Best Places to Visit in England: Guildford, Surrey and Surrounding Areas



Do you want to visit the real England and not just overcrowded, super touristy London?

Situated in the picturesque Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, Guildford is perfectly located for some of the South East´s best attractions. Guildford is ideally located just an hour away from both London and Portsmouth. It is surrounded by picturesque traditional English villages and if you have the opportunity to rent a car, we would recommend definitely recommend heading here. All places listed are within 1 hour driving distance of Guildford.

1.     Shalford Mill, Guildford

Shalford Mill provides a glimpse into the past as you explore this 18th century working watermill which is protected by the National Trust.


Photo: surreyhills.org

2.     Loseley House and Gardens, Guildford

Loseley is the perfect place to visit for those that would like to wander around beautiful gardens. Here you will see many different types of plants, beautifully in bloom.


Photo: lansonchampagne.com

3.     Airhop Trampoline Park, Guildford

Put a spring in your step by visiting air hop, a warehouse filled with trampolines. Jump into the foam pit, play trampoline dodgeball or simply bounce your way around the arena. Even some of the walls are trampolines!


Photo: realbusiness.co.uk

4.     Guildford Spectrum, Guildford

Whether you like ice skating, swimming or bowling, Guildford Spectrum is the perfect place to blow off some steam. The swimming pool has a diving area, water slides, a Jacuzzi, a wave pool and normal lane swimming. If you´re into ice hockey, the ice skating arena is host to the Guildford Flames ice hockey team.


Photo: visitsurrey.com

5.     Craggy Island Climbing Centre, Guildford

If you´re into traditional climbing, Craggy Island is for you. With a range of different climbing walls to suit all needs, you can definitely embrace your inner Spiderman here.


Photo: craggy-island.com

6.     Rockbox High Sport Center, Guildford

For the more alternative climber, Rockbox High Sport Center is ideal. Scale different walls that are nothing like your traditional climbing walls.


Photo: high-sports.co.uk

7.     Hollycombe Steam Fairground and Railway, Liphook

Hollycombe is a working Steam museum that compiles fairground rides, miniature trains and even a working water wheel, all run by steam.


Photo: steamheritage.co.uk

8.     Frensham Pond, Frensham

Tucked away in the village of Frensham you will find Frensham great pond (not to be confused with Frensham little pond), a beach haven in the middle of the countryside. During summer months, locals go here to spend a day at the beach, without heading to the busy touristy seaside.


Photo: a3traveller.com

9.     The Hogs Back Brewery, Farnham

The Hogs Back Brewery is an independent brewery located near the small town of Farnham. Here you will find a range of traditional British ales to try whilst taking the brewery tour.


Photo: farnham.gov.uk

10.                       Thorpe Park, Staines

Thorpe Park is one of the top theme parks in England and is home to many exhilarating rides, including rides based on Saw and the Walking Dead, and a ride designed by mentalist Derren Brown, which incorporates virtual reality, motion stimulations and illusions to provide the ultimate experience for adrenaline junkies



Photo: pa-community.com

11.                       Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey

Former home to the English king Henry VIII, this palace provides a look into Tudor history. Take a glimpse inside the palace to understand how the Tudors lived or get lost in the maze which can be found in the beautiful palace Gardens. Once you have spent your time in the palace, you can hire a rowing boat and row down the river.

Photo: klook.com

12.                       Windsor Castle, Windsor

Highlights include queen Marys Dolls House which would fill a normal bedroom and St. Georges Chapel. Furthermore, you may catch a glimpse of the queen! If the flag is being flown, the queen is at home!


Photo: virginexperiencedays.co.uk

13.                       Ascot Races, Ascot

Going to the races is like taking a step back in time to the days where men wore top hats and women wouldn´t leave the house unless they were wearing their finest clothes. For a traditional British day out, you have to go to the races! Place bets and drink with your friends whilst feeling fancy and experience British Culture the old fashioned way. Make sure you check on their website for the dress code of the day you go as on certain days, the dress code is very strict!


Photo: ascot.co.uk

14.                       Hobbledown, Epsom

For those of you that have kids, Hobbledown is a great family day out. Head there on a sunny day for awesome play areas and lovely walks.


Photo: californianmuminlondon.com

15.                       New Victoria Theatre, Woking 

For theatre fanatics, head to Woking´s New Victoria Theatre. Here you can watch all the latest West End Shows, whilst avoiding the hustle and bustle of busy London.


Photo: theatretokens.com

16.                       Reigate Caves, Reigate

The caves at Reigate are mainly old sand mines. Here there are two sets of caves that you can explore: Barons Cave and the Tunnel Road Caves.


Photo: ianvisits.co.uk

17.                       Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Leavesden

This is an excellent experience for both Harry Potter Fans and film fans in general. Explore the sets of Harry Potter whilst learning about set design, costume design and how the Harry Potter series was filmed.


Photo: thinkwellgroup.com

18.                       Coral Reef, Bracknell

Coral Reef boasts a number of exciting water slides, a spa and a swimming pool, complete with a pirate ship that you can board.


Photo: getreading.co.uk

19.                       Spinnaker tower, Portsmouth

If you´re not afraid of heights take a trip up Spinnaker tower for great views over Portsmouth. If you´re brave enough, why not walk over the glass floor which allows you terrifying view of the ground below.


Photo: pmnweddingfayres.co.uk

20.                       Playzone, Portsmouth

Embrace you inner child at this playpark, especially designed to accommodate adults. Have a few beverages at the bar and then slide down the slides, crawl through tunnels and jump in the ball pit, exactly like the big kid that you are.

http://www.theplayzone.co.uk/playzone-portsmouth/portsmouth-playzone.htm

Photo: http://www.theblegg.co.uk/playzone/


Written by: Olivia Taylor-Firth

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