 32kilometres (20 miles) of towpaths are strolling trails and areas of excellent pure magnificence.

We loved many early morning and late afternoons exploring the Godalming Navigations. We have been enchanted by swans drifting majestically by means of the early morning mist and welcomed to a brand-new day by the birds serenading us from the bushes and shrubs of the woodland. Easy issues that gave a lot pleasure!

We found an deserted WWII bunker and watched as households gathered collectively for a picnic on the river financial institution having fun with a Sunday afternoon stress-free within the solar.

Guildford Lodging

The Mandolay Lodge Guildford Surrey

We stayed in Guildford on two events, each instances on the Mandolay Lodge and would advocate it to anybody visiting Guildford.

The primary time we stayed in an government room on the bottom ground, the room was superbly adorned, the mattress a dream to sleep in. The room had tea and occasional making services and we have been provided with Molton Brown toiletries.

The second time we stayed on the Mandolay Lodge we have been upgraded to a junior suite which was positioned on the highest ground. The suite was enormous and tastefully adorned with a sitting space and eating desk which made our keep very comfy.

The mattress was cozy, and we loved a very good night time sleep. The room had a Nespresso machine and pods which have been complimentary.

The Lodge has an onsite restaurant and bar and we spent a beautiful afternoon sitting on the sunny terrace with a beer and glass of champagne.

The Mandolay Lodge is a brief stroll to Guildford city centre and London Highway railway station. London Highway Station has connections to central London through London Waterloo Station.

Click on right here for the Mandolay Lodge charges and additional info

Attending to Guildford from London

There are direct prepare connections from London Waterloo Station to Guildford each day. The journey takes round an hour.

Direct prepare connections from Gatwick Airport to Guildford are additionally out there.

Final phrase on issues to do in Guildford Surrey

We totally loved our keep in Guildford, it’s a pretty city with an historical coronary heart and trendy outlook. Would I go to once more? In a heartbeat! There may be a lot extra to expertise and see on this lovely nook of England.

Have you ever been to Guildford? Have you ever visited Surrey? We might love to listen to about your experiences, be happy to depart a remark.

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