Location: Guildford
Top Things to do in Guildford
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10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Guildford That You Shouldn't Miss
Guildford /ˈɡɪlfərd/ ( listen) is a large town in Surrey, England, United Kingdom located 27 miles (43 km) southwest of central London on the A3 trunk road midway between the capital and Portsmouth.
Restaurants in Guildford
1. Spike Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
We are open! All tours need to be pre-booked at least 3 days in advance. The Casual ward to the Guildford Union Workhouse was, and still is, known locally as The Spike. This is no ordinary visitor attraction but a unique visit to a time, place and a way of life for generations history often chose to forget. Prepare to be deeply moved as the tour guides escort you through an unforgettable Night at the Spike. 600 Casual wards were built in Britain, the Guildford Casual Ward is uniquely the only remaining with its working cells.
Reviewed By nickymay33 - Godalming, United Kingdom
Six retired teachers from the Guildford area, most of whom had not visited The Spike before, were treated to a guided tour conducted by Dave and TJ. School teachers are not always the easiest people to impress with a talk but this group unanimously agreed that the two volunteers combined to tell an interesting story of the lives of the inmates who were 'allowed' to either sleep for the night on payment of a penny or to work for a whole day in lieu of payment. Neither vagrants nor casuals were able to return within a month and had to find their next accommodation in other nearby towns. This visit illustrated the hardship suffered by the unfortunates who lived in the years before the welfare state came into being. The video shown was good backup for the guides' comments but undoubtedly the highlight of the tour was visiting the actual cells where the inmates slept and worked. The charitable trust which runs this historic gem is continuing to improve the visitor experience with additional information about the history of the workhouse which also stood on this site and which before being demolished became part of St Luke's Hospital. Do visit, knowing that your entrance fee will help to preserve this small part of Guildford's disappearing history.
2. Surrey Wine School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 432 reviews
Wine Tasting for everyone! Fun, informal and informative Wine Tastings and Courses in Guildford and Surrey. Private (birthdays, hen nights etc) and business groups (client entertainment, team building etc).
Reviewed By Bobgrav
Lovely to be back again. Jeremy has done extremely well to ensure everything is very safe. Masks worn all the time except when tasting, hand sanitiser present and the NHS Covid 19 QR scan when entering the tasting room. Social distancing well thought out so that singles or couples tables are nicely apart. The recent French cheese and wine tasting excellent as usual due to Jeremy's knowledge and presentation. A really fun evening enjoyed by everyone and we all left with more knowledge about the wines and cheeses tasted. Thank you Jeremy, I shall certainly be back for more wine knowledge presented in his unique humerous style. Bob.
3. The Bear Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By poppyd1
We were delighted to find this wonderful shop when we were looking for a special teddy bear for our first grandchild . Friendly, helpful service and a large choice of bears and other soft toys . I will definately be back !
4. Containment
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 242 reviews
Containment is a fun, challenging live escape game just outside Guildford, Surrey. Designed for groups of 4 - 6 people. With 3 rooms running you can pick the challenge that most appeals. We lock you up in a themed room, and give you exactly 60 minutes to get out. In order to beat the live escape game you and your team must solve cryptic puzzles, complete physical challenges and identify clues. Can you and your team work together to escape the rooms? Take on The Bomb, The Vault or The Lab!
Reviewed By egroeg9
Great fun, staff were really friendly before and whilst explaining the escape room to us. Actual escape room was great for all of us, it being our first time. Some puzzles were really challenging and it was a nice touch to add a few red herrings in there as well, just to throw you off the scent of the true answer to the puzzle. Look forward to inviting some more people next time and trying a different room.
5. Natural Light Surrey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
The perfect place for some well-deserved pampering and relaxation. An oasis of calm a stone’s throw from Guildford Town Center. Here you will find a stillness and sanctuary where you can relax the mind, renew the body and revive the soul. From the moment you walk into the room you are transported by the sounds and aromas. Just a few deep breaths, close your eyes and let go. This is a place to nurture your mind and body - I have created a warm and welcoming environment for you to enjoy the complete benefits of holistic therapy. The scent of lemongrass and clary sage perfumes the air along with candle light and music. This is a precursor of the treatment to follow. The fragrance of home made blended oils, herbs and spices fill the air communicating to your body and mind to completely relax. A tranquil experience, through caring hands. Change the way you feel. Come in stressed. Leave revitalized. Dedicated to your health and wellbeing. Essential Balance. Massage and Wellness.
