With an average rainfall of just 749mm per year, Guildford is one of the driest places in the UK, quite surprising when you consider that Surrey has more trees than any other English county, and the amount of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty there are within a few miles of our town centre.
But, even if it is raining there is still plenty to see and do in and around the ‘Jewel of the South East’.
We will begin our roundup with Watts Gallery, is home to more than 7,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and other Arts and Crafts treasures. The collection is housed in an astonishing Artists’ Village in Compton, a 15 minute drive along the A3, there is plenty of parking (and a wonderful tea shop serving delicious homemade cakes).
We cannot recommend a visit more highly, it really is a place to refresh even the most jaded mind, and if the weather is fine, you really must check out the grounds.
For those after a more active indoor pursuit, Guildford Spectrum is an award winning sports centre a ten-minute stroll from Mandolay. Ice Skating, Ten Pin Bowling, Swimming, Squash, and lots of other opportunities to try your hand at, there is also a great soft play area for younger children as well as a great splash pool, with exhilarating water slides and a wave machine.
The Spike Heritage Centre offers visitors the opportunity to glimpse the grim reality of how Guildford’s poor were treated in the 19th century. Booking is essential as opening times are limited, but this ‘attraction’ is well worth a visit, and is in easy walking distance of Mandolay.
Back to the more active options now with a trip to AirHop, Guildford’s very own bouncy attraction for kids of all ages.
Then, for a bit of exercise and celebrity spotting, make your way to the Surrey Sports Park, the newest addition to the sporting scene in Guildford.
Home to Harlequins RUFC training, the park has all the facilities expected from a modern sports centre, including an 8 lane 50 metre swimming pool, indoor climbing walls, squash and tennis courts, and plenty of fitness equipment.
There are plenty of other places to see and visit in and around Guildford when the weather has taken a turn for the worse, and as always we encourage guests to ask at reception for directions and ideas.