Introduction
Welcome to this free self-guided walking trail of Guildford.
Taking you around Guildford, you explore some lesser known places, and I hope that by taking the time to follow this, you’ll discover new and interesting things. Did you know:
There’s an ancient burial ground where a massacre took place in 1036 – close to the centre of Guildford?
Or that Quaker’s Acre is an ancient burial site?
Or that there’s reputedly a synagogue dating back to 1086 on the High Street
Or that the Kings Head is the most haunted pub in Guildford?
This tour will uncover all of these, and more.
The Route
The main trail is a little over 2 miles long, and if you’re a gazelle, don’t read anything, and don’t get run over, you could probably get round in about 40 minutes or so.
Then there’s an optional extension that takes you to the final resting place of Lewis Carroll (more of him anon) and a tower built to commemorate the passing of a father’s two sons. This adds about 3/4 of a mile on, as well as a steep hill.
If you can’t resist the allure of the Guildford Millennium Time Vault (there really is very little to see) you can tack on about another 1/2 mile.
Important points
Roads: Where at all possible, the route crosses roads at marked junctions, and these should afford the protection that you can expect. When crossing any road, please be wary of all moving vehicles, including bicycles.
Private property: Certain aspects of this walk direct you to properties that are not publicly accessible. Please respect all privacy, rights of access, and boundaries.
Church yards: This walk passes by, or through, a small number of church yards. Please observe all signs, as well as affording dignity to those who have left us – by not walking amongst or over graves.
Personal safety: Guildford is a remarkably safe town, and so I believe that people should be more than able to navigate this entire route with confidence. Please always be aware of your surroundings – especially your footing – being mindful of sharp objects.
Opening times: No part of this walk requires payment of an entry/ admission fee – though there are opportunities along the way to explore in more detail by paying for admission. If you walk this route between 10am and 4pm, you should be fine.
Loos: There are public conveniences along the way.
Accessibility: There are steps and other areas that would be difficult to navigate using a mobility scooter or wheelchair.
Duration: Walked in full, this route is a little over 3 miles.
Accuracy: This walk was compiled in July 2022, and the way-points that I’ve used rarely tie in to the existence of a certain outlet. I don’t, for example, say “Get to Costa, walk 100m and turn right at McDonalds”. The directions I’ve provided should, to every extent possible, be timeless.
The Beginning
Where better to start than the beginning.
For this you’ll need to find Guildford High Street, and then find the statue of the Surrey Scholar. If you can’t find the statue, then it’s either been stolen, removed, or you’re in the wrong Guildford. If you’re in Guildford, Surrey, Canada, stop now.
The statue is on the corner of Quarry Street and The High Street. It’s between the ancient synagogue (no peeking, we get to that later) and the White Lion Inn (which no longer exists, but there is at least White Lion Walk).
Footnote
This free, self-guided walking tour has been produced as a work of interest – being the spin-off from a shorter “treasure trail” that has been designed for younger visitors and their parents/ guardians. It’s not designed to compete with the wonderful guided tours of Guildford that are available, nor does it endeavour to match the level of historical depth that local historians can offer.I have determinedly NOT researched other routes prior to compiling this – choosing this route based on my growing knowledge of my home-town, and so any similarities you may find with other trails are the product of pure chance, coupled with a finite number of destinations to highlight.
It’s been impossible to acquire knowledge without reading and digesting the work of others, including freely available sources, as well as published works. This walk is not about making money, and to that end, if I’ve stepped over any copyright or IP lines, please let me know in courteous fashion, and I will amend.
