The best bits of Guildford city centre

Guildford is a picture-perfect town nestled in the heart of Surrey. With its cobbled streets and rolling hills, Guildford university students enjoy a laidback lifestyle during the week and regular nights out on the town.   Every year since 2014 the town has been awarded a prestigious Purple Flag for evenings out that are safe, vibrant, and varied – an ode to how wonderful life is, living in Guildford. 

Cafés

We’re spilling the beans on the best cafés in Guildford. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to study or a quick caffeine fix between classes, Guildford has loads of charming coffee shops to choose from. 

Coffee culture is a hidden gem, tucked away on a cute cobblestone path just off Guildford High Street. Pop in for delicious coffee and fresh baked pastries, perfect for an afternoon pick me up. Around the corner from there, Harris and Hoole and Krema Coffee are known for their top-notch coffee and super friendly service, just what you need to brighten up your busy day. 

If you’re looking for a laidback spot to catch up with friends, Amor Amora is an Instagram-worthy, independent café with a lovely roof terrace. Relax and enjoy speciality brews while soaking up some sun.

Bars and Clubs

Whether you’re in the mood for live music, casual drinks, or something to eat, Guildford has plenty of late-night spots for you to let your hair down. 

Popworld is a student fave, playing all sorts of cheesy and nostalgic hits from the 80s, 90s and after. Get ready to sing your heart out. There’s karaoke every Thursday and epic drink specials all week round. Thirty3Hz and Casino Nightclub are also great fun if you feel like hitting the dancefloor.  

For the coolest cocktails, check out Tudor Antiques, a speakeasy style cocktail bar hidden inside a mysterious antique shop. Elsewhere, Pews Bar & Courtyard is a chilled-out bar with live music and bottomless brunch. There’s also a breezy outdoor terrace where you can watch live sports on the big screen.  

For something more laidback, pop into Wates House or Hari’s Bar on the University of Surrey campus. It’s a great spot to hang out and meet new friends. Grab a bite to eat or take on the Tuesday night quiz - there’s nothing like a bit of friendly competition over a drink or two to get things going. 

Pubs

There’s no shortage of interesting pubs to pass the time in Guilford. With regular DJs and a beer garden, Five and Lime is always a good time. So is The Star Inn, set over 3 floors with loads of comfy corners for you to catch up with friends and enjoy some live music.  

For hearty pub grub and folk music, pull up a seat beside the fire at The Keep and tuck into some traditional bangers and mash.  

If it’s a superb view you’re in search of, The Weyside and Britannia are located on the banks of the River Wey, overlooking the water. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the sunshine on a warm afternoon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, have a pint at Guildford’s oldest and most haunted pub, The Kings Head.  

Restaurants

There are many wonderful places to eat in Guildford. Turtle Bay is a local favourite, serving up tropical cocktails and Caribbean beach snacks. There’s even a jerk pit BBQ! Get a ‘beach board’ for a bit of everything or have a West Indian curry all to yourself – we won’t judge.  

From spinach and ricotta tortellini to seafood linguine, Positano is the real deal for authentic Italian dishes, served inside a red brick building just bursting with old world charm.  

Elsewhere, The Thai Terrace is known for its generous food and beautiful rooftop views. La Casita brings you a taste of the Med with seriously good tapas and paella, and Pho is fantastic for fast, tasty Vietnamese food. There’s plenty for vegetarians too. Brasil Vegano is a colourful, jungle inspired cafe serving up delicious vegan dishes for breakfast lunch and dinner. Don’t forget to try the traditional dessert and exotic fruits.  

Arts and Culture

In the heart of town, you’ll find the medieval Guildford Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. With cobbled streets, curious pathways, and old architecture, you just need to take a stroll along the High Street to get a feel for Guildford’s historic past. 

If you’re into art, visit Watts Gallery - Artists' Village to discover the remarkable works of 'England's Michelangelo', George Frederic Watts. Don’t forget to take a walk down to Watts Chapel, an extraordinary building created by George’s wife between 1895 - 1904 with help from the local community.  

The Academy of Contemporary Music often host live music and open mic nights for students. If you love the theatre, you can see award-winning productions and beloved classics at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, bringing you all the excitement of the West-End, without the hefty prices. The Electric Theatre and G-Live are also fantastic spots for live music, comedy, and dance. Be sure to visit The Boileroom, a buzzy, intimate venue with lots of cool gigs where you can check out up and coming talent (Both Bastille and Ed Sheeran have played there!) 

Shopping

For some retail therapy, Guildford town centre has loads of high-street stores and independent boutiques, offering everything from fashion and beauty to homeware and electronics. The Friary is the largest shopping centre in town with over 50 stores, including student faves like Zara and Mango. You can snag some handy student discounts too, so don’t forget to carry your student ID.  

If you fancy shopping in style, Tungsgate Quarter is an upscale mall, situated between the cobbled High Street and medieval castle, and has plenty of designer labels and cafés. For errands, White Lion Walk has a hairdresser, nail salon and Starbucks. Don’t forget to check out the Guildford Farmers' Market held on the first Tuesday of every month for fresh produce and artisanal treats. You can pick up a bunch of flowers to brighten up your student room, or perhaps some cookies and cakes to enjoy after college.  

Outdoor Activities

Guildford is surrounded by the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there are many green spaces where you can escape the demands of uni life.  

Towering above the town's skyline, Guildford Castle is a must-visit. Climb to the top of the Great Tower for incredible views of the town and its surrounding countryside or take a wander around the manicured gardens and admire the famous floral displays.  

If you prefer the waterside, the River Wey runs through Guildford and you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the banks. Or, pack a picnic and head to Stoke Park. You can play sports with friends on the open fields or sit back and relax by the pond. There’s also a skate park and mini-golf course. Don’t forget to check out Guildford Lido. With a 50-meter heated outdoor pool, it’s the perfect spot for a dip all year round.  

Getting Around

If you’re going to university in Guildford, Scape is a fantastic location to live in as it’s close to several major universities including: 

Surrey Uni – 5 min walk 

ACM - 10 min walk 

University of Law – 15 min cycle 

The University for the Creative Arts also has 2 campuses in Surrey, both of which are easy to reach from Scape. It's just a quick 30min commute by bus to UCA Farnham and 35 mins on a direct train to UCA Epsom.  

There’s lots to do around Guildford, but if you want to venture further out it’s easy to get around. Guildford train station is just a 10 min walk from Scape with regular trains into London. You can get to London Waterloo station in less than 40 mins by train or head the opposite direction and be in the beautiful coast of Portsmouth in under an hour. There are also several bus routes right on your doorstep. 

If you're keen to travel abroad or visit friends and family over the term holidays, London Gatwick and Heathrow Airport are easily accessible by train or coach.

Student Accommodation in Guildford

Scape is a top-rated student accommodation in Guildford with a 4.5-star Google rating and hundreds of rave reviews. There's no need to wake up extra early to get to your classes, we're just a 5 min walk to the University of Surrey campus and 10 mins from Guildford train station (as close as you can get!).

At Scape, your rent includes all utilities and bills  so you can relax and have fun without worrying about any costly surprises. You can stay with friends in a shared apartment or have a studio all to yourself, it’s totally up to you. All our rooms at Scape come with comfy double beds, ensuite bathrooms, and lots of storage space. Plus, our onsite gym, cinema and study spaces are yours to enjoy anytime you like. From Friday night socials to yoga classes and dinner parties, there’s always something fun to look forward to at Scape Guildford. 

To book a room, call +44 (0)2045718133 or drop us a message via live chat.