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
Spring at Wild Wood Treetop Adventure
Spring into the Wild! Wild Wood Adventure has over 60 challenges soaring 42ft in the air and is one…
Young Company: Summer Term | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Join the Young Company Are you aged 13–16 and bursting with creativity, energy, and a love for…
Catching the Image | The Guildford Institute
There are many ways of making an image. Artists have always combined ideas from a variety of sources…
The Man Who Was Magic |
Dare to believe in magic as the UK's #1 magic show returns a brand-new production for 2026…
Alex Parker & Friends: A Sondheim Cabaret | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Returning for one night only, musical director Alex Parker brings an intimate evening of the music…
Gertrude Jekyll in Surrey | Guildford Museum
Saturday 25 April to Saturday 24 October 2026 Wednesday - Saturday 12 noon - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)…
Guildford Jazz
Two of the UK's most acclaimed saxophonists, Denys Baptiste and Tony Kofi celebrate one of the…
Marie Antoinette's Court Painter: Vigée Le Brun | The Guildford Institute
Vigée Le Brun enjoyed a rapid rise to fame. She was painting portraits of French aristocracy…
Resin and Crystal Geode Workshop | The Guildford Institute
Create a dazzling geode on a wooden 40x40cm artboard using rough or polished crystals, minerals…
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Olivier Award winners – Best Entertainment and Family Show 2016 Spontaneous musical comedy at…
Snakes & Ladders | Guildford School of Acting
Thursday 21st May to Saturday 23rd May. Times: All evening performances will begin at 7:30pm. All…
World War II | Guided Walk - Thursday 21 May 2026
Date: Thursday 21 May 2026 Time: 11:00 Meeting Point: Meet at Tunsgate Arch. Guildford…
'How Do You Take Yours' | The Guildford Institute
Special Event Jane Glennie is an actress and historian with over 30 years of experience in bringing…
A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Starring Anton Lesser (Wolf Hall, Endeavour), A Beautiful Thread weaves Hardy's life…
People's Emergency Briefing
Join us for a screening of The People's Emergency Briefing – a powerful 45-minute film bringing…
Barb Jungr | The Guildford Institute
GI Music Lounge Barb Jungr Barb Jungr sings Bob Dylan & Leonard Cohen, accompanied by Simon…
Gertrude Jekyll’s Cottage Artwork | Guildford Museum
Saturday 23 and Wednesday 27 until Saturday 30 May…
Guildford Art Society Pop-up Exhibition
GAS artists will be exhibiting their artworks for one day only in the stunning setting of Holy…
Guildford Story | Guided Walk - Saturday 23 May 2026
Date: Saturday 23 May 2026 Time: 11:00 Meet at: Tunsgate Arch. Guildford, GU1 3AA…
May Half Term Fun at Wild Wood Treetop Adventure
Join us for a wild time with fun for all the family! Soar, Zip and climb through the trees of…
Venus On the Tube: Martin Church | Guildford House Gallery
23 May–13 June 2026 Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 4.30pm An exhibition by Martin…
CACTUS BRASS
Castle Grounds Bandstand Concert Programme 2026 Sunday 24 May 2pm - 4pm Relax in the park to…
Enchanted - The Ultimate Princess Concert | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Enchanted - The Ultimate Princess Concert is a heartwarming and magical musical experience that…
Guildford Story | Guided Walk - Monday 25 May 2026
Date: Monday 25 May 2026 Time: 11:00 Meet at: Tunsgate Arch. Guildford, GU1 3AA…
Tunsgate Quarter Bee Week
Join the Buzz at Tunsgate Quarter this May Half Term! Discover the amazing world of bees and how you…
Creative Collages | Guildford House Gallery
(Image copyright Martin Church) Tuesday 26 May 10.30am - 12.30pm Suitable for ages 6+ Make a picture…
Magic & Illusion for Beginners 7-11yrs | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Ever wanted to say "was this your card?" Ever wanted to make something disappear? Ever…
Medieval Guildford | Guided Walk - Tuesday 26 May 2026
Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026 Time: 11:00 Meeting Point: Tunsgate Arch. Guildford, GU1…
Short Stories, Tall Tales: Amy's Rocket | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Amy's life. IS. LOUD. So she builds a rocket and flies to Mars for some peace. Amy finds the…
Top Ten Poems | The Guildford Institute
Top ten poems – what would be on your list? This course will look at the poems that often feature in…
Verdi's comic opera King for a Day
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy an evening of irresistible comedy, sparkling music, and…
Verdi's comic opera King for a Day
One Man. One Masquerade. Two Weddings A sparkling comedy of disguise, romance, and mistaken…
Guildford Model Engineering Society Open Day - 28 May 2026
Guildford Model Engineering Society Thursday 28 May 10:00 - 13:00 Free Admission Open days at Stoke…
Lewis Carroll | Guided Walk - Thursday 28 May 2026
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026 Time: 11:00 Meeting Point: Meet at Guildford Town Bridge…
Mic On: Introduction to Voice-Over 12-16yrs | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
This workshop offers a creative, hands‑on introduction to voice‑over and recorded sound. Explore a…
The Rink | Guildford School of Acting
Thursday 28th May to Saturday 30th May Times: All evening performances will begin at 7:30pm. All…
Tiger, Tiger – Cut it Out! Family Workshop | The Guildford Institute
Inviting all 7–10 year olds to prowl in and take a look with us at famous and inspiring big cats in…
Villette | Guildford School of Acting
Thursday 28th May to Saturday 30th May Times: All evening performances will begin at 7:30pm. All…
Bird Tunes - Miranda Rutter and Rob Harbron
Concert 7:30 pm, Bird Tunes Workshop for Musicians 2:00 - 4:20 pm With bird song as its peak in May…
Bronte Day | Guildford School of Acting
Join us for a celebration of the magnificent Brontë sisters! The University of Surrey's…

