Guildford Hidden Gems: 8 Unusual Things to Do

When moving to a new place, several key factors come to mind.

Commuting for work, types of houses, and availability of good quality schools are likely among the first to spring to the front of the list. However, how much you really enjoy where you live can have a huge impact on your quality of life, which is why it’s important to know the types of things you can get up to in your new town!

Guildford has a lot to offer, with good links to other nearby cities alongside a wealth of things to do within the area. Whether you’re moving alone, with a partner, or with your family, there is no shortage of weekend and evening pastimes to keep you busy and excited about living here! Let’s dive into some of the more unusual or off-the-beaten-track things to do in Guildford.

1. Guildford Ghost Tours

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, the paranormal could be a great place to start. Described as a perfect blend between mystery and fact, the Guildford Ghost Tour is run by a member of one of the oldest paranormal societies in the world. Learn about the lesser-known parts of the town’s history through stories told as you meander through the streets, stopping at around 20 legendary and spooky spots. Whether or not you’re a believer, this is a fun and exciting tour for even the most sceptical of visitors.

2. Guildford Boathouse

The Guildford Boathouse is a multi-faceted location for all kinds of people. Complete with a charming cafe, boat hire facilities (from spring 2024), as well as a co-working space, the boathouse really offers it all. This building has housed boat rentals on the river since the 60s and the new renovations to the property hope to see it return to its heyday in the same way. Its location on the River Wey makes it a charming spot to grab a bite to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, specialising in local ingredients and a charming environment.

3. Guildford Castle

This Surrey castle should definitely form part of your to-do list while living in or visiting Guildford. Guildford Castle is thought to have been built in the years following the Norman invasion of England, either by William the Conqueror or a baron under his rule. The structure itself and well-kept gardens make for a lovely day out for the whole family. If visiting during the summer months, you may even catch an open-air music performance in the ground’s delightful bandstand!

4. Guildford Spectrum

If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day with little ones, look no further than the Guildford Spectrum. Whether you’ve got avid swimmers, bowling fanatics, or just little ones with lots of energy, there is plenty to get up to at the Spectrum. Ice skating is also a popular activity here, for beginners and experienced skaters. Alongside this, the leisure centre is well-equipped for people of all ages to get active in the gym or in fun classes!

5. Alice Holt Forest

Keen on a more outdoor-focussed lifestyle? A short drive away from Guildford lies Alice Holt Forest, open all year round and a great day out when the weather allows! The several hundred acres of woodland make for a great walk in the woods, scenic run, leisurely cycle, tree-top adventure, picnic, and much more. This is a great place to come for peace and quiet or to let the kids run wild. 

6. Guildford Fringe Festival

Aside from kid-friendly activities, Guildford is also a great place for music and comedy venues. This is perhaps most evident during Guildford’s Fringe Festival! The annual Fringe takes place in late June to early July and is a great asset to the town’s calendar. You’ll find a plethora of shows, from comedy to poetry, to inspire and entertain Guildford’s residents across a 3 week period.

7. Guildford Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre

If you can’t get to the snowy slopes of France, Guildford has the next best thing. The Guildford Ski Slope makes for a bit of a different day out, challenging newbies or offering a place to practise before you can get to the real slopes. Try out skiing, snowboarding, or even donutting for an adrenaline high! This is a great place for a day out or even for a kids’ birthday party for those local to Guildford.

8. Escape Rooms

Calling all the local puzzle fanatics! That’s right, Guildford is home to a number of escape rooms to try your hand at, perfect for challenging a group of friends or bonding colleagues together. There are plenty of fun stories and unique settings to choose from, making your weekends a bit more exciting. Why not try to complete them all, or even try to beat your previous times if you’re feeling confident?

If you’re currently looking to move to or around Guildford, Bishop’s Move can help. Bespoke home removals are our speciality, and we offer a range of services to cover any specific requirements you may have, including antique handling, packing services, and more. Get in touch to start your moving process today!