With a small amount of information, we set off to spend time in Guildford. Sometimes it is more interesting to have an element of pleasant surprise than to know everything there is to know before visiting a new place.
Firstly, one of the main reasons for heading into the city was to add a few new items of clothing to our minimal wardrobe. After a few hours, it was evident that it wasn’t going to happen today. I am not the most ardent shopper, and I tend to have this constant conversation with myself, which goes something like this,
“Do I need it? Do I really like it? Perhaps, I could find another one at a more acceptable price down the road?”
In the end, the clothing item is returned to the rack. Though there are times when I find something I am 100 per cent happy with, I have no doubts whatsoever about parting with some cold, hard cash. Numerous shops would excite the more prolific shopper amongst us. I do love the smaller independent shops and the creative art establishments. Not forgetting a large number of Charity Shops for more of a bargain or two.
There is more to Guildford than retail therapy to be enjoyed. For me, it was the joy of walking around, admiring the architecture and gardens.
The temperature was rising, and as I looked out over the colourful, cheery gardens around Guildford, it did indeed feel like spring was here. Too lovely a day to be spent in and out of shops.
Where did we go?
Places of interest
Abbot’s Hospital
This building and its purpose have intrigued me most over the years. I loved how it is still being used today in a very community-oriented way.
It was founded in 1619 by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury (born and educated in Guildford and a translator of the King James Bible), to provide accommodation for local older adults. Today, this Grade I-listed Jacobean building offers self-contained town-centre housing for 26 residents.
Much of the building remains unchanged, and many original features remain. A guided tour reveals 17th-century stained glass in the Chapel, unique furniture in the panelled Common Hall, incredible architecture and beautifully maintained courtyard gardens. The newly developed Exhibition provides additional insight into the life and history of this unique building.
As the tenants’ rent is subsidised, the building maintenance is an ongoing cost. A donation box is at the entrance, and guided tours are available from May to September on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am (no need to book), costing £5 per person.
Guildford Castle
We wanted to view a panoramic view of Guildford, and the only place to do so was at the top of the Great Tower. The climb gave us a panoramic 360-degree view of Guildford and the surrounding countryside.
In 1888, the grounds at Guildford Castle were opened to the public. This was to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, celebrated the previous year. The gardens were gorgeous and well-kept, displaying a fantastic array of colourful bedding. These are centred on the 11th-century Castle Keep.
As we walked along, we came across a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass, then the famous bowling green.
With many people taking advantage of the great weather and having lunch around the various parts of the gardens. The cheekier lawn dwellers were sitting right beside a sign stating “Don’t walk on the grass”. With the gardener not far away, some people love to live on the edge of common courtesy.
Famous People
Let’s start with coming across “the best-kept secret in Guildford”. Nothing too tantalising, it refers to Alan Turing, who was from this town. Want to know more about where his family lived, including more intriguing information, and you happen to be in Guildford during June and July, then take in a free guided walk. Coming across information about his family residing here many moons ago made me remember the movie we watched about Alan Turing’s life. I have never sworn so much during a film as I did during that one. The way this man was treated after the incredible work he did for the war effort leaves me speechless, or more accurately, I found it hard to articulate how society and governing authorities could be so cruel.
Lewis Carroll was another figure who made his presence known many years ago in Guildford with annual summer visits to his cousin, who lived not far from the castle.
Another plus for us was the independent cafes; we enjoyed a tasty lunch in one just off the main road. No food porn.
It’s pretty easy for time to rush by when exploring a new city. Talking of rushing, we had timed it, so we did beat the worst of the day’s traffic. This part of Surrey is a busy place. The roar of the motorway is a daily reminder here that the much busier destination of London is not far away.
Life at No. 22 
The same mantra runs through my head when I shop! Guildford is quite lovely though isn’t it?
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I managed 9 months there at the college of law in 78/79..then the high street seemed full of shoe shops and building societies. Mind you I do recall a couple of dodgy clubs too and the Yvonne Arnaud theatre known locally as the Avon Gumby after Monty Python which was good to visit..never did manage the sites as you’ve described but in my defence I was 21… I need to return
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Oh the Avon Gumby would have been good, I was a fan of Monty Python in my younger years. Yes, you need to return though I doubt it will hold as much fun as it did when you were 21!
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Lovely photos 🙂 Guildford looks stunning.
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Thanks Cathy 🙂 So many places to visit never enough time!!
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Gee, I was on the ball writing that post as I just realised I repeated a photo 🙂 Ummm, trying to do too many things all at the same time, clever 🙂
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It happens 🙂
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It does, thankfully not too often 🙂
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I love this description of shopping….. “!to inject some new items of clothing into our very limited wardrobe.” I didn’t know that Turing came from Guilford. When I worked in Egham at ACS, I had the local university bring the Enigma machine to our school for our enrichment program. It was fascinating.
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Thanks Fran. Apparently his family lived there, whether or not he spent all his growing up years there, I am not sure. The film about his life was fascinating as well as being incredibly sad.
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Lovely post, Guildford looks lovely, love the Alice statue and the history always fascinates me of a town. Hope you found something to wear eventually 🙂
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Thanks Sam, I too enjoyed the Alice statue, one of the more interesting ones we have come across. Nope, still in same rags 🙂
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Lovely photos! I’m told that it’s quite ‘posh’ there – true?
