Living in Guildford

Community spirit is a defining feature of Guildford, with active residents’ associations, local forums, and volunteer groups working to maintain and enhance the town’s quality of life. Local events such as the annual Guildford Summer Festival, monthly farmers’ markets, and Christmas light illuminations help foster a sense of togetherness and provide regular opportunities for residents to come together.

The Town Centre is often the hub of activity, but many smaller neighbourhoods like Stoughton and Merrow have their own community centres, offering classes, clubs, and support groups. Guildford’s access to green spaces is excellent, with Stoke Park and Loseley Park providing outdoor recreation for all ages. The walks along the River Wey and into the surrounding Surrey Hills allow for a peaceful retreat from urban bustle.

Families, students, and older residents alike benefit from the strong local culture, welcoming atmosphere, and a calendar packed with arts, food, and sporting events.

Guildford is generally considered a safe town with crime rates that compare favourably to many other towns of similar size in the UK. The central areas can see occasional instances of anti-social behaviour, particularly during weekend nightlife hours, but these are actively managed by local policing efforts and well-lit public spaces.

Neighbourhood watch schemes and community safety initiatives are present in most of Guildford’s residential districts, contributing to the area’s overall secure atmosphere. Suburban areas and villages surrounding the town, such as Merrow and Burpham, are particularly noted for their low crime rates and family-friendly environment. Engaged local policing and council investment in youth programmes help maintain a strong sense of public safety.

Parking in Guildford can be in high demand, especially during peak shopping and business hours. The town centre is well served by several multi-storey and surface car parks, with options such as the Farnham Road, Bedford Road, and York Road car parks. Residential areas often operate permit schemes, particularly close to the centre and the university, to help ensure spaces for residents.

On-street parking is available in most areas, but restrictions apply during certain hours. Guildford also offers Park and Ride sites on the outskirts, providing a convenient alternative for town centre access. Traffic congestion can be considerable at rush hour, especially on roads leading to the A3 and in main arterial routes.

Key road routes provide excellent access to neighbouring towns:

• Woking – approx. 20 minutes via A320 (7 miles)
• Farnham – approx. 25 minutes via A31 (11 miles)
• Aldershot – approx. 20 minutes via A323 (9 miles)
• Godalming – approx. 15 minutes via A3100 (5 miles)

Guildford offers a dynamic food and drink scene, with options ranging from independent coffee shops to well-established national chains scattered along the High Street and side roads. Urban Kitchen and Coffee Culture are popular for breakfast and brunch, while chains such as Côte Brasserie and Bill’s offer familiar favourites.

For traditional English pubs, The Weyside on the banks of the River Wey and The Star Inn (dating to the 16th century) are both highly regarded. For those seeking a wider nightlife experience, Guildford features several lively bars and pubs, particularly around the town centre, and nightclubs such as Casino and Thirty3Hz, which are popular with students and young adults.

Guildford’s restaurant scene is diverse, from Italian eateries like Olivo to Thai cuisine at Thaikhun and high-end dining at The Ivy Castle View. Takeaways, world cuisines, and friendly cafés ensure there is something for every taste. The town also boasts entertainment venues including G Live for concerts and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for stage performances, enhancing the evening and night-time social offering.

School Quality: Guildford is recognised for its outstanding schools across all levels, with several primary and secondary institutions rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted, giving families a wealth of choice for their children’s education.

Parks and Green Space: Access to Stoke Park, Riverside Nature Reserve, and the surrounding Surrey Hills ensures families have abundant opportunities for outdoor play, sports, and walking.

Childcare: The area offers a range of childcare options, including nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs, with many operating extended hours to support working parents.

Safety: Guildford’s lower-than-average crime rates and active neighbourhood watch schemes contribute to a reassuring environment for families with children.

Family Activities: Attractions such as Guildford Spectrum leisure centre, the town’s swimming pools, playgrounds, and a busy program of local events guarantee lots of family-friendly fun throughout the year.

Guildford is widely regarded as a pet-friendly place to live, thanks to its extensive green spaces and commitment to wildlife protection. Stoke Park, Shalford Park, and Pewley Down are favourite destinations for dog walkers. The River Wey towpath is also popular for leisurely strolls with pets.

There are several reputable veterinary practices in the town, alongside pet supply shops and grooming salons to cater for animal needs. Many cafés and pubs, especially those with gardens, welcome dogs and are happy to accommodate responsible pet owners. The general housing stock – especially in the suburban areas and outskirts – often allows for pets, though it’s best to check with landlords or agents for rental properties.

Guildford is exceptionally well-connected both regionally and nationally, making it a popular choice for commuters and travellers. The town’s principal railway station, Guildford Station, is serviced by South Western Railway, providing frequent, direct trains to several major destinations.

• London Waterloo — approx. 35 minutes by train
• Portsmouth — approx. 60 minutes by train
• Reading — approx. 40 minutes by train

In addition to the main station, London Road (Guildford) station serves the northern part of town, with routes to Redhill and Reading. Several local bus operators offer regular services around Guildford and connections to neighbouring towns and villages, including Godalming, Woking, and Aldershot.

Guildford is also positioned close to the A3, providing direct road links to London and Portsmouth. The M25 motorway, accessible via Junction 10, is under 15 minutes' drive, allowing convenient access to the wider motorway network. For international travel, Heathrow Airport is approximately 25 miles away (around 35 minutes by car), and Gatwick Airport is similarly accessible within 45 minutes. Cyclists and walkers benefit from comprehensive local paths and Surrey’s scenic countryside routes.

Guildford is widely recognised for its outstanding educational institutions, attracting families and students seeking quality schooling at every level.

Primary Schools:
Sandfield Primary School is centrally located and consistently well-regarded, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School is also highly rated, having received an 'Outstanding' Ofsted report in 2020. Burpham Primary School, found in the northeast of Guildford, is another popular choice with a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2021. Queen Eleanor’s Church of England School, close to the town centre, regularly features in top local rankings ('Good' in 2018).

Secondary Schools:
Guildford County School is one of the top-performing state schools ('Outstanding' in 2022). George Abbot School, located in Burpham, also enjoys a 'Good' Ofsted rating from 2019 and is known for its large sixth form. St Peter's Catholic School has an excellent reputation, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2021. The Royal Grammar School (RGS), an independent boys’ school dating back to 1509, is well respected for its academic achievements.

Independent & Specialist Schools:
Tormead School is a leading independent girls’ school in Guildford. Guildford High School, also independent, is highly sought after, with strong academic performance and excellent extra-curricular opportunities. Prior’s Field School, in nearby Godalming, is another notable choice for girls. Boxgrove Primary is a large mixed community school with a supportive environment.

Colleges & Further Education:
Guildford College of Further and Higher Education offers a broad range of vocational, technical, and academic courses, making it a key hub for post-16 education in the region.

Universities:
The University of Surrey sits just to the north of the town centre and is renowned for its strong focus on science, engineering, and business, consistently ranking highly among UK universities. The university campus contributes to the town's lively feel and international community.