The county of Surrey has a reputation for being pretty and well-heeled, but Guildford is its only Royal Town, a charming spot on the edge of the Surrey Hills, with a medieval castle used by the English kings in the 15th century. It’s probably Guildford’s position on the route between London and the docks of Portsmouth that lead to its original popularity, more than the picturesque Surrey Hills, and some of the best places to stay in Guildford still include historic coaching inns, and updated village inns. We have also tracked down a number of country house hotels in the area.

Guildford’s castle is one of the main sights, as well as the cathedral, The Spike Workhouse, and ‘Chestnuts’, the home of Lewis Carroll. Just outside town, within a short and charming drive, are a number of National Trust properties, including Clandon Park, the Italianate home of the Earls of Onslow, Hatchlands Park and Leith Hill. Wisley Gardens is also local to Guildford, and the Denbies Vineyards.

The best places to stay in Guildford are also an easy weekend jaunt from London, only around half an hour by fast train, so it’s worth considering if you need a bit of a countryside break from the bustle of the capital. On weekdays this is a big commuter town, so don’t attempt to travel the other way during rush hour!

The Best Places to Stay in Guildford

For Families

• The Barnett Hill Hotel is a beautifully renovated mansion just outside Guildford in the Surrey Hills, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to easy to access locations, and picturesque surroundings. Amongst the 56 rooms and suites there are a number of great family-sized configurations, and all the rooms are chic and spacious. As with all the best country house hotels in England, this one serves an excellent afternoon tea, and offers a fine dining experience in its restaurant — with a kids' menu courtesy of the GM’s kids! Four-legged family members are also welcome.

For a pub with rooms

• Recently refurbished Worplesdon Place is situated just 10 minutes from Guildford. Set in 2 acres of landscaped grounds with a lake, boutique style rooms and suites offer striking colours and warm wooden panelling, the best featuring dramatic chandeliers and in-room tubs. The pub serves great British classics.

For Walkers

• The Percy Arms is another great hotel just outside of Guildford proper. This one is in Chilworth, a little village on the outskirts of town. There are just five rooms in this charming inn, decorated with a luxe, colonial safari theme, evidenced by being named after the ‘big five’ safari animals. Expect pampering in-room bath tubs, plush and plump furnishings, and lots of space. The restaurant has a south African theme too, even at breakfast.

For Great Value

• The Angel Hotel is an historic inn on Guildford High Street, which is the very heart of town. The pub bit has now closed, making space for more rooms, and now there are 22, ranging in size and style, but all traditionally decorated, but with contemporary comforts and simplicity. Though if you fancy a four-poster bed you can book a room with one.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Guildford is well served by London's airports, and is an easy, hour long train journey from London too. Depending on your staring point, it’s about an hour by car or bus from central London. If you’re coming straight from the airport, Gatwick is the one to opt for, it’s about 45 minutes by train, and just a little less by car. The other airports involve a train journey into central London and out again. Heathrow is about half an hour away by car, London City Airport is about an hour, and London Stansted is an hour and a half.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Guildford is a year round destination, but the surrounding countryside is at its best on a crisp sunny day, which could happen any time between about March and October.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand you search to include all the best places to stay in Surrey
• or consider some of the best country house escapes in the Guildford area
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.