Guildford, Surrey
If you have a stroll around Guildford and look around you, you’ll see that this Surrey town still retains much of its historic charm; there’s the cobbled high street with the huge clock that overhangs the the Guildhall, some interesting architecture from Saxon times through to the present day, and quirky little side streets like Angel Gate and Jeffries Passage. You can get a good slice of retail therapy in the mix of big name and independent shops, at the weekly market and the monthly Farmers market, or in the undercover Friary Guildhall with its very tempting food hall – plus it has great facilities for younger children, including a soft play area.
There’s also plenty to see and do in town; browse around the museum, the modern cathedral, and the 17th century Guildford House Gallery, take one of the town walks, catch live entertainment at the Guildford Fringe Festival in July; in the summer months there’s live theatre in the castle – you know they type where everyone takes a picnic and sets up their rugs and chairs for the evening. Worth seeing are the 12th century castle keep, the Medieval Undercroft and the Spike Heritage Centre, built to house the poor in Edwardian times.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the streets and shops have a stroll along the River Wey, or take a boat trip from Dapdune Wharf in the summer season. When you’ve got an appetite head back into town for lunch at The Weyside, The Ivy Castle View or The Britannia.
All information corrrect at the time of writing