What to do for free in Guildford Town Centre

There is a vast array of activities and places you can visit in Guildford without spending a penny! See below for some ideas to keep you busy whatever your budget!

Note that not all activities are available at all times
* Attraction requests an optional donation
** Attraction requires a small charge

White Lion Walk Shopping Centre
Begin your Day Out in the Guildford at the White Lion Walk Shopping Centre which is a great opportunity to browse shop windows, as well as a chance to stop for a small refreshment at a coffee shop inside.

North Street Market
Making your way back on to North Street, every Friday and Saturday you will find a bustling traditional street market. Explore the stalls to find fruit, flowers and other fresh produce alongside fancy goods, clothing and numerous other products. After exploring the stalls make your way up North Street and turn right onto Jeffries Passage.

Jeffries Passage
Explore this quaint little side street full of unusual independent stores including The Bear Garden, one of the UK’s leading teddy bear shops.

High Street
At the end of Jeffries Passage turn right onto the historical cobbled High Street, a perfect place to browse the stores. On the first Tuesday of every month (as well as additional days for special events) you will also find Guildford’s Farmers Market. Find out more about Guildford Farmers’ Markets Dates.

Guildford House Gallery
www.guildfordhouse.co.uk
Along the High Street it is also worth taking a moment to look inside of Guildford House Gallery which offers a varied programme of temporary exhibitions, talks, tours and workshops. Admission to the Gallery is free but please note the opening times: 
Tues – Sat:
10.00-16.45

Travelling further down the high street turn left at Tunsgate Arch which is situated opposite the Guildhall clock. Head south on Tunsgate towards Castle Street where you will find

Guildford Castle.
Castle Grounds
The Castle Grounds offer a great place for a picnic lunch. The grounds are free to explore and open all year round. Here it is also possible to explore the Castle which is not free but relatively inexpensive.

Castle **
The Great Tower of the castle offers rooftop viewpoint offering 360 degree panoramic views across Guildford town centre and the countryside beyond!
Admission - Adult: £2.60, concession and child £1.30
Opening Times - April – September 10.00-17.00 everyday
October and March Sat and Sun only (plus October half term 11.00-17.00)
Nov – Feb Closed

Guildford Museum
www.guildfordmuseum.co.uk
Further down Castle Street you will also find Guildford Museum, which is home to a large
collection of archaeology, local history and textiles. Take time to visit the exhibition and learn
about Guildford’s links with some familiar names such as Lewis Carroll and Gertrude Jekyll.
Admission - Free
Opening times - Mon – Sat 11.00-17.00 (last admission 16.45)
Facilities - Gift Shop which stocks a range of local history books, toys, gifts and cards.

After leaving the Museum head back down to Tunsgate Arch where it is possible to meet an experienced guide to explore some of the sites and history of Guildford.

Free guided walk of Guildford *
Meet: Tunsgate Arch on the High Street, opposite the Guildhall Clock. Tours take approximately an hour and a half and there is no need to book.
When: Tours take place on:
May – Sept: Mon 11.00, Sun and Weds 14.30
May – Aug: Thurs 19.00
Tours Available: Historic Town; Lewis Carroll; Victorian Architecture; Hidden Guildford;
Ghosts; River Wey; Mount Cemetery
Facilities: Public Toilets available on Tunsgate opposite Heals
Please note day of travelling.  If Monday necessary to take walk before Picnic at Castle Grounds.

River Views
After finishing your guided tour head down towards the river. Here take time to sit on the riverside and watch the passing boats. Here and along the river there are seats available to enjoy a peaceful end to a busy day, and perhaps a snack. There is also  riverside walk you can follow to further experience the beautiful and tranquil riverside environment of the River Wey Valley.