Guildford

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Type: Towns & Villages

Guildford is a vibrant historic town, set in the rolling hills of the Surrey countryside. Its location and excellent transport links mean that Guildford has welcomed travellers for centuries.

The River Wey, which runs through the centre of town, is owned by the National Trust, and was one of the first rivers to be made navigable. Guildford later became an important staging post for travellers between London and Portsmouth, being mid-way between the capital and the coastal port.

Guildford is the county town, retaining its traditional cobbled high street and riverside walks, but offering all the richness and amenities of a city, with excellent shopping and entertainment. Guided walks of the town offer an insight into the fascinating history of the area, taking in the castle keep, the 15th-century Guildhall and a wealth of other historic buildings.

The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompasses much of the surrounding countryside, which is dotted with picturesque villages and a wealth of gardens and houses to visit. Guildford’s attractions range from the 240 acre garden at Wisley to the 20th-century cathedral just outside the town and many are linked by the North Downs Way national trail.

Key Events - Guildford

Spring Music Festival/ March
International Music Festival Biennial event
These two music festivals aim to provide something to suit most musical tastes. The Spring Music Festival takes place in 2010 and the International Music Festival in 2011.

Lions’ Easter Show Easter Monday
Shalford Park
This is a fun-filled family event organised by the Guildford Lions Club.

Surrey County – 31 May
Agricultural Show Supported by farmers across the south east of
England, this provides a variety of entertainments, from showing animals to children’s rides.

Loseley Gardening Show 18 - 20 June
Loseley Park

Guildford Summer Festival June - July
Getting bigger and better each year, the Summer Festival has a diverse variety of events for all ages and tastes.

Celebrating Lewis Carroll July - September
Exhibitions at Guildford House Gallery and Guildford Museum celebrating Lewis Carroll’s connection to the town.

Guilfest – Music Festival - July
Guilfest is a 3-day music festival with camping on Stoke Park.

Guildford Cricket Festival - July
Surrey County Cricket Club returns to Guildford’s Woodbridge Road for this annual match.

Women’s Rugby World Cup - 16 August
Surrey Sports Park - 6 September

Heritage Open Days – 11 – 12 September
Guildford’s historic listed buildings are opened to the public for this two-day event.

Guildford Book Festival - October
This festival celebrates the written word in new and imaginative ways.

Christmas Lights Switch-On November
Join the stars of the Yvonne Arnaud’s pantomime.

Contact Details

Guildford

Tel: + 44 (0)1483 444 333

Click here to visit website

Information

Road Directions

Why not use Transport Direct which is a complete transport journey planner for Great Britain to help you plan your journey to Guildford.
www.transportdirect.com

Directions to Guildford Tourist Information Centre

From the A3, southbound (from London & M25)

Leave the A3 at Guildford marked Guildford and Leisure Centre. Turn left at the traffic lights. Straight across the next lights into Stoke Road (A320). Continue forward past Guildford Technical College. Continue forward through a set of traffic lights, under a bridge, through another set of lights and into Chertsey Street. Merge left with North Street traffic and then turn left at the traffic lights. Over two traffic calming strips and at roundabout take second exit onto the A246 Epsom Road for 100 yards then turn right up Jenner Road. At top of Jenner Road turn right. Continue forward and then drop down Bright Hill and left into Sydenham Road. Castle Car park is on your right.

From the A3, northbound (from Portsmouth)

Past the Cathedral on your right. Leave the A3 marked A322 Dorking, Bagshott, Guildford and Leisure Centre. Stay in right hand lane. Through traffic lights and round roundabout. As you pass under the A3 bear left into one way system marked A25 Dorking and Guildford M25. Stay in right hand lane through traffic lights. Continue forward leaving out of town stores on your left. Through traffic lights. Continue forward past Cornhill Allianze on your left and then Fire Brigade station on your right. At these lights turn right into Stoke Road. Continue forward past Guildford Technical College. Continue forward through a set of traffic lights, under a bridge and through another set of lights and into Chertsey Street. Merge left with North Street traffic and then turn left at the traffic lights. Over two traffic calming strips and at roundabout take second exit onto the A246 Epsom Road for 100 yards then turn right up Jenner Road. At top of Jenner Road turn right. Continue forward and then drop down Bright Hill and left into Sydenham Road. Castle Car park is on your right.

Leaving the car park

Exit the car park by the lift or stairs to the 1st floor marked Town Centre, Milkhouse Gate and Sainsbury's. Exit right onto Sydenham Road. Take the first road on the right Tunsgate. The Tourist Information Centre can be found half way down Tunsgate on ther right hand side opposite the entrance to Heals.

Public Transport Directions

There is an excellent service into Guildford Railway Station. It is approximately a 10 minute walk to the Tourist Information Centre but be aware the High Street is up hill. Exit the platform following signs Main Exit/Taxi/Town Centre. Exit the station following Town Centre/Bus Station. Cross the road at lights opposite Bridge House and turn right. Follow pavement round corner to join the traffic one way system. Over the bridge (River Wey) and down to lights opposite Friary Shopping Centre. Cross both sets of roads and then turn right leaving the shopping centre on your left - look for the blue sign Town Centre. Continue round shopping centre and past its main entrance with tall columns. Continue past and on the other side of the road to your right you will see the shopping mall White Lion Walk. Enter this mall and continue though, as you exit turn left into the High Street. When you to the clock overhanging The High Street turn right through Tunsgate Arch. The Tourist Information Centre can be found on the left hand side opposite the entrance to Heals.