Guildford High Street
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Frequently Asked Questions about Guildford
Visiting Guildford?
Got questions?
Let's started with essential information, FAOs and facts about Guildford. We hope you find this help.
If you still can't find the answer to your question, please email or phone Guildford Visitor Information Centre on 01483 444333 or tic@guildford.gov.uk
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Where is Guildford?
Guildford, the county town of Surrey, is located in the south west of the county. Just 37 miles away from London with a direct rail link to London Waterloo. Guildford is 45 minutes drive from Heathrow and Gatwick, the UK’s two largest international airports. Both airports have direct transport links to Guildford. Find out more
National Express operate a service from Guildford to London Victoria where you can make onward connections. The National Express drop is located at Park Barn Bus Stop on Egerton Road in Guildford (near Tesco supermarket.) Find details of times and prices of coach travel to Guildford on the National Express website.
When is the best time to visit Guildford?
Guildford is a wonderful town to visit throughout the year. Seasonal highlights.
- Spring (March, April, May) - seeing all the spring flowers and enjoying the May Day celebrations in Guildford town centre.
- Summer (June, July, August) - enjoying a free guided walk, a concert in the Castle Grounds, outdoor theatre or music event or a boat trip along the river.
- Autumn (September, October, November) - enjoying a fabulous firework displays at Stoke Park or local villages.
- Winter (December, January, February) - taking winter walks, shopping at a Christmas market or fair or enjoying food in a cosy pub or restaurant.
Take a look at What's on in Guildford
What public transports connections are available to Guildford from to Gatwick and Heathrow Airports?
GATWICK
www.gatwickairport.com
Via train: Take a direct train from Guildford (Mainline Station)to Gatwick Airport www.nationalrail.co.uk. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
HEATHROW
www.heathrow.com
Via coach: Pick up from the front entrance of Guildford (mainline) Train Station. RailAir Coaches run hourly (approximately) to Heathrow Terminal 2, 3 & 5. Depending on time of travel, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
www.railair.com
Where can I get information about local Guildford buses?
Regular buses connect Guildford to the surrounding villages and further afield. For timetables and information visit surreycc.gov.uk
View a map of Guildford Bus routes.
National Express operate a service from Guildford to London Victoria where you can make onward connections. The National Express drop is located at Park Barn Bus Stop on Egerton Road in Guildford (near Tesco supermarket.) Find details of times and prices of coach travel to Guildford on the National Express Coach website.
Where can I hire a bike in Guildford?
Getting around on two wheels is one of the best ways to explore the historic and vibrant town of Guildford. Use pedal power to cruise your way through the cobbled streets and to explore Guildford and the surrounding area. Beryl offer bike hire by the minute or day. Find out more on the beryl website.
Where can I park my car in Guildford?
Car park parking Guildford.
- Take a look at a Guildford Town Car Parking Map
- Guildford Car Parking Fees and charging times
- Guildford Blue Badge Parking
- Guildford Park and Glide Service
There are no height restrictions at the open-air parking at G Live.
Where can I charge my Electric Car in Guildford?
Guildford Borough has installed electric vehicle charging points in various locations in Guildford.
Details can be found on Guildford Borough Council's Electric vehicle charging points page
Where can I find a public toilet in Guildford?
Please click on this link for a list of public toilets in Guildford town and across the Borough.
Is there a physical Tourist Information Centre in Guildford?
The Tourist information Centre is located in Guildford House Gallery, a fascinating Grade I listed town house and art gallery, located on Guildford High Street (opposite Sainsbury's).
155 High Street
Guildford
GU1 3AJ
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:30
Email: tic@guildford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01483 444333
Where can I get hold of a map?
Click and download a map of Guildford or pop into Guildford Tourist Information Centre during their opening hours and pick up a free map.
Guildford Tourist Information Centre
155 High Street
Guildford
GU1 3AJ
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:30
Email: tic@guildford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01483 444333
Answer Link
Are there any left luggage facilities in Guildford?
