Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
A Norman castle and public gardens in the centre of Guildford with a restored keep, flower gardens and panoramic views across the town and Surrey Hills.
Family friendlyDog friendly
Browse things to do by type in Guildford
Things To Do in nearby towns
Guildford days out
Build a proper day out around Guildford, not just a random list of attractions.
Guildford packs a lot into a small town centre — a Norman castle, the River Wey, a cobbled high street, and the Surrey Hills within easy reach. Here's where to start, whether you're planning a riverside walk, a family day out, or something indoors for a rainy afternoon.
Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
An Arts and Crafts gallery near Guildford dedicated to the work of Victorian artists G F and Mary Watts, with exhibitions, woodland grounds and the striking Watts Chapel nearby.
Family friendlyAccessible
Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
A riverside theatre in Guildford staging comedy, drama, musicals, pantomime and touring productions inside a Grade-II listed building.
Family friendlyAccessible
Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
A Georgian country estate near Guildford with rolling parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and one of the UK’s most important collections of historic keyboard instruments.
Family friendlyDog friendlyAccessible
Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
A waterside National Trust site in Guildford with river history, boat trips and family-friendly activities.
Family friendlyDog friendly
Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
Newlands Corner is one of Surrey’s best-known viewpoints, with sweeping Surrey Hills scenery, woodland walks, picnic areas and direct access to the North Downs Way.
Family friendlyAccessible
Swipe
Guildford · Things To Do
Guildford's heated 1930s outdoor 50m pool in Stoke Park, with slides, a paddling pool and family-friendly open-air swimming.
Family friendlyAccessible
Guildford FAQ
What are the best free things to do in Guildford?
Guildford Castle’s grounds, Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Museum and Guildford House Gallery are all free to enter — only the Castle Keep itself charges admission. Combine two or three of these with a stretch of the River Wey towpath for a full day out at no cost.
What can you do in Guildford with kids on a rainy day?
Guildford Museum, Guildford House Gallery and Guildford Cathedral are free, indoor and dry. For something more active, Guildford Spectrum has an ice rink, ten-pin bowling, swimming pools and soft play, and AirHop is a dedicated indoor trampoline park.
Where are the best walks in or near Guildford?
The River Wey towpath runs through the town centre — start at Millmead Lock and head out toward Godalming for flat, easy walking. The North Downs Way crosses the river on the edge of Guildford and climbs into the Surrey Hills National Landscape (AONB) for longer countryside routes.
How long do you need for a day out in Guildford?
Half a day covers the castle grounds, a museum or gallery visit, and a short stretch of the riverside. A full day allows time for the cathedral and a longer walk — Guildford’s town-centre sights sit close enough together to cover on foot.
Is Guildford a good day trip destination?
Yes. Guildford has direct trains from London Waterloo — as fast as around 35 minutes on the quickest services, though many journeys take closer to 45–60 minutes — and its castle, cathedral, museums and riverside walking all sit within a compact, walkable town centre.