What to do and see in Guildford, England: The Best Things to do

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.

LOSELEY PARK ( GARDENS ONLY) IS OPEN FROM MONDAY'S TO THURSDAYS- 10-5PM UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2020 . 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.

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.

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.

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.

G Live has been developed as a contemporary state-of-the-art entertainment and concert hall. The light-filled, spacious foyers house the G Live Cafe-Bar which offers bistro-style daytime food and the elegent Mezzanine Restaurant, which offers pre-show dining. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the building.G Live aims to set the standard for the finest live entertainment in Surrey with an events programme to suit all tastes. Shows include an exciting mix of West End musicals, live music, ballet. comedy, classical concerts and famous faces.

Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Frances. Since then it has housed wealthy families, a finishing school for girls and even a printing press. It is still a family home, containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture. Also on display is the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers including JC Bach, Chopin and Elgar. The house is open on four afternoons a week, between April and October. The 400 acres of rolling parkland and woodland is one of the largest country estates in the area. Full of seasonal colour, it is open to visitors throughout the year. You can follow waymarked walks, discover areas of the garden partly landscaped by Humphry Repton or bring the family to experience the natural adventure area for children. The Kitchen Cafe, dog-friendly Coach House cafe, gift shop and second hand bookshop can be found in the courtyard.