Unfortunately, we do not currently have any left luggage facilities in Guildford. If you are staying overnight in an Air B&B or hotel, we would suggest you contact the establishment to see if you can leave your luggage with them before or after check-in/check-out times.
Where is there coach parking in Guildford?
Coach parking can be found at the locations below:
Bedford Road:
Two coach parking bays on Bedford Road in the town centre (between the Odeon Cinema and the entrance to Bedford Road car park)
Parking is payable by the hour.
Only coaches can use these spaces 8:30am to 6pm every day.
Artington Park and Ride:
Two coach parking bays at the Artington Park & Ride Site, one mile from Guildford on the A3100.
No cost to park
Park and ride service: first bus 7:30am, last bus leaves town 7.27pm, runs every 10/12 minutes. Pay for a return ticket.
Coach parking is OUTSIDE of the height restrictors and isn’t limited to the site opening times.
Places to drop off passengers:
You will find suitable drop off points at either end of the town. Millbrook, close to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre at the bottom of the town and outside G Live at the top of the upper High Street.
ACCESSIBILITY
Where can I get a Radar (disabled toilet) key in Guildford?
Radar keys can be purchased from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre at a cost of £3.60 during their opening hours.
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:30
Can I hire a disability Scooter in Guildford?
Shopmobility provides a selection of wheelchairs and scooters to anyone of any age group who experiences difficulty walking around Guildford town Centre. Find out more about this award winning service
I have a Blue Badge, where can I park?
The Blue Badge scheme offers parking concessions for disabled and blind people. Find out more about the scheme and disabled parking bays in Guildford.
Is Guildford accessible for wheelchair users?
Guildford is a historic town, with its high street located on a steep hill. Some of the shops, attractions, hotels and restaurants are less accessible to wheelchair users because of their historic nature.
INTERESTING FACTS
Is Guildford a city or a town?
Although Guildford has a cathedral, it is not a city. City status must be granted by the King. Guildford has applied for city status on numerous occasions but has been turned down.
Where can I book a private guided tour in Guildford?
As well as their excellent programme of walks from May through to September, the Guildford Town Guides offer private guided walks by appointment at any time of year.
Whilst their public walks are free, they raise money for local charities by requesting £5 per head when they give private tours. Exceptions are made for certain education, community and charity groups.
For more information on group bookings please visit the Guildford Town Guides website.
Where can I buy souvenirs of Guildford?
You will find a great selection of souvenirs at the Guildford Tourist Information Centre, located in Guildford House Gallery.
155 High Street (opposite Sainsburys)
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3AJ
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:30
I only have two hours in Guildford where should I go?
Take a look at this easy Guildford town trail and discover some of Guildford’s special little hidden gems.
Which TV and films have been shot in Guildford and the surrounding area?
With international film studios and London on the doorstep, Guildford and its surrounding villages have long been a top location choice for film makers and producers. Take a look at our Guildford TV and Film location Blog
Read More
Who is Guildford twinned with?
In 1979 Guildford was twinned with Freiburg im Breisgau, a delightful historic city in Baden-Württemberg (South West Germany). The city is located on the edge of the Black Forest, because of this the city it is often described as the "Capital of the Black Forest".
The city is rich in history, art and culture. It has a 700-year old Cathedral and its University was founded in 1457. It has several museums and art galleries, including one devoted to modern art and there is a wide range of theatres, concert-halls and sports facilities.
The fascinating old town is a delight to walk around, cars are excluded and in recent years Freiburg has become world-renowned as the "Green City" for its enlightened and wide-ranging environmental policies.
The Guildford Twinning Association
The Association was formed in 1979 to promote links, understanding, co-operation and friendship between Guildford and Freiburg through:
- Contacts - personal, social, sporting, cultural, business and official
- Exchange visits and links - between schools, businesses, clubs and societies
- The Association also organises social events for members.
- For more information, including how to join, please visit the Guildford Twinning Association website
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.