Car Hire Guildford

Since the 17^th century, Guildford has been a centre of commerce due to its almost-equidistant location between London and Portsmouth. Holidaymakers and businesspeople alike often pass through and stop off in the town, with excellent road connections making it simple to find, and great for visiting the wider region.

The A3 is a major road running past the western side of Guildford. Head 50km north along it to reach London in little more than an hour, or venture 70km south and arrive into Portsmouth in just under an hour.

There’s also the option to drive to the M25 in 15 minutes, which circles London, and head off in any direction. If you’re flying into the UK, London Heathrow Airport is half an hour away, while Gatwick Airport is around 40 minutes by car.

Speed limits in the UK are given in miles per hour. Dual carriageways and motorways are typically 70mph (112km/h), though this can vary. Along the A3, for example, it changes to two lanes at certain points and drops to 50mph (80km/h), and on the M25 there are reduced sections where it also falls to 50mph (80km/h), so be mindful of that when travelling and always check signs.

Within Guildford itself, driving is fairly straightforward, though in the very centre there are a few narrow, cobbled streets. The speed limit is generally 20 or 30mph (32 or 48km/h), depending on the size and location of the road, while on the outskirts it sometimes increases to 40mph (64km/h).

Whether you’re staying for just a couple of nights or visiting for longer, you’ll find plenty to do in and around the town.

Along with its vibrant range of independent shops and restaurants, Guildford possesses some interesting historic, artistic and natural wonders.

Uncover Guildford’s heritage

Start your visit at Guildford Castle, one of the oldest structures in the town. Believed to have been constructed just after the Norman conquest of 1066, it’s amazing how much of it is still intact. It’s a highly photogenic location, surrounded by gardens filled with colourful flowerbeds, a bandstand and life-size Alice Through the Looking Glass statue.

Get the best view in Guildford at the top of the Great Tower – offering a full 360-degree perspective over the town and countryside beyond its borders. To learn more about the town’s history, meanwhile, visit Guildford Museum on the edge of the castle grounds. Roman coins, medieval artefacts and items from World War Two, such as ration books and Home Guard helmets, can all be seen.

On the eastern side of Guildford, experience what life was like in an Edwardian Workhouse at Spike Heritage Centre. The museum has replaced the workhouse itself, which was originally open between 1838 and 1905. But the sights, sounds and smells have been authentically recreated, giving an understanding of the living and working conditions back then.

Appreciate the arts 

When it opened in the nearby village of Compton in 1904, the Watts Gallery was the only venue of its kind in the UK devoted to a single artist – George Frederic Watts.

It houses a wide variety of his work, including the Bust of Clytie sculpture and his Time, Death and Judgement painting, among over a hundred other pieces. There’s also a gallery full of his wife Mary’s creations – who was a talented artist in her own right. 

Performing arts are well-represented in Guildford as well. There’s the Electric Theatre, alongside the Yvonne Arnaud theatre, which regularly presents local and national opera, ballet and pantomime performances. For more contemporary music, comedy and entertainment, G Live always has exciting events happening throughout the year.

Relax in the park

Within driving distance of the town in your hire car you’ll find the South Downs National Park and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And there are beautiful areas of nature even closer by too.

Ample grassland makes up most of Stoke Park, which dates back to the 18^th century. A walled garden, paddling pool and 18-hole mini golf course mean there’s enough to entertain the whole family on a summer’s afternoon.

There’s also Clandon Park, an elegant, Palladian country house and grounds that’s full of Victorian splendour. Thousands of daffodils cover its gardens in spring, while the picnic area is perfect for enjoying lunch al fresco.

For a more active way to explore the local nature, take one of the many paths that run alongside the River Wey, or rent a boat to sail down it. Relax on the banks and visit Dapdune Wharf to learn about the importance of this waterway.

Hire a car in Guildford to enjoy the historical, cultural and natural highlights of this Surrey town, and the region beyond.