3 Days in Surrey: History, Gardens, and Local Flavours

Base yourself in Guildford, Surrey’s historic hub with its cobbled High Street and iconic cathedral or, alternatively, stay in a new location each evening. Guildford is just 40 mins from London Waterloo by direct train or a one hour drive via A3/M25.

Morning

• Start your day at the Guildford Tourist Information Centre located in Guildford House Gallery. It is always good to talk to a friendly local. The Information Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm. Pick up maps and local tips. Guildford House is also home to the Gallery and unique gift shop.
• Explore Guildford Castle and its beautiful all year-round gardens. If the Keep is open, pay the entry fee and climb the steps for panoramic town views.
•  Head to Guildford Cathedral for a peaceful visit and admire its remarkable architecture. Guildford Cathedral is just 25 mins walk from the town centre or a short bus journey away from Guildford Bus Station (Bus 5 out but Bus 4 return).  

Midday

• Stop and have lunch in the Refectory at the Cathedral or head back to the town and enjoy lunch in the bustling High Street, you will be spoilt for choice with restaurants such as Theion, The Ivy and The Long Bar & Grill. For a full list of eateries in Guildford do take a look at Experience Guildford’s directory.

Afternoon

• Visit the Guildford Museum (open Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 4.30pm) to learn about the town’s history.
• Take a relaxing stroll to Dapdune Wharf and, if time allows, enjoy a boat trip along the River Wey. Just 20 minutes’ walk from the town centre along a well-kept tow path (open Thursday to Monday, 11am to 5pm - mid-March to mid-November). 

Evening

Guildford's venues offer an incredible variety of cultural performances, from live theatre at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to comedy, family events, tribute bands and classical music at G Live, plus indie bands at the Boileroom and an ever-changing schedule of performances from the likes of Surrey Hills International Music Festival (first half of May) and Guildford Shakespeare Company.

• Alternatively, opt for some active fun: try trampolining at AirHop or skating or bowling at Guildford Spectrum leisure complex both just a 10-minute drive from the centre of town.

Optional Night Stroll

Wander the historic High Street, with its beautiful clock and MANY charming pubs, before returning to your base.

Also recommended: The Spike (open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10am to 4.30pm only). Located just 15 minutes’ walk from the High Street, it is a unique example of an Edwardian casual ward, originally built to house vagrants and casual workers.

To avoid disappointment, please check the business website before you travel as opening dates and times may change.

Option 1: Taste of Surrey – Vineyards, Distilleries & Breweries

Scattered throughout the Surrey Hills are some fantastic local producers, so why not jump in a car - or on a bicycle for a more energetic second day! - and enjoy a gastronomic tour through our beautiful landscape... 

Morning:

Begin your day in the beautiful Surrey Hills, exploring exploring the vineyards of the Surrey Hills wine route. Some of our Vineyards have seasonal openings, so please always check with their websites before setting out on your journey.

Choose from:

• Albury Vineyard - Organic sparkling wine specialists.
• High Clandon Wine Estate - Boutique producer with stunning views.
• Greyfriars Vineyard - Known for award-winning English sparkling wines.
• Chilworth Manor Vineyard – An historic estate revived with modern winemaking.
• Denbies Wine Estate – One of the UK’s largest vineyards, with tours and tastings daily.

Afternoon:

If you prefer other tipples:

• Visit the Silent Pool Distillery, famous for its artisanal gin.
• Or try local craft beers at Hogs Back Brewery or Dorking Brewery.

Stop off along the way to admire the beautiful architecture of historic towns and villages such as Shere, Dorking, Farnham and Godalming; make sure to pick up some delicious local produce at Secretts Farm Shop or Godalming Deli; or stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking views at Newlands Corner, Hog's Back, Leith Hill or Box Hill.

Evening:

End your day in Dorking with a stay at Denbies Vineyard Hotel, where you can enjoy relaxed meal in the Wine Library Brasserie & Bar with stunning views, or return to Guildford to enjoy a relaxed dinner, perhaps pairing local wines or ales with your meal.

Option 2: A Day of History - Hampton Court Palace

For those history-lovers amongst you, Hampton Court Palace awaits! With its Tudor kitchens, Baroque apartments, riverside gardens and world-famous maze, you can while away an entire day exploring this magical palace which was once home to King Henry VIII. (By car: approximately 45 mins drive from Guildford via A3. By train: 45–55 mins (Guildford to Surbiton to Hampton Court).

Evening

Return to Guildford or continue the heritage theme with a cosy overnight stay in one of Surrey's atmospheric historic hotels, such as Foxhills or Oatlands Park Hotel.

To avoid disappointment, please check the event organiser's website before you travel as opening dates and times may change.

Option 1: Surrey’s Most Enchanting Gardens

Morning & Afternoon:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Surrey’s renowned gardens:

• RHS Garden Wisley - The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, with world-class plant collections. Just 15 mins drive from Guildford or take public bus No 462 /463 bus (hourly from Guildford).
• Claremont Landscape Garden - An 18th-century pleasure ground steeped in royal history. Car recommended (25 minutes from Guildford). 
• Painshill - A masterpiece of Georgian landscape design, complete with follies, grotto, and lake. Car recommended (25 minutes from Guildford)
• Ramster Garden - Known for its spectacular spring blooms and woodland walks. Car recommended (25 minutes from Guildford) located near Chiddingfold.
• Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden - A magical mix of contemporary art and lush greenery. Car recommended (40 mins drive from Guildford).   
• The Sculpture Park - Home to hundreds of sculptures set across woodlands and lakes. Car recommended (25 mins drive south from Guildford).

Option 2: Art Galleries & Creative Inspiration

Spend the day exploring Surrey’s vibrant arts scene:

• Watts Gallery - An artists' village dedicated to Victorian artist GF Watts, with studios, gallery and a lovely tea room. Just south of Guildford. 
• The Lightbox - A contemporary gallery with regularly changing exhibitions in Woking.
• Horton Arts Centre - A cultural hub showcasing music, theatre and visual arts in Epsom.

Option 3: Surrey’s Historic Treasures

Journey through Surrey’s fascinating past with these highlights:

• Polesden Lacey - A grand Edwardian house in Great Bookham famed for entertaining royalty.
• Brooklands Museum - The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, including Concorde, in Weybridge.
• Rural Life Living Museum - Hands-on history of rural Surrey through the centuries in Tilford.
• Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede - Where democracy’s foundations were laid in 1215 near Egham.

Evening Finale:

Conclude your Surrey adventure with dinner at Kingham’s in Shere, a Surrey gem celebrating seasonal and local ingredients.

Raise a glass of Surrey wine to toast the end of your adventure.

To avoid disappointment, please check the event organiser's website before you travel as opening dates and times may change.