Guildford

Travel Guide

A historic castle surrounded by well-maintained gardens and a clear blue sky.
A historic stone archway leading to a castle.
Photo by Nick Smith (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A large ornate clock with Roman numerals, attached to a building with decorative metalwork.
A historic stone tower with a narrow entrance pathway, surrounded by greenery and a paved road.
Photo by Karlunun (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)
A landscape with a prominent pine tree in the foreground, a valley with scattered buildings, and distant hills under a clear sky.

Check out Guildford's historic sites, charming neighborhoods, and recreational venues for a memorable family getaway.

Guildford is an ideal destination for outdoor and family travelers. You can explore the historic Guildford Castle, take a stroll along High Street, and enjoy performances at G Live, an arts center. For those interested in recreational activities, the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex offers various leisure options, while the Electric Theatre and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre provide engaging theater experiences. If you're adventurous, visit the Craggy Island Climbing Centre or the Guildford Spectrum Athletics Stadium for sports activities.

Take time to wander Guildford's neighborhoods, each with its own character. Nearby, Wonersh and Shamley Green are known for outdoor adventure experiences, offering ample opportunities for hiking and exploration. Bramley, also nearby, is recognized for its scenic outdoor settings, perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying nature. Each area presents a unique environment for you to discover.

The best time to visit Guildford is from June to September when the weather is mild and mostly dry, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Demand for accommodations and attractions remains steady throughout the year, though it tends to be a bit quieter from October to December. This balance allows you to enjoy the city with fewer crowds while still experiencing its offerings.

Harbour Hotel Guildford

Harbour Hotel Guildford

4 out of 5
3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street Guildford England
$146 nightly
The price is $175 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$175 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Guildford. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Harbour Hotel Guildford
Ibis budget London Heathrow Central

Ibis budget London Heathrow Central

3 out of 5
700 BATH ROAD Hounslow England
$39 nightly
The price is $46 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$46 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hounslow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
Ibis budget London Heathrow Central
Sofitel London Heathrow

Sofitel London Heathrow

5 out of 5
Terminal 5 West Drayton England
$180 nightly
The price is $216 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$216 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in West Drayton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
Sofitel London Heathrow
See all 6,681 properties in Guildford
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 England
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Brentford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,315 reviews)
"Our room was clean and quiet and a good location to several bus stops."

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford
Westciti Caroco Aparthotel

Westciti Caroco Aparthotel

3.5 out of 5
35 Morland Avenue Croydon England
Stay at this aparthotel in Croydon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (454 reviews)
"Clean and reliable apartments and friendly helpful staff!"

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Westciti Caroco Aparthotel
HQ Aparthotel Farnborough

HQ Aparthotel Farnborough

4 out of 5
2 Victoria Road Farnborough England
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Farnborough. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (484 reviews)
"Clean room good staff great time"

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

HQ Aparthotel Farnborough
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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.

Stay near popular Guildford attractions

A calm river with a walking path alongside, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Photo by Ellie James
Open Photo by Ellie James

High Street

8.8/10 (207 reviews)
During your trip to Guildford, you can do some window-shopping at High Street. Make time to visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its lively bars.
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Things to do

Woking: Royal Horticultural Society Wisley Garden Ticket

Woking: Royal Horticultural Society Wisley Garden Ticket

$20
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Woking: Royal Horticultural Society Wisley Garden Ticket
Chessington World of Adventures Tickets

Chessington World of Adventures Tickets

$44
per traveler
Chessington World of Adventures Tickets
A sunny day on tour at Niarbyl

Half day private tours of the Isle of Man with a qualified Driver Guide

$320
per traveler
Half day private tours of the Isle of Man with a qualified Driver Guide
See all activities in Guildford

Frequently asked questions

Is Guildford worth visiting?
Guildford is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the University of Surrey and the historic High Street. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining experiences, with options for both Asian and European cuisine. The town is conveniently accessible by train, making it easy to explore.
When is the best time to visit Guildford?
The best time to visit Guildford is from May through September, when the weather is typically pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience with cooler temperatures.
What is Guildford known for?
Guildford is known for its University of Surrey and the historic High Street, where travelers can find shops and entertainment. The city also features G Live for performances and offers a strong Asian food culture for travelers to experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Guildford?
A good itinerary length for Guildford is two to three days to explore the University of Surrey, stroll the High Street, and visit G Live. Travelers can also take a Guildford Walking Tour or a Guided Historic Walking Tour with Pub Visit. For an extended stay of four to five days, consider the All inclusive Chiltern Fly Fishing Safari on the River Chess. See Guildford Activities.
How do you get around Guildford?
Travelers can easily get around Guildford using the train, with key stations like Guildford Station and London Road Station providing connections. For local journeys or areas not covered by train routes, rideshare services and taxis are widely available, offering convenient options to explore the town and its surroundings.
What are the top things to do in and around Guildford?
Guildford offers travelers a blend of historic landmarks, cultural venues, and unique outdoor experiences:

  • Visit Guildford Castle, a historic landmark with beautiful grounds.
  • Explore Guildford Cathedral, another significant landmark in the area.
  • See a performance or event at G Live, a local entertainment venue.
  • Take a Guided Historic Walking Tour with Pub Visit to discover the town's past.
  • Enjoy a Chiltern Fly Fishing Safari on the River Chess for a nature-focused outing.

How do I plan a trip to Guildford?
Plan your Guildford trip by searching for places to stay on Expedia. Book flights, rental cars, and activities like a walking tour or Chiltern Fly Fishing Safari early. Explore the High Street and University of Surrey. Pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility. Train travel is available.
What cuisines can you find in Guildford?
In Guildford you can find English cuisine, with dishes like fish and chips, Sunday roast, and shepherd's pie. Travelers can also discover a variety of Asian options including Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai, alongside Mediterranean, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American flavors.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Guildford?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Guildford by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Guildford with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Guildford trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Guildford?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Guildford can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Guildford trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Guildford trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Guildford trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Guildford trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Guildford?
If it's your first trip to Guildford, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Guildford hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Guildford hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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