10 Things to Do in Guildford That You Shouldn't Miss

Be prepared to be moved, this is no ordinary tour. The Spike in Guildford is unique, the last remaining of over 600 in the country with its stone-breaking/wood-chopping cells showing how you could have paid for a night's kip. Ever picked Oakum? Find out how. Open on Tuesdays and Saturdays only, tours start at 10a.m. and finish 4p.m., taking approximately 90 minutes, including a short film. £6.00/5.00. Groups can book in any day for a minimum charge of £45.00, please call to arrange. We can make your day very memorable and provide luncheon/refreshments. Evening tours and Parties catered for. Parking is free.

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.

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.

We run approximately 50 steam train day trips and several holidays by steam each year in the UK and Ireland. We offer several classes of travel including Pullman Style Dining which provides a premium railway dining experience. Carriages are restored and refurbished 1950s coaches with wood-panelled walls, comfortable seats, individual table lamps and curtains at the windows. On most day trips in Pullman Style, welcome glasses of champagne accompany the breakfast or brunch on the outward journey. On the return journey you will be welcomed on board with canapes before being served a four-course meal with a complimentary half bottle of wine per person. Other classes include Premier Dining, First Class and Premium Standard.

Visit Guildford Castle and head to the top of the Great Tower for a 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Inside you'll find a model of the original castle circa 1300, and interpretation panels tracing its history to the present day. Opening times: April to Sept: 10am to 5pm daily (last admission 4.30pm). Oct and March: Saturdays and Sundays only, 11am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). Castle Grounds are free to visit and open all year from 8am to dusk. The Gardens feature spring and summer bedding displays, unique each year, Victorian bandstand and passageways, pond, 17th century bowls green and Alice Garden. Bands play each Sunday in summer 2pm to 4pm. The Gardens have been awarded a Green Flag Award.

LOSELEY PARK IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE SEASON AND WILL RE-OPEN ON TUESDAY 1 MAY 2018, SUNDAY TO THURSDAY 11am - 5pm. Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park stands in ancient Surrey Parkland close to the North Downs yet within reach of London. Still the home of the More-Molyneux family, it is remarkably unchanged since 1562 when Sir William More laid the first stones, and remains, as he intended, a place of calm, grace and subtle beauty. From the house itself, where the intricate panelling in the Great Hall was once in Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace; to the Tithe Barn with its ancient oak beams; to the elegant and restful walled garden, Loseley Park is sought after for civil weddings, corporate events, and as a location for films such as Sense and Sensibility. But it’s also a place to visit, to enjoy the grounds, the garden and house, and relax in one of England’s friendliest historic homes. ‘Invidiae claudor, pateo sed semper amico’ Shut to envy, but always open to a friend.

Clandon Park was built by a Venetian architect in the 1720s. One of the country’s most complete examples of a Palladian mansion, it featured original stucco ceilings and marble fireplaces. The house was refurbished during the 1960s to house a collection of 18th-century furniture and porcelain acquired by collector Hannah Gubbay. Sadly, in April 2015, a fire broke out, causing significant damage and effectively leaving the house a shell. In response the National Trust has launched its largest project in a generation. After 14 months of work the large-scale salvage phase was completed. We’ve since announced ambitious plans to rebuild Clandon Park which will honour its rich history, but also create vibrant, modern spaces to breathe new life into the house. You can visit the house between April and October to see inside the Saloon, State Bedroom and Marble Hall. Timed tickets are available on arrival at Visitor Reception, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.