Guildford
Surrey's historic county town, built on a steep hill above a gap in the North Downs where the River Wey cuts through — its cobbled High Street has been the main shopping street since medieval times.
Guildford Castle's keep, raised by the Normans in the 12th century, still stands in gardens close to the town centre and is open to the public. Below it, the High Street runs steeply down toward the river, lined with a mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings — most recognisably the Guildhall, with its ornate gilded clock projecting out over the street, thought to date from 1683.
The town grew up on the wool trade and later became a coaching stop on the route from London to Portsmouth. More recently it has grown into a university town, home to the University of Surrey, while the River Wey Navigation — one of the earliest canalised rivers in England, now cared for by the National Trust — still runs through water meadows a short walk from the centre.
Where to Stay in Guildford
- Mandolay Hotel Guildford — an independent hotel on London Road, a few minutes' walk from the High Street.
- Harbour Hotel Guildford — a large hotel and spa in the town centre, with two restaurants on site.
- Holiday Inn Guildford — a modern hotel a short drive from the centre, popular with business travellers.
- Premier Inn Guildford Central — a budget option close to the Spectrum leisure centre and Stoke Park.
Getting there
Guildford has fast direct rail links to London Waterloo, around 35 minutes away, and sits just off the A3, making it a straightforward base for exploring the wider Surrey Hills.