Trains From Shotts to Guildford

Save money when you travel to Guildford by train

Railcards offer great value for money if you travel by train, saving you up to 1/3 on most rail fares. You can find out more about our range of Railcards on the Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab). If you plan ahead and buy Advance tickets you can also get great deals on rail fares.

Find out more ways to save money on your train ticket. Or if you're looking for destination ideas on travelling by train, there's a world of options.

Plan Your Trip to Guildford

Guildford is a historic Surrey market town known for its blend of heritage, culture and green spaces, and is famous for its iconic cobbled High Street and Guildhall clock, dating from the 17th century. Just 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo, the town is surrounded by the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Throughout the year, there are major events like the Guildford Fringe Festival and the star-studded GuilFest music festival at Stoke Park.

Guildford for kids and families

Guildford offers a range of child-friendly attractions.

• Guildford Museum: housed in a set of historic buildings next to Guildford Castle, this engaging free museum covers local archaeology and history, and has a charming collection of Lewis Carroll memorabilia

• AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park: a seriously fun option for children and energetic grown-ups alike! AirHop features 50 interconnected trampolines alongside obstacle courses and a slam dunk zone

• Dapdune Wharf: run by the National Trust, this historic wharf tells the story of the River Wey Navigations. Kids can explore the old barges and even take a seasonal boat trip

• Guildford Spectrum Leisure Centre: this enormous complex has something for every age: 3 swimming pools, a full-size Olympic ice rink, ten-pin bowling and a sports arena

Free things to do in Guildford

Visitors on a budget can still find loads of activities to enjoy.

• Guildford Cathedral: perched impressively on Stag Hill, this striking 20th-century landmark offers a peaceful atmosphere and impressive modernist architecture

• Guildford Castle Grounds: there is a small fee to enter the Great Tower but the stunning, award-winning gardens surrounding the 11th-century ruins are free to explore

• River Wey Towpath: a gentle walk along the scenic riverbanks provides a tranquil escape from the town’s bustle, perfect for spotting local wildlife

• Guildford House Gallery: Housed in a Grade I listed 17th-century townhouse on the High Street, this gallery hosts rotating art exhibitions

Guildford, city of culture

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is a sits on the banks of the River Wey and hosts major touring productions and pre-West End plays, as well as Guildford’s cherished annual pantomime. For something more contemporary, G Live is a state-of-the-art entertainment hub that attracts world-class comedians, orchestral performances, and international music acts.

The Electric Theatre is a fantastic community venue that champions emerging and established performers alike, and is the home of Guildford’s annual Jazz Festival. The Boileroom is an award-winning independent music venue.

Shop till you drop in Guildford

Whether you’re after high street favourites, designer names or a one-of-a-kind find, Guildford’s shopping scene has it all.

• Guildford High Street: one of the most attractive high streets in England, with its cobblestones, listed buildings and an eclectic mix of national retailers and independent boutiques tucked into historic passageways

• The Friary: a major shopping centre spread across 3 floors and home to over 50 brands, just minutes from Guildford station

• Tunsgate Quarter: a stylish, boutique-led shopping hub featuring high-end stores

• Markets: there is a monthly farmers market and a street market on North Street every Friday and Saturday

Guildford’s food hotspots

Guildford’s culinary scene is a sophisticated mix of international flavours and traditional British charm.

• The Ivy Castle View: for a touch of glamour, this restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling windows with a breathtaking vantage point over the castle ruins

• Theion: this AA Rosette-holding Mediterranean dining destination just off the High Street represents the town’s highest-end culinary offering

• Positano: found in an Elizabethan building with red-brick walls and oak beams, this family-run spot is the go-to for authentic, upscale Italian dining

• The Weyside: a charming pub and restaurant right on the banks of the River Wey, offering hearty British food in a beautiful riverside setting

• Olivo: a long-established family-run Italian trattoria that has been a beloved fixture in the town centre for decades