Trains to Guildford
Discover a charming town in the heart of Surrey
It’s hard to believe Guildford, with all of its quaintness, charm, and heritage, is so close to the bustling metropolis of London. A train to Guildford will take you to a quintessentially British town, perfect for a relaxing time. But that doesn’t mean it’s all parks and castles; Guildford boasts an array of shops, restaurants and bars that make it the ideal place to take the family, go on a romantic weekend away, or even a solo trip.
FAQs
How many train stations are there in Guildford?
The main train station in the town is Guildford Train Station.
How far is the town centre?
Guildford Train Station is located in the heart of the town, making it the ideal place for a day trip or a weekend away.
Where is the closest airport to Guildford?
The nearest airport to Guildford is London Heathrow. To get there, take a 30-minute train to Clapham Junction, a 20-minute train to Feltham, followed by a short, 10-minute bus journey on the 285 towards the airport. Alternatively, it takes just an hour to get to Gatwick Airport by getting the train to Redhill and then Gatwick.
How can I get cheap tickets to Guildford?
There are plenty of ways to get cheap train tickets to Guildford if you’re looking to save a bit of money. Travelling during off-peak hours gives you cheaper ticket options, and make sure you book them in advance. If you’re eligible for one, you can also get a railcard and save up to 1/3 on your fare. Make sure to visit our cheap tickets page for more tips on how to travel more cheaply.
More questions?
For further information about the train station in Guildford, check out our station guide.
Shopping in Guildford
It’s easy to see why Guildford attracts so many people from all around the country. Taking a walk along the cobbled high street, you get the feeling you’re stepping into a piece of history, and the antique dealers, old book shops, and art galleries reinforce that idea. But in and amongst the vintage stores you’ll find high-end fashion shops, specialist jewellers, and all the well-known retailers to satisfy all needs and tastes.
If shopping centres are more your thing, The Friary Centre has everything you’ll need. Spanning three floors with over fifty stores, you’ll find some of the UK’s most popular retailers, from River Island to HMV, Hollister to Urban Outfitters, and Zara to Primark. Also boasting three cafes and twelve food and drink outlets, The Friary Centre is perfect for solo shopping or a family day out.
Don’t forget to head to Tunsgate Square for a more relaxed feel. Just off the high street, this small shopping centre contains over twenty independent shops and cafes, perfect for picking up a gift you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. Be sure to enjoy a coffee or meal in the conservatory whatever the weather – if you ask us, though, it’s best enjoyed while basking in the sun.
Food & Drink in Guildford
If the blend of heritage, scenery, and shopping wasn’t enough to convince you that Guildford is a town that serves every purpose, the food and drink scene definitely will. From tea rooms to coffee shops, country pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, this historic town really does have it all.
One of our favourite things to do after a day of exploring the parks is to finish the day in one of one of the many vineyards of breweries Guildford has to offer. Greyfriars Vineyard offers tours with tasters, but if you already know your wine inside out, it’s the perfect place to wind down with a nice glass of some local grapes. Another great place to end the day is at one of Guildford’s many farm shops. Grab some locally sourced produce at Garsons of Esher – the largest pick your own farm in the UK. There’s also a restaurant for those who don’t feel like cooking on the day.
If you’re looking for something closer to the town centre, you’ll find places in abundance. While Guildford has all the high street chains you’d recognise, we much prefer sampling the local, independent restaurants and bars. Those visiting from a major city will be shocked by the cheap prices of places like Positano, an Italian restaurant named after a scenic town on the Amalfi coast, or Ashuka, an East-West Indian fusion restaurant serving some of the best Asian food in Surrey. You’ll be spoiled for choice, so you may need to visit Guildford more than once to try them all!
Culture in Guildford
With historic monuments dating all the way back to the 11th century, you know Guildford will offer enough attractions to last a whole weekend of exploration. Whether its Guildford Castle, Cathedral, or Museum, there’s enough to keep the whole family entertained and well-educated.
But Guildford isn’t all about heritage; it’s also well-known for its abundance of art galleries, theatres, live music and stand-up comedy venues. One of our favourite days out is a trip to Guildford House Gallery – a 1660 townhouse turned art collection gallery – followed by a trip to Yvonne Arnaud, a theatre that’s been bursting with plays since 1965.
If you go crazy for transport (just like us) then we recommend The Steam Dreams Rail Co. It may not be as modern as one of our CrossCountry trains, but it’s a great experience for wining and dining as you venture through the best of the British countryside.
Catching a train to Guildford
We want you to make the most out of travelling with us, so make sure to check out our special offers if you’re getting a train to Guildford. We recommend booking in advance via our website or app as you’re more likely to enjoy great savings on your travel.
Book your cheap train tickets to Guildford using the Tickets button at the top of the page.