Guildford

I lived in Guildford for more than two years in a small town (one might call it a suburb) of Burpham about one mile out of the middle of Guildford.

Guildford is well known for it's high street which offers up a large number of rather expensive stores (though in recent years more common high street shops) in addition to the historic Guildhall with it's famous clock (which is often open to the public or hosting various antique sales). The town centre basically of two parallel streets: The High Street (cobbled and pedestrian only) and North Street (with it's regular market, see below) with a number of alleys connecting the two. It is worth wandering around these areas though, sadly, most of the shops here are major high street names with not a lot of small independent vendors (this is also true of the restaurants).

The cathedral is located right beside the University of Surrey at the top of a hill and is worth a visit though be prepared to see a large, new cathedral (built this century). Perhaps a bit cold and a bit of the unfashionable concrete showing everywhere, it is nonetheless impressive.

The castle is mostly a ruin but is worth a visit if only to see the magnificent garden surrounding it on the hill. Just a short distance away is the Guildford Museum on Quarry Street and is well worth a visit (especially considering it is free) as it offers a number of displays about the history of the area (and an interesting video).

There are free tours every week (in the tourist season) available from https://guildfordwalks.org.uk/ often meeting outside the Tunsgate Arch in the High Street opposite the Guildhall Clock. Many tours include a visit to the Undercroft a recent historical find of a innkeepers wine storage cellar.

The main mall, The Friary is much like any other mall anywhere in the world located on the former site of a, surprisingly enough, friary.

Don't miss the market on North Street held every Friday and Sunday selling a fruits, vegetables, clothing, CDs, luggage, pet treats, seafood, meats, cards, picture frames and MANY other items…Always fun to hear the barking of the vendors with the specials of the day.

The Wey winds it's way through the town and has a park all along the banks. This is the place many of the locals spend a warm summer day (or better yet, on the canal itself).

There are many park areas around Guildford but the largest is Stoke Park out near the Guildford Spectrum (a leisure complex) and the Burpham area. This park is the home of cricket games during the summer and football and rugby almost all the time. During the last weekend of May the Surrey County Fair is also held here.

Dapdune Wharf is worth a visit (see The Wey Canal for further information). Operated by the National Trust, the Wharf has a series of displays about the commercial age of the Wey Canal including a refurbished barge. A small barge service is offered to and from the center of Guildford for a nominal fee.

Not much really to say here other than there are number of options but mostly consist of major high-street brands that can be found in any number of cities across the country.

Guildford has two train stations, “Guildford” (on the main line between London Waterloo and Portsmouth) and “London Road” (much smaller, local cross country services). The “Guildford” station is on the opposite side of the river from the centre of the city but it is only a short walk.

There are several car parks in the middle of Guildford but if driving the park and ride service is recommended as the town centre is quite cramped with narrow, one way, often cobbled, streets. Street parking is definitely not advised as it is often next to impossible find anywhere to leave the car (legally).

For further information, please see:

• The Electric Theatre - Local theatre
• Guildford.org.uk
• Guildford Borough Council
• Yvonne Arnaud Theatre - Theatre beside the Wey - Probably the nicest local theatre, often featuring shows before they hit the West End