Things to Do in Guildford

The central park and ruined Norman castle keep. The grounds are open year-round, with gardens, a bowling green, and views from the motte.

🕐 Grounds open daily 7:30am to dusk

💡 Climb the mound for a free panorama of the town and cathedral. The keep itself charges entry, but you don't need to go inside to enjoy the site.

A small local history museum in a 17th-century building. Covers Guildford's past, including a dedicated Lewis Carroll room with his belongings and photographs.

🕐 Mon–Sat 10am–4:30pm (closed Sun)

💡 Arrive early in the afternoon – the museum is compact and gets busy on weekends. The Carroll room has a special Alice-in-Wonderland display that's easy to miss if you head straight for the ground floor.

A flat, paved path running along the River Wey from the town centre to the National Trust's Dapdune Wharf. Passes through meadows, locks, and under old railway arches.

🕐 Open access at any time

💡 Start at the footbridge near the leisure centre and head south – you'll reach the towpath of the Wey Navigation. Bring binoculars for kingfishers. The walk is free, but if you fancy a break, Dapdune Wharf's tea room is pay-entry (though you can see the wharf from the path).

A chalk downland hilltop with a small medieval church and sweeping views across the Surrey Hills. Accessible via a short, steep walk from the car park at Newlands Corner (free parking on common land).

🕐 Open access at any time

💡 Park at Newlands Corner car park if you don't want to pay for the main Newlands Corner pay-and-display. On a clear day, you can see the South Downs. Bring sturdy shoes – the climb is muddy after rain.

The historic High Street has many medieval and Tudor buildings, including the Guildhall and the Angel Hotel. The cobbled side alleys lead to charity shops and a Friday market.

🕐 Open access at all times (shops typically 9am–5:30pm)

💡 Look for the piazza behind the Guildhall – it's a quiet spot for a bench break. The High Street is traffic-free on market day (Fridays), but the surrounding streets get busy; avoid midday if you dislike crowds.