Guildford

Guildford, the home of author Lewis Carroll, is a historic and picturesque market town close to London yet still in the heart of Surrey countryside. The town centre is quintessentially English with cobbled roads, traditional shop facades and hanging flower baskets. It is bounded by the scenic North Downs with the river Wey running through the south of Guildford. The charming environment offers a range of attractions and sites to interest different tastes and ages, be they visitor or local.

Attractions

The Spectrum Leisure Centre is walking distance from the main town and features swimming pools, bowling alleys, an ice-rink, gym, laser quest and other sporting facilities. In summer months the Guildford Lido, an outdoor pool with slides, opens providing an opportunity to cool down and improve your suntan.

The annual music festival, Guilfest, has a family atmosphere and is held in Stoke Park in July. The Surrey County Show is also held in Stoke Park every summer. The park alone is a perfect spot for sport or picnics on a warm day.

The town centre is home to several sites of beauty and interest. Ruins of a Norman castle have been preserved and the manicured surrounding gardens give rise to a stunning landscape. Near the castle are Guildford Museum and Guildford House Gallery, a 17th Century building with original features displaying changing exhibitions. Free guided walking tours operate seasonally and depart from the Guildhall, opposite Tunsgate Arch, which is notable for its projecting gilded clock.

Guildford Cathedral is hard to miss with its modern architecture and elevated positioning. Small villages surrounding the borough are home to several National Trust sites including Wisley and Painshill Park, popular with ramblers and cyclists alike.

Shopping

The main shopping district of Guildford is located in the heart of the town along North Street and the High Street. Here recognisable chains can be found as well as individual shops and the department stores Debenhams and House of Fraser. The Friary, a three-storey mall, can be found at the bottom of North Street. On the periphery large superstores such as Dixons, Currys and PC World can be found in a business park environment.

On Fridays and Saturdays an outdoor market selling food, flowers and clothing operates regularly in the middle of North Street. Every first Tuesday of the month a Farmer's Market comes to the High Street selling fresh local produce such as meat, preserves, fruit, cakes, wine and cheese.

Nightlife and Eating Out

The town centre is lined with an abundance of places to eat and drink. There are numerous coffee shops, take-aways, bars and pubs. Formal restaurants range from average-price to slightly more expensive and there is a fair variety in cuisine style. Popular choices are Italian, Thai, Chinese, American and of course traditional English. Adults have the choice of three nightclubs, Casino, Time, and Flares, however all three strictly require photographic identification of age upon entry. For something a little more cultural the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre puts on a range of live performances and the Guildford Civic Centre hosts touring orchestras.

Tourist Information

Guildford Tourist Information Centre14 Tunsgate Guildford, Surrey. GU1 3QT Tel. 01483 444333 Fax. 01483 302046tic@guildford.gov.uk

Airport

Guildford's nearest airport is Gatwick, and is accesible by train or car. Guildford train station is situated at the bottom of town and has links with many other major cities. Additionally the area is serviced by public buses, including a Park & Ride, which operates from the nearby Spectrum Leisure Centre. Metered parking is available on-road and in several multi-storey car parks.