Things To Do
in Guildford

Held regularly in or near the town centre (check local listings for exact days), this market sells seasonal produce, baked goods, cheeses and artisan products—great for sampling local flavors and picking up picnic supplies.

In warmer months you’ll sometimes find pop-up street food stalls and events along the riverfront and in public squares offering burgers, international dishes and sweets.

Respect queues in shops and public transport; being polite, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way.

In pubs order at the bar unless table service is offered; it’s common to buy rounds when with a group—don’t assume everyone will contribute unless agreed.

When walking in the Surrey Hills follow Countryside Code—close gates, keep dogs under control, and avoid disturbing livestock or wildlife.

Be reasonably punctual for appointments or bookings; transport timetables are generally reliable but allow extra time for rush hours.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: around 10-15% in full-service restaurants if service is good (check if a service charge is included), £1-2 per drink in bars is not expected, and rounding up taxi fares or adding 10% for long taxi journeys is common. Pubs typically do not expect tips for drinks, but leaving small change or tapping the contactless tip option on the card reader is fine.

Contactless cards, chip-and-pin and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are widely accepted. Small independent market stalls may prefer cash—ATMs and banks are available in town but use cards where possible. Some older or small businesses may have minimum card spend limits.

Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers on the Downs and pleasant walking conditions—expect occasional rain and busy weekends as walkers arrive.

Warmer, often dry weather ideal for riverside walks, outdoor pubs and festivals; peak tourist season can make popular spots busier and some restaurants busier at lunchtime.

Crisp air and vivid foliage across Box Hill and Pewley Down; quieter than summer but weather can be changeable—good season for photography and hiking.

Cooler, wet and occasionally frosty; shorter daylight hours affect outdoor plans but the town is quieter—wrap up warmly and check public transport during adverse weather.

Approximately 25–40 km / 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; public transport options include a combination of trains and buses or taxi transfer—one of the most convenient major airports for international flights.

Around 45–60 minutes by car or 1–1.5 hours by public transport; frequent trains from Guildford to Gatwick via direct or connecting services.

Further away (1–2+ hours by public transport); accessible with transfers but less convenient than Heathrow/Gatwick for Guildford visitors.

About 1–1.5 hours by car; occasional flights and useful for some domestic and European routes.

Many residents commute to London or nearby business hubs—this influences peak times and local services.

University of Surrey students add a youthful population and cultural activity, especially during term time.

The town attracts families and professionals seeking good schools, green spaces and commuter convenience.

A number of retirees choose Guildford for its amenities, healthcare access and quieter suburban areas.

Guildford Flames are a well-supported local team and home games are lively social events popular with locals and students.

Grassroots and semi-professional football and rugby clubs are active, with community and youth participation across the borough.

Cricket is popular in summer with local clubs and village greens hosting weekend matches.

Water sports on the River Wey attract paddlers and rowing enthusiasts, especially in calmer months.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes, gastropubs and restaurants; many places offer clearly marked menus and plant-based mains. Farmers’ markets also sell veg-forward products and dairy-free alternatives.

Vegan choices have expanded—look for vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants, and larger pubs often have at least one vegan main. Always check or ask about hidden dairy/egg ingredients.

Most restaurants can accommodate a gluten-free diet if notified; bakeries and specialist shops sometimes stock gluten-free breads and cakes, but cross-contamination can occur in shared kitchens.

Staff are generally used to allergy requests—carry a translated allergy card if needed and notify servers explicitly; supermarkets and markets label allergens on packaged goods.