Top 10 Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Guildford 

If you are planning a trip around Surrey and looking for fun things to do in Guildford with friends and family, you have come to the right place. Following are some engaging activities you might want to indulge in. 

A visit to Guildford wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic Guildford Castle and its beautifully maintained grounds. Entry to the Castle grounds is free, but there is a nominal charge for exploring the Castle Keep. The castle grounds, especially in spring and summer, are a riot of colour with well-tended flower beds and lush green gardens. It is an excellent spot for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely stroll. 

Inside the keep, you can climb to the top of the Great Tower for panoramic views of Guildford and the surrounding countryside. Historical exhibits inside the castle provide detailed insights into its construction and use over the centuries, making this a must-visit for history enthusiasts. 
Other attractions include the town’s war memorial, a historic bowling green, and a life-sized statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass. During the summer, there are many fun things to do in Guildford over the weekend. Open-air theatrical performances and weekend concerts are planned on the castle grounds during this season.

Established in 1933 in picturesque Stoke Park, Guildford Lido is operated by Freedom Leisure, a not-for-profit charitable and cultural leisure trust in the UK. It features a 50-metre heated Olympic-sized pool with both deep and shallow areas, water slides, lawns for sunbathing, a fully equipped gym, and a café that serves basic refreshments. 

The centre offers various water-based activities like lane swimming, aqua aerobics, and swimming lessons. Guildford Lido tickets are available in the form of day passes, seasonal tickets and memberships with discounts for students and senior citizens. 

Hatchlands Park, managed by the National Trust, is spread over 422 acres and open throughout the year. The Georgian mansion set within the park has an impressive collection of paintings, the Cobbe Collection of musical instruments, beautifully restored rooms, and Robert Adam interiors.

Outside, you can enjoy various walking trails such as the Long Walk, Wix Wood Walk, and Fanny Boscawen’s Walk. Springtime at Hatchlands is particularly stunning, with daffodils, blossoms, and bluebells in the woodland. The park also features a wildflower meadow, perfect picnic spots, and unique historical sites like the temple and ice house.

You can have refreshments at the Coach House Café and Courtyard Café, which offer a variety of food and drinks and where pets are also welcome. Admission is free of charge for National Trust members. As a non-member, you can buy Hatchlands Park tickets for the whole site with a single admission fee.

Guildford Museum, located in historic buildings next to Guildford Castle Grounds, offers free admission and features a permanent collection of artefacts from prehistoric times to the present, along with various changing exhibitions. You can explore exhibits on local history, famous residents like Gertrude Jekyll and Lewis Carroll, and unique collections of needlework and toys.

A few highlights include archaeological finds, mediaeval relics, and displays of the town’s role in the English Civil War. Temporary exhibitions like ‘From a Garrison to a Garden,’ commemorating Guildford Castle’s history, and ‘Soldiers of Surrey,’ marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, are organised quite frequently.
Guildford Museum opening times remain the same throughout the year: Wednesday to Saturday from 12 noon to 4:30 pm.

The River Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the Canal Age. It stretches 15 1⁄2 miles from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge, with the Godalming Navigation extending the waterway by an additional four miles. The Navigation offers diverse activities, from boat trips and kayaking to paddleboarding at River Wey. 

Boat trips from Dapdune Wharf are available from Thursday to Monday, with scheduled departures throughout the day. Various hire companies offer canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, providing paddlers with launch points and safety guidance. You also have the option to take your personal boat or kayak by taking out a licence.

Various sections of the River Wey offer different experiences. Catteshall Lock, the first lock on the Navigation, features historic Lammas lands. St Catherine’s length provides views of the golden sands that gave Guildford its name. 

Wildlife is also abundant along the River Wey Navigation and sightings of roe deer, kestrels, native bats, and owls, along with the cuckoo flower, meadowsweet, and purple loosestrife, make for a serene and captivating experience.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful solo adventure or a fun group outing, River Wey offers numerous fun things to do in Guildford for adults.

Clandon Park is another National Trust property that offers a rich blend of history and horticulture. Although the main house suffered significant fire damage in 2015, the gardens and grounds remain a stunning place to visit. The Palladian mansion, designed by Giacomo Leoni, housed an impressive collection of furniture and porcelain, much of which has been preserved and displayed in temporary exhibitions. 

