Guildford, England Tourist Attractions

The High Street in Guildford is one of the steepest and most picturesque in England, with a number of interesting old buildings. At the top of the street is the Grammar School, founded by Edward VI in 1553, with fine Tudor buildings and a library, the "Chaines Library", so called because it contains 89 books, chained up to prevent theft. Next comes the Jacobean Abbot's Hospital, with a large gatehouse and old furniture, founded by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1619-22 for 12 men and eight women. The Town Hall, a brick and timber building, was given a new facade, including its famous clock, in 1683. St Mary's Church, near the foot of the hill, is mainly Late Norman (about 1180). Little is left of the old royal castle but the keep (about 1170).

Lewis Carroll (1832-98), the professor of mathematics from Oxford and author of world-famous children's books, including "Alice in Wonderland" (1865), lived on and off at "The Chestnuts", a house on Castle Hill. The author's grave, which bears his real name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, is to be found on the far side of the River Wye at a cemetery called The Mount.

The influences of Gothic style can be seen in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Guildford, one of the few new cathedrals in England, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1936. As a result of the war the church was not completed and consecrated until 1961.

Dapdune Wharf, located in Guildford, is part of the waterway that links Guildford to Weybridge along the Thames. The River Wey opened to barge traffic in 1653, making it one of the first navigable British rivers. At Dapdune Wharf visitors can see an interactive exhibition on the history of the waterway, and tour the Reliance, a restored Wey barge.

The collections at the Guildford Museum are comprised of finds from all over the country. The artefacts span from prehistoric man to the Victorians and occupy a rambling set of rooms in a 17th century house in Guildford. Despite the small space for the voluminous collections the museum succeeds in providing an absorbing introduction to the town.

Hatchlands Park was built for Admiral Boscawen (hero of the Battle of Louisbourg) in 1758 by Stiff Leadbetter. The property is now owned by the National Trust. The Robert Adam interiors of the house have been preserved, and it contains the Cobbe Collection of keyboard instruments.The small garden was designed by Gertrude Jekyll and has recently been restored.

The Womens Royal Army Corps Museum in Guildford is the only museum dedicated to portraying women's role in the army. The displays, which rely heavily on photographs and two dimensional displays, is reflective of the army's ambivalent attitude toward women's role in service. While the information is disjointed it offers valuable insight into the changing role of women in Britain in the 20th century.

The Guildford Castle and Grounds are situated just a few minutes from the historic High Street. Little is left of the castle except the keep. The remains are surrounded by beautiful gardens.

At Loseley Park is an Elizabethan mansion which has been occupied by the same family for four centuries. Attractions include a terrace, moat walk, rose and herb gardens and trailer rides to a working farm.

This museum traces the history of the Surrey Regiment from its creation in 1661 up to its inclusion in The Queen's Regiment of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

The Watts Gallery is located in Compton, near Guildford. The gallery is located on the grounds of the the house of the Victorian painter George Frederic Watts. This little known gallery offers considerable insight into the Victorian art world.

Guildford Discovery is a hands-on Science centre. It has interactive exhibits that enable kids of all ages to discover the fun and excitement of science.

This annual two-week festival runs from early to mid-July, with different themes each year.

Shalford Mill, on the River Tillingbourne, was built in the 18th century. This historic site was donated to the National Trust in 1932.