Reviewed By Nikki6385
Excellent experience from start to finish. Booked a last minute appointment due to having some neck pain, the team were super efficient and accommodating, received email confirmation almost immediately. Alice was incredible with her deep tissue massage and extremely knowledgeable, came away a lot more comfortable and thoroughly relaxed. Will definitely be booking again!
6. Paradox Parlours (formally Guildford Escape Rooms)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 490 reviews
Our fully interactive, thematic live escape rooms pull you right into the reality of the story. As a team of 2-6 players, can you find the clues, solve the puzzles and beat the room. We have two unique rooms, designed and built by us. Will you help send Vince Baxter, the notorious crime boss down for a terrible murder he's committed in "The Case Of The Missing Gun" or will you help save the human race from the robot uprising of the latest in-home assistance technology in "Venus"?
Reviewed By R2755DVmelanied
I was looking for a family activity over the Christmas period prior to daughter (21) and son (19) returning to university. Given her passion is musical theatre and he is mad about football and indie music, I thought it might be quite difficult to find something that would appeal to us all. However, "The Case of the Missing Gun" fitted the bill perfectly! We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the young guy who welcomed us and explained everything was lovely and we will definitely return to try our luck at "Venus".
7. Watts Gallery - Artists' Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
Watts Gallery - Artists' Village is a unique Arts & Crafts gem nestled in the Surrey Hills. Discover Victorian paintings and sculpture in the historic Watts Gallery before treating yourself to lunch or a cream tea in the Tea Shop. Stroll to the nearby Grade-I listed Watts Chapel, taking in the beautiful woodlands and grounds, or find out more about the lives of our founders G F and Mary Watts on a tour of the artists' home, Limnerslease. Finally, discover art for sale in the Watts Contemporary exhibition in the Pottery Building along with a wide selection of gifts, books and homewares in the Shop.
Reviewed By gordonilla - Hillingdon, United Kingdom
It was an enjoyable visit, some great work on display in the different parts of the complex. There was a very enjoyable William Orpen exhibition showing alongside the permanent collection. They have a very good shop as well as an Artist in residence. The visit finished with a pleasant cup of tea in the cafe.
8. Watts Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Landscape, art and remembrance are beautifully blended together in this Grade I-listed building. Visitors are drawn to the bright red brick of this Arts & Crafts masterpiece. Up-close, the extraordinary design and decoration both fascinate and overwhelm all who venture up the winding yew tree paths.
Reviewed By 370elizad
Absolutely worth a visit - the terracotta is beautiful and the carvings and art inside are stunning and totally unexpected!
9. Dapdune Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By U5296PJdavidk - Worthing, United Kingdom
Just very close to the town centre of Guildford and Parking is behind Surrey County Cricket Club . Dapdune Wharf is brillant . Owned by the National Trust and a great day out for a boat trip and just chilling . The out buildings consist of a Ropery , Where you can buy gifts , A Stable and a Smithery . A Gunpowder store (Used to be ) and a lovely exhibition about the Wharf it self .And when i visited a photography exhibition where you can vote for your favourite pic . The boat trip was lovely , £4:20 per adult (Aug 2019 prices ) , A 40 mins round trip to Guildford town centre and back as the electric little boat (Holds 12 max ) slowey makes way upstream . The times vary as another boat takes you in the opposite direction . The town centre trips goes on the hour . The Skipper of the boat gives a running commentary and was superb , Telling you all about the history of the Wey . The tea room had plenty of seating inside and out and the toilets are located there as well . All of the staff were fantastic making you feel very welcome as well ..
10. Guildford Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Guildford Museum is housed in beautiful, historic buildings next to the Grounds of Guildford Castle. The exhibitions are free to visit and include a variety of changing exhibitions, plus a permanent collection of objects dating from prehistoric times.
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