Car Hire Guildford

Guildford stands at the edge of the North Downs, split by the River Wey and easily accessed via the A3 and routes from the M25. It’s a town where 77,000 people reside. With a temperate climate leaning on the wet side, a raincoat never goes amiss—though spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. It’s a town known for its Norman castle, winding lanes and that blend of countryside calm just minutes from a busy high street.

Attractions In Guildford

Beyond the usual castle and cathedral, Guildford reveals itself through its quieter corners—wildflower meadows above the rooftops, artists’ retreats on wooded lanes and riverside locks that feel unchanged in decades.

Guildford Castle

On Castle Street, this Norman motte-and-bailey structure offers some of the best elevated views over town. We climbed to the top on a clear afternoon and the Surrey Hills practically glowed in the distance. It’s often the first stop for people planning a day out from Albury—and we can see why.

Castle Grounds

These gardens wrap beautifully around the castle and we stumbled on them quite by accident. What started as a quick walk-through turned into a peaceful hour of benches, flowerbeds and birdsong. It’s the sort of spot locals from Ripley might keep quiet about—and understandably so.

Guildford Cathedral

Sitting proudly on Stag Hill, the cathedral’s architecture is both modern and solemn. We arrived just as a service was finishing and the space felt full of quiet energy. Approaching from Godalming, you’ll notice its striking form long before anything else in town comes into view.

The Guildhall

The High Street’s Guildhall has that old-world presence—the hanging clock above the pavement, the wood panels inside and creaky floorboards underfoot. After spending the morning exploring Woking, we made it here just in time for a local history talk.

Pewley Down

We headed up here at sunrise and ended up sitting for nearly an hour with flasks of coffee and nothing but birds for company. The views stretch on and the quiet feels intentional. Even if you’re not staying in Guildford, i9t’s a good excuse to make the short trip over from town or beyond.

Guildford Museum

Tucked just behind the castle, this museum is modest in size but well-curated. We found everything from Roman tiles to Victorian trinkets. If you’re swinging by from Ash, it’s a great way to dip into the area’s past without needing to carve out too much time.

Stoke Park

Stoke Park spreads across the east side of town, with wide-open fields, tennis courts and a children’s splash zone that’s buzzing in summer. It’s easy to see why it’s a go-to for locals—and those in nearby towns—who just want somewhere big and green to sprawl out.

AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Guildford

Located just outside the centre, this place is a frenzy of foam pits, trampolines and loud music. We came with the kids but even the grown-ups got a bounce in. It’s the kind of activity families near Guildford keep in their back pocket for a rainy weekend.

Riverside Park Nature Reserve

Just off Bowers Lane, this spot doesn’t make a fuss—no visitor centre, no signs—just trees, birds and the slow gurgle of water. If you’re based in Badshot Lea and want a proper green breather without heading into deep countryside, this is perfect.

Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village

The whole site feels like it’s been gently curated to slow you down. There’s art indoors, sculpture outdoors and a tearoom tucked beneath the trees. If you’re planning a cultural outing from Hindhead, this place offers a calm and rewarding experience not far off the beaten path.

Guildford House Gallery

A 17th-century townhouse turned gallery—it doesn’t shout for attention but that’s what we liked. Inside, we browsed local exhibitions and even picked up a handmade print. If you’re meandering the High Street, it’s well worth stepping through the front door.

Shere Museum

This volunteer-run museum in the nearby village of Shere surprised us with its charm. It’s cosy, full of stories and feels more like a chat with neighbours than a formal exhibit. A great way to wind down after a busier morning in Guildford.

St Catherine’s Chapel

The climb up is short but sharp and when you reach the top, Guildford opens up below you. The ruins are dramatic and a bit eerie in the right light. On the drive in from Cranleigh, this was our final stop—and a strong finish to a full day out.