Guildford

Travel Guide

Guildford showing heritage architecture
Guildford featuring a house
Guildford
Guildford
Photo by Debbie Whatt

Explore the historic centre of Surrey’s largest town, which is lined with handsome old storefronts.

Guildford is an attractive market town with a 17th-century clock and a cobblestone main street. Browse shops ranging from designer stores to independent boutiques, admire the town’s historic architecture and check out the regular street markets.

Visit Guildford Cathedral, set on an imposing hilltop above the River Wey. The cathedral’s stark red-brick exterior is balanced by a bright interior of pale Somerset sandstone and white Italian marble flooring. The cathedral regularly hosts interesting events. Take a guided tour of the interior.

Enjoy the panoramic views from atop GuildfordCastle. First constructed in the 12th century, the castle’s shell keep is the only part of the original complex visible today. See the exhibit in the Great Tower, which includes a model of the original castle and an interpretation panel examining its long history.

Tour The Spike, a well-restored workhouse dating back to the early 20th century. Through costumed reenactments and hands-on activities, The Spike offers interesting insight into poverty in Britain during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Don’t miss the traditional street market on North Street every Friday and Saturday. With more than 20 stalls, the market is an excellent place to shop for fresh produce and meats, in addition to accessories and home furnishings.

Head 11 miles (17.5 kilometres) outside of Guildford to visit Polesden Lacey, a 19th-century mansion in Great Bookham. Inside, admire the exceptional collection of early 20th-century porcelain, furniture, silver and artwork. Walk through the mansion’s beautifully landscaped gardens or rent equipment to play a game of croquet.

Guildford is also an excellent base for visiting the RHS Wisley Garden, a 240-acre (97-hectare) garden 10 miles (16 kilometres) northeast of the city. The garden is touted as one of the most diverse in the world. Smell the fragrant air of the rose gardens and inspect the trial fields, which are used for new vegetables and flowers.

Take a train or drive from London to reach Guildford. If arriving by plane, choose flights that land in Heathrow or Gatwick airports.

Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa

Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Newlands Corner, Guildford, England
Fully refundable
The price is CA $112 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $112
CA $135 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Guildford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"I liked the area and the hotel facilities"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa
Sofitel London Heathrow

Sofitel London Heathrow

5 out of 5
Terminal 5, London Heathrow Airport, West Drayton, England
The price is CA $234 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
CA $234
CA $281 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in West Drayton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,468 reviews)
Great little base
"Great hotel. Just lacked a couple of the usual features like plugs next to the bed. But managed without and a great base for a early morning Heathrow flight"

Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2025

Sofitel London Heathrow
Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport

Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport

4 out of 5
The Grove, Bath Road, West Drayton, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $123 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $123
CA $148 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in West Drayton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,816 reviews)
"Staff was so amazing and upgraded our room!"

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2025

Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford

Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford

4 out of 5
Ealing Road, Brentford, Brentford, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Brentford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,160 reviews)
Great.
"Room was great and good value. Staff were very friendly."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford
HQ Aparthotel Farnborough

HQ Aparthotel Farnborough

4 out of 5
2 Victoria Road, Farnborough, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Farnborough. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (433 reviews)
"The apartments are very clean and lots of the kitchen untencips and small electrics look unused. Bathroom is modern, clean and spacious."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

HQ Aparthotel Farnborough
Charles Hope Apartments Brentford

Charles Hope Apartments Brentford

3.5 out of 5
Building 4, New Horizons Court,, Brentford, England
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Brentford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Popular attractions Wembley Stadium and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
"Online process was complicated"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Charles Hope Apartments Brentford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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