MOVE TO GUILDFORD – A GUIDE TO LIVING LOCALLY
Are you thinking about making the move to Guildford? Looking for a reputable estate agent to find property? Fancy finding what fun times look like for your family and friends? Find out more about what life’s like in the historic Georgian market town of Surrey and discover why you should move to Guildford with this handy guide to living locally.
From the ‘forever family homes’, short-term lets, and new developments for first-time buyers to home moving, home furnishings, and landscape garden design – find all things for your property, house and garden right here.
CHANTRIES & PEWLEYS
Proudly owned and run by Chris Dean, Anthony Brown, Gavin Amberton and Andy Moran, Chantries & Pewleys is Guildford’s largest independent estate agency — built on decades of hands-on experience, genuine local knowledge, and a shared belief in doing things properly. An independent agency with a modern approach and traditional values at heart — honesty, integrity, and real care for the people they work with.
For more information, visit chantriesandpewleys.com
CLARKE GAMMON
Founded in 1919, Clarke Gammon is one of Surrey’s most respected independent estate agents and one of the few agents in West Surrey and East Hampshire that is professionally qualified to handle every aspect of property. Combining its long experience, a wealth of local knowledge and the professional expertise of its partners, managers and staff to deliver an exceptional range of services across all sectors of residential, land and new homes, rural, agricultural, professional services and commercial property.
For more information, visit clarkegammon.co.uk
CURCHODS
Curchods estate agents in Guildford specialise in the sales and letting of residential properties in Guildford, Worