Like all Guildfordians, we are immensely proud of ‘our’ High Street, its chocolate box views, stunning historic buildings, raft of independent shops and businesses, and even the setts, the iconic granite paving stones laid in the 19th century to allow horses a firmer grip on the slope.
Home to Abbot’s Hospital, the Undercroft, and the magnificent Holy Trinity St. Mary’s Church, and the Guildhall with its famous clock, the High Street is possible one of the most photographed streets in the UK.
But it is so much more than a picture perfect location, it is home to events and vibrant street entertainment, markets and celebrations.
The first Tuesday of every month is Farmer’s Market day in Guildford, producers from all over west Surrey and beyond gather to share and sell everything from locally reared venison and duck, home-made pies, curries, and even paella, herbs and vegetables of every description, craft items, and gin…so much lovely gin, including the world famous Silent Pool Distillery range.
For those interested in delving a little deeper into the history of our remarkable town, we cannot recommend more highly the walks conducted by our friends, the Guildford Town Guides. Always entertaining, and often surprising these free guided walks offer an opportunity to get to know the town, and its personalities, there is a full programme running between May and September, and details are available here.
On the subject of Town Guide Walks, it would be remiss of us not to mention the Alan Turing Walk, an interactive stroll through Guildford, telling the story of the computer pioneer and his close links to Guildford, including a stop at his parent’s former home…a certain hotel!
Stop Press…As we were about to publish this little blog, we learned of an event taking place at The Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford’s most exclusive shopping and entertainment space.
Between May 25th and June 1st, Guildford will be celebrating ‘Bee Aware Week’ with Tunsgate hosting film shows, live bee demonstrations classes, and floral displays in association with Guildford in Bloom…it’s an event ‘not to bee missed’ (sorry, we had to say it).
Guildford High Street, a place for everyone to admire, and enjoy.