You can enjoy the stunning scenery and enjoy the Dutch Garden, which includes a lily pond, a 19th-century historic grotto, expansive lawns for picnics, and a woodland playground. The Maori meeting house, Hinemihi, is also set within well-maintained garden spaces. 

High Clandon Estate Vineyard is not far from the historic estate, offering visitors an opportunity to explore both the vineyard and Clandon Park on the same visit. High Clandon is known for its award-winning English sparkling wines. For a fantastic date idea in Guildford, you can book a tour and tasting session at the vineyard and follow it up with a romantic dinner at the award-winning local pub, The Queen’s Head.

A short drive from Guildford, Shere Village is often described as one of the most picturesque villages in Surrey. If you are looking for things to do for couples in Guildford, a trip to Shere village is perfect. The presence of Lutyens architecture and peaceful walking trails along the River Tillingbourne make Shere an ideal place for couples to explore and enjoy together. The village’s quaint tearooms and cosy pubs, like The White Horse and The William Bray, add to its exotic appeal.

The Silent Pool, a tranquil spot surrounded by evergreen box trees, offers a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by the occasional sighting of Kingfishers. Although the pool has faced issues with drying out due to lower rainfall, it remains a popular and picturesque location. 

Just a stone’s throw away, Albury Vineyard, a boutique family-run business, offers a welcoming and intimate experience with wine tastings, vineyard tours, and special events like music evenings and bee-keeping demonstrations. This is just one of the many underrated things to do in Shere. 

Shere’s association with romantic films like ‘The Holiday’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ further enhances its reputation as a romantic destination.

For those looking to enjoy nature, a walk through Chantry Woods in spring is one of the best things to do in Guildford. Located just a short distance from Guildford town centre, these 200 acres of woodland and meadows are transformed into a sea of bluebells in May. With trails suited to all abilities, this seasonal stroll offers breathtaking views of Chilworth and Chinthurst Hill. The paths wind through serene forests, leading to peaceful spots ideal for a picnic or a relaxing rest on one of the many benches.

Whether you’re exploring with friends or taking a solo walk, don’t miss the chance to see the bluebells in full bloom. The Chantry Wood campsite offers one of the best views of the flowers carpeting the forest floor. And if you’re visiting outside of spring, the woods still provide a beautiful escape year-round, with each season offering its own charm.

Chantry Woods is easily accessible by car or public transport, making it a perfect destination for a tranquil outdoor adventure and a bit unusual thing to do in Guildford.

Just a short drive from Guildford, Greyfriars Vineyard offers a delightful day out for wine enthusiasts. Set on the sunny southern slopes of the Hog’s Back, this vineyard produces award-winning English sparkling wines. You can take part in a guided tour to discover the winemaking process, explore the vineyard, and taste their best wines.

Tours typically last around two hours, and you’ll have the chance to try a range of wines in their contemporary tasting room. The vineyard frequently holds special events that provide a perfect setting for a laid-back afternoon with friends or a romantic escape. A visit to Greyfriars is one of the best things to do near Guildford.

If you are looking for an action-packed day out with the kids, head to Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex for fun things to do in Guildford. This vast facility offers a wide range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

From swimming in the leisure pool, complete with slides and a wave machine, to ice skating and bowling, it’s the perfect spot for family fun. Little ones can have fun in the soft play area, while older children and adults can challenge themselves on the ice rink or with a game of ten-pin bowling.

Offering a variety of both outdoor and indoor activities, Guildford Spectrum provides an ideal escape for families looking to entertain the little ones, rain or shine. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just a day out, it’s a fantastic choice for things to do with kids in Guildford.

Each of the activities listed in our guide of things to do in Guildford will make your outing exciting and enjoyable, but they are sure to leave you tired yet desiring a pleasant end. This finale is, of course, a memorable dining experience. 

Eating out at a fancy restaurant sounds exhilarating. Still, it comes with many challenges: the tussle of deciding the right type for everyone, the hassle of making reservations, and waiting in long queues, to name a few. A vacation is meant to be relaxing, and taxing yourself with such problems might sour the experience.

Hiring a private chef to make a customised meal for you and your loved ones is the solution. No matter which part of the UK you travel to, platforms like yhangry have made it their mission to bridge the gap between the general public and private chefs. They connect you to talented local chefs who come to any venue of your choice to cook and serve a delectable meal, adding sparkle to your already memorable day.