Experience Guildford
If you live, work, or shop in Guildford, you’ve probably seen our friendly Town Rangers out and about. Always ready with a smile, directions, and helpful advice, they’re just one of the many ways we make Guildford a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place to visit. We’re also the team behind some of your favourite moments in town – from the magical Christmas Lights switch-on to family fun like Fun Time Thursdays. Add in seasonal trails, kids’ activities, and year-round events, and there’s always something new to enjoy.
Love a local deal? Our Christmas Privilege Card and year-round Privilege Card offer exclusive discounts at shops, cafés, restaurants, and attractions across Guildford – all free to access when you download the Experience Guildford app.
Whether you’re hunting for the best lunch spot, curious about what’s on, or just need a hand finding your way, we’re here to help. Stay up to date by subscribing to our newsletter at www.experienceguildford.com and following us on social media @experienceguildford for the latest events, offers, and town news.
Proudly Independent
Guildford is home to over 160 Independent businesses from quirky bars to handcrafted gift shops, board game cafes to theatres. Many of these independents have won multiple awards recognised by national bodies.
Read on to find and out about our Independent gems and what they have to offer, as well as the wonderful owners and their teams that make these businesses so special.
Look out for 'Proudly Independent' window stickers in the windows of all our Independent businesses in Guildford Town!
Take a look at .....
Street art in Guildford! Guildford Festival of the Arts!
Upcoming Events
Bridging Fantasy Across Time: In Conversation with Sidney Sime
This exhibition explores the intersection of fantasy art and gaming through the iconic works of…
Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling…
Celebrate the Start of the Season | Tunsgate Quarter
This year, Guildford's Tunsgate Quarter, beautifully decorated with festive wreaths and a new…
Discover the Magic of The Ivy Asia This Festive Season
The Ivy Asia Festive Menus are available between 11th November – 31st December This…
Dying For It by Moira Buffini | School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries
A darkly funny tale of desperation, absurdity, and the price of hope. Semyon is out of work, out of…
Etsy Guildford Christmas Gift Markets | Tunsgate Quarter
Get ready to immerse yourselves once more in a world of handcrafted delights this December as Etsy…
Feel inspired with The Guildford Institute’s new events programme
The Guildford Institute is a local charity providing cultural education. Its October to March…
Free orchestral concert for all the family
Musicians from the University of Surrey and the town of Guildford present a free orchestral concert…
Guildford Jazz
Allison Neale Trio. Unique on the UK jazz scene, American-born Allison Neale's alto saxophone…
Illuminate Guildford Castle
Step foot into a wonderful light trail located in the heart of Guildford's town centre Open from…
Orthodox Christmas Fair
Orthodox Christmas Fair Handcrafted gifts, local honey, and festive joy for everyone. Treat your…
Playtime! | Guildford Museum
It’s Playtime! at Guildford Museum! Enjoy our fun learning exhibition for all the family…
The Creation, Haydn
The Creation by Haydn is an accessible, joyful work that is easily one of the favourite choral works…
The Ghost Tour of Guildford
Dates: The Ghost Tour of Guildford runs every Friday night from Good Friday until the end of…
The Ivy Asia: Indulge Exquisite Set Menus this Autumn
This autumn, The Ivy Asia in Guildford invites guests to discover bold flavours, vibrant…
West Coast Cool Jazz: The Allison Neale Trio | The Guildford Institute
In Association with Guildford Jazz GI Music Lounge Unique on the UK jazz scene, American-born…
Winter Tree Top Adventures | Wild Wood Adventure
Join us this November for a wild winter adventure! We're open every weekend throughout November…
Guildford Festive Family Fun Day
Locations: High Street, Tunsgate, and Friary Street, Guildford Date: Sunday 16 November…
Sparkle Vegan Market - 16 November
Location: Guildford High Street Date: Sunday 16 November Time: 11:00 - 16:00 There will…
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey [Rating TBC] | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
What if you could open a doorway and walk through it to re-live a defining moment from your past?…
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale [PG] | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley…
Life Drawing Mondays
Relaxed, supportive life drawing sessions with a live model. All levels welcome - beginners to…
Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert in Guildford
Magical music, festive frolics, sparkles and spices, oh my! Grab your family, harness up your…
Botticelli – Mystic Beauty | The Guildford Institute
Botticelli was a star of the late 15th century in Florence, a favourite of the Medici family…
Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
London, 1901. As the British Empire wages war in the name of a Queen whose health is failing, a…
Guildford Jazz
Alexandra Ridout Quartet. UK born, New York based trumpeter Alexandra Ridout is one of the most…
Pop on the Box | The Guildford Institute
Talk by Jeff Evans Freelance journalist and television historian Jeff Evans, author of Rock…
Winter Light Guildford Cathedral
Nadia catapulted to fame when she appeared on ITV as the only classical singer on The Voice UK 2021…
Handprinted Wrapping Paper and Christmas Cards (Eve) | The Guildford Institute
Add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts this year - join our workshop and block print your own…
Handprinted Wrapping Paper and Christmas Cards (PM) | The Guildford Institute
Add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts this year - join our workshop and block print your own…
Hellfire Comedy Club | G Live
Spice up your night with our red-hot Hellfire Comedy Club! Start your evening with a delicious curry…
Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra | G Live
Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational 30-piece Down for the Count Swing…
Air-Dry Clay Tree Decorations | The Guildford Institute
Make it personal this Christmas – learn how to make tree decorations to keep or give to someone…
Christmas Fair at Guildford Cathedral
Step into the joy of the season at our ever-popular Christmas Fair on Friday 21 and Saturday 22…
DAiSY FEST 2025 | G Live
Join DAiSY for a two-day arts festival. This special event offers a rich mix of discussion…
Guildford House Open Exhibition
Dates: Saturday 22 November 2025 to Saturday 28 February 2026 Times: Tuesday - Saturday…
Kris Drever | The Guildford Institute
Kris Drever is among Scotland's most acclaimed and distinctive contemporary musicians…
Winter Wreath-Making Workshop | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Ditch the seasonal 'to do' list and immerse yourself in some creative 'me time' in…
What Do Artists Read?: The Private Library of Artists Mary and George Watts | The Guildford Institute
This workshop offers a rare glimpse into the private library of Mary and George Watts at their…
Residential Interior Design: Light up your Home | The Guildford Institute
Lighting can make or break a scheme, so getting it right and understanding how to combine functional…


