Discover Guildford

We're a group of London-based bloggers who have recently discovered Guildford, Surrey - a charming market town just 30 minutes from central London. We like to get down there and explore. This is our small way of sharing interesting stuff about Guildford with you, because we think it's a shame that the town doesn't get much attention despite having so much to offer. But please only tell cool people about this blog as we don't want Guildford to be overrun by tourists either :)

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The Withies Inn

Photo by: markhillary

Located on the outskirts of Guildford, this 16th century pub is worth a visit for an extra special pint or evening meal. The nearby woods make it a great place to rest after taking a walk through the countryside too. 

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Another authentic attraction to check out if you are in town is Guildford House Gallery, a fascinating 17th century townhouse located on Guildford's atmospheric High Street. The gallery has been the home of the Borough Art Collection since 1959 and even offers temporary exhibitions, talks, tours and workshops. Furthermore, the gift shop features a unique selection of souvenirs made by local craft artists.

Photo credit: Charlotte Gilhooly

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Guildford’s destination bar MKB offers an antidote to train rides into London and late-night cabs home for Surrey residents. Nestled within the swanky new Radisson Edwardian Guildford, which quickly established itself as one of the most stylish Guildford hotels, MKB offers guests the glamour of a central London experience without the expense and hassle of trekking into the metropolis.  

MKB has a decidedly cosmopolitan vibe with its impressive cocktail list, quality food, extensive wine list and sleek décor. Oodles of London-style sophistication is served up with its fresh ingredients and friendly service. 

Whilst daytimes at MKB are ideal for catching up with friends in its hip Guildford restaurant, it’s by night that the bar really heats up. And now, as the lights go down, the tempo goes up with renowned resident DJs working the decks.  

MKB Nights is the bar’s latest foray into London-class entertainment. The venue has poached some of the capital’s best DJ’s to spin the decks on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Award-winning Dan Bewick warms everyone up for the weekend with his Friday night funky house set. And Saturday night provides the perfect “Classy Club Alternative” with DJ Jay Partridge’s cool classics and vocal house 

You’ll soon discover it’s not just MKB’s cocktails that are expertly mixed…

Photo credits: MKB

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We've discovered a really cool Squidoo lens on the best restaurants in Guildford, highlighting Relish Restaurant at the Radisson Edwardian Guildford. The decoration of Relish is both ornate and in parts dramatic in celebration of the town's proud theatrical past and association with Lewis Carroll.

Photo credit: London Hotels Insight blogger Timea

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Perhaps the most iconic and recognisable building in Guildford is the Guild Hall located on the city's cobblestoned High Street, but did you know that the building's history dates back to the 16th and 17th century with the bracket clock having been made in 1683? The Guild Hall was formerly a courtroom and Council Chamber and the ground floor is from Tudor times. The building houses many important and rare historic items.

Photo credit: Silwertand

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Anglotopia, a blog for people who love Britain, has recently published a brilliant review of afternoon tea in Guildford at the Radisson Edwardian Guildford Hotel enjoyed in one of the most highly-rated restaurants in Guildford. We've also visited the same venue and have decided to share a few of our own exclusive pictures to tempt your tastebuds!

Photo credits: Andrea Kirkby, Radisson Edwardian Guildford.

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Spotted at the Radisson Edwardian Guildford, which is one of the most popular hotels in Guildford in part due to its captivating decor, is the "Staircase to Nowhere" commemorating Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, who was inspired and laid to rest in this charming Surrey market town. Guildford’s own Radisson Edwardian Hotel takes pride in its special location in the heart of Surrey while offering the same style and standard of service as luxury central London hotels.

Photo credit: Andrea Kirkby.

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The Secret History of Guildford

We were excited to see a high-profile travel blog like Inside The Travel Lab highlight our beloved Guildford in an interesting article published recently! The article describes the town’s Georgian history in detail with lots of interesting anecdotes. For example, did you know that Guildford had its own bank as early as 1765?  Do check out the article entitled "The Secret History of Guildford" to find out more.

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If you are spending a weekend in Guildford, definitely check out The Boiler Room, a cool arts venue that hosts a number of performances. Especially recommended is The Sunday Club which takes place on Sunday nights, fittingly. 

The Sunday Club "takes open mic to a whole new level" and guests are invited to join the club's house band - but are welcome to bring instruments and perform solo too! And the best part is that the entrance is free! For more information please check the music venue's website.

Photo by: p_a_h

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Guildford Economy

An interesting fact for our readers: more than 75% of Guildford employees are based in the service sector. Conferencing can be a great asset to a city as it supports the local economy in many different ways. According to the Guildford government website, the town's location just 30 minutes from London makes it ideal for conferences; and the city also provides an independent venue location service for those looking for Surrey conference venues  that are rented often for the same or better value than meeting rooms in London.

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Last time we were in Guildford, we went to the MKB bar & Guildford restaurant. We are taking recommendations for other places to check out as well. What is your favourite Guildford restaurant?

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Guess what! Did you know that there's even a Llama trek in Guildford? You can meet the llamas and take them to a walk! I know what you're thinking... but no, you cannot ride llamas because they have a very straight and rigid backbone and riding them would damage their backs. But you can walk them and even bring them treats! They like carrots, apples, and Brussels sprouts.

Photo by JuditK

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Get Married in Guildford!

After discovering this article about Guildford wedding venues, we did some further research and found that this charming market town is becoming a popular destination not just for wedding ceremonies but for "classy" hen parties (if there is such a thing!) too! Which I guess is exciting news if you are a bride looking to do something different with your friends before your big day. One of the best new wedding locations is the Radisson Edwardian Guildford which is now also offering special spa and afternoon tea vouchers. What a yummy idea - we just need to find someone to marry now!

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Breath-taking view from the Newland's Corner, apparently Guildford resident Eric Clapton's favorite place, taken by Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel.

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Guildford High Street: Heaven for Shopaholics.

If you walk down Guildford's atmospheric High Street as we've done on several occasions, you find some really cute little shops and boutiques which sell unique products and clothes - much more interesting than London (and often a bit cheaper too - thank goodness!). An increasing number of people come to Guildford nowadays to do their shopping, particularly from the south-western London suburbs and Surrey. They are further drawn like we are by the region's growing culinary tradition, its famous farmer's market and the many diverse restaurants in Guildford which are getting more and more creative and interesting.  We'd suggest Jamie's Italian for example and MKB Guildford for cocktails afterwards - a delicious combo!

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Guildford High Street

I found this really cool time-lapse video on YouTube by strussler, taken of Guildford's famous cobblestoned High Street, along with the lovely Tudor Guildhall building with its distinctive overhanging clock.

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Photo by: disparkys

Guildford Cathedral is one of the town's most famous tourist attractions. Many tourists visit just to admire the cathedral's majestic architecture which has a very interesting history. While browsing the web we found this intriguing article about the cathedral's history and architecture which you might want to check out!