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VISIT GUILDFORD

Guildford Tourist Information Centre, Guildford House,
155 Hugh Street, Guildford,
GU1 3AJ
t: 01483 444333 (01483 444334 Box Office)
e: tic@guildford.gov.uk
w: www.guildford.gov.uk/visitguildford/groups

Guildford in the heart of Surrey is steeped in history and heritage – why not take a walk with the knowledgeable town guides – free between May and September. With excellent shopping, and plenty of cafes and restaurants serving local produce, make a day of it in Guildford. Enjoy afternoon tea before seeing a show at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre or G Live in the evening. Full details of events throughout the year can be found on our website.


In the battle against ever increasing costs, Guildford can offer the perfect solution with a fun packed day out where several places of interest are FREE to visit!


The vibrant market town of Guildford sits within easy travelling distance of London, M25 and South Coast, and is surrounded by the beautiful Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are several National Trust properties around Guildford including Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Winkworth Arboretum, Claremont Gardens and Dapdune Wharf, as well as the privately owned Loseley Park and Painshill Park. There is also Denbies Wine Estate, and a wealth of arts venues such as Watts Gallery and Guildford House Gallery.


You can choose any of the above attractions for the morning of your visit and then head for Guildford for the afternoon – arriving first at Guildford Cathedral on the A3. The knowledgeable volunteers will give you a free guided tour of the Cathedral (events permitting) and you will get your first stunning views of the town from the top of Stag HIll. The Refectory Restaurant is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm as is the gift shop and book shop.


Then head into Guildford Town Centre where there is plenty to do for free including: Guildford House Gallery with its constantly changing programme of temporary exhibitions, gallery courtyard café, gift shop and the Tourist Information Centre. Guildford Museum in Quarry Street has displays on local history, archaeology, needlework and Victorian childhood and is adjacent to the stunning flower beds of the Castle Grounds. The Castle Great Tower itself is £3 to enter but if you climb right to the top you are treated to the most stunning views of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty on a clear day.


Take a free guided walk throughout the summer with the Guildford Town Guides and you will visit the medieval Undercroft, Holy Trinity Church, The Guildhall and learn all about the history and secret nooks and crannies of Guildford – and it really is free! Walks take approximately one and a quarter hours and are at a gentle pace. A new slightly longer walk has been added for 2016 exploring Alan Turing’s connections with the town. He moved to Guildford as a child and his family continued to own property in the town until the early 70s, and he was a frequent visitor.


Regular annual events in Guildford include the Guildford Summer Festival (June to August) the Guildford Book Festival (October), the Music Festival (March) and many art and culture events all year round at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Electric Theatre and G Live as well as venues in the surrounding area.

 

Full details of events and attractions can be found at Guildford Tourist Information Centre. Call 01483 444333 or email tic@guildford.gov.uk or visit www.visitguildford.com