Guildford is the economic and cultural center of the whole of West Surrey. Guildford has still retained much of its historical charm.

Hotels in Guildford

It is believed that Guildford was founded by Saxon settlers shortly after Roman authority had been removed from Britain around 400AD. The town grew enough in importance by 978 to be the Royal Mint. The medieval castle, built to protect the town in the 1400s, was used by the King of England in the 1400s and because of this Guildford is the only royal town in Surrey.

Guildford is a county town of many contrasts and has one of Surrey's most attractive High Streets, with cobblestone road gently curving uphill. Its most prominent feature is the famous 16th century Guildhall with its overhanging golden clock from 1683. The Abbot's Hospital on High Street built in 1619, the historic Angel Hotel which long served as a coaching stop between the main London to Portsmouth stagecoach route, the Guildford Museum and the ruins of Guildford Castle are just a few of the many historic buildings in the town.

The town also offer a wide variety of shopping experiences both within High Street, in the many cobbled alleyways, the shopping malls, department stores and the busy street markets where a market is being held on Fridays and Saturdays. A farmer's market is usually held on the Tuesday of each month. Nearby, the River Wey provides a restful interlude of locks, barges and waterfowl.

Guildford is located some 43 km (27 mi) southwest of central London. Guildford main station is served by commuter and regional train services from many different directions, including two routes from London Waterloo station, one fast via Woking, the other slow via Cobham. The fast service takes around 45 minutes. Train services from London to Guildford run very frequent.