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Yes, I would say parts of it are posh, as in most places have both parts to each city. Some villages or smaller towns in the UK are indeed more poshier, if the house prices are anything to go by. Though not all homes reflect the prices, I am guessing that the land is the most valuable which is the same principle no matter where the house is situated. We much prefer the countryside villages and smaller towns.
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I love the building with the clock and the tour. I’ve never been to Guildford’s: it looks interesting.
PS I hate shopping too.
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I always think about how clothes I have had over the years than never actually get “worn out”. Now buy less and more quality over quantity especially with jackets for changeable weather where ever we go.
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Yes, and if I find something I really like I wear it till it practically falls apart!
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Yes, I have a few favourites I tend to wear more than others. I even lug around and not wear a few tops and wonder why I placed them in my suitcase!! They do get removed and replaced with another when we head back to NZ for a few weeks!
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Oh how I miss charity shops when I’m not in Britain (which is mostly) … first stop for me whenever I visit my family is a morning trawling in Oxford which given it’s architecture and heritage many might find odd but believe me the Charity Shops are of the highest calibre there. As they are in Guildford, I imagine since it has quite the upper demographic. I know the town well having family nearby and you certainly found some treasures to share. That Alice lurks on a bowling green is not something I knew … I do enjoy learning from you!
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Thanks Osyth, I enjoy learning from you, a mutual admiration club has just been formed 🙂 The charity shops are an interesting aspect to shopping in the UK. I like how they have numerous books to buy at a reasonable price.
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Do NOT ever go into the Oxfam charity book shop in Oxford … it is lethal if you need to travel light!!! My ultimate aim is to get France to understand the value of the charity shop …. it’s such a win-win but so far even in the city I have found it difficult to get people to grasp the concept. I am, however, nothing if not bluddy minded so I will persevere and succeed if it kills me!!!
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Glad to hear you are so passionate, unfortunately it is a hard battle to change habits. Most humans do not like change. Good luck and I would certainly support it if we are in the area!!
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You are so right … changing a cultural mindset is very hard. But never say die say I and one can but try!
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Such a beautiful area – perfect for a walk (I wouldn’t have wanted to spend time shopping either). The Alice Through the Looking Glass sculpture is inspired.
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The gardens around the castle were a treat, and the Alice through the looking glass was a favourite. A girl after me own heart, regarding the shopping 🙂 Funny thing is I love looking through home deco shops!
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Guildford is a lovely town and Abbots Hospital a fascinating place. Glad you had such good weather for your visit and you’re so right about the clothes shopping, we often decide to do the same and end up not bothering.
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One day I may go crazy and renew all our clothing, a full moon and sales, you can never tell 🙂
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It looks almost rural in the photos. I went there a few times for work, but was never there long enough to look around. What I’ve seen of it from the A3 has never inspired me to visit.
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Does anyone see anything from the A3? I don’t think so. One of the reasons I don’t like going on the motorway.
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You do get a lovely view going over the Hog’s Back. On a nice day I always wish I was a passenger so that I can look at the view properly. When I was going up and down on the A3 fairly regularly I often saw ballons going up – that’s proper balloons with people in baskets, not party ballons.
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Not something I have wanted to do is sit in a basket in mid air! They are fun to watch. I will have to look up the Hog’s Back!
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No, I wouldn’t go in one, but i like seeing them.
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Enjoyed that. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have driven through, and then past, Guildford, but have visited rarely – and then mostly for tedious business reasons. I need to return. Love that Alice statue!
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Thanks and pleased you enjoyed it. Yes, the Alice statue is a popular one!
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Some beautiful photos of my home town. (it’s not a city by the way). I visit the castle gardens frequently. Did you walk down by the river where Alice is lying down by the rabbit?
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Thanks Liz and for the correction of it being not a city! Whoops! The gardens are lovely. Yes, we went down by the river just can’t include all the photos I take.
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Another ‘non-shopper’ person here! I lived near Guildford for 7 years and only ever visited to do some shopping, often returning home empty handed. A nice little town, but very, very busy. A decent music shop there too, my OH tells me. Nightmare to drive in/through/park. Best to take the train. Oh, and the A3 is not a motorway and is best avoided near Guildford around 5 pm as traffic builds up. Not so far away is the amazing Watts Cemetery Chapel just off the A3.
https://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2015/08/26/an-arts-and-crafts-masterpiece/
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That is one of the reasons we did not enjoy the Guildford area was the huge amount of traffic. We were housesitting supposedly in the countryside where people spend millions to live and the noise was awful!!! Thanks for the link and advice, Jude. We are now in the more quieter area of North Yorkshire.
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Yes, I loathe returning to Surrey and the south-east because of the constant noise and traffic. Having lived in counties with no motorways I have acclimatised to slow travel. North Yorkshire is stunning in spring. Hope you manage to get out on the moors.
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We have previously been to the Yorkshire Moors, when housesitting we are limited to how long we can travel. Plus we love just having a bit of no travel time and lots of local dog walks.
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Yes. I read your post on getting travel tired. Living where I do (Cornwall) people seem to think I should be out every day on the beach or exploring the countryside. Actually I don’t do that as much as when I used to visit on holiday! I am most content just to be at home, tend my tiny garden and enjoy the view from my window. Maybe I really am getting old 🙂
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Each to their own and makes life more interesting when we don’t all have the same desires. One day we will buy another house and make it a home. At the moment we are enjoy travelling and housesitting.
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Exactly! After I quit teaching I spent a good few years accompanying the OH to conferences around the world until recently and enjoyed every minute (OK maybe not the long haul flights), but now I have a place of my own and happy to make a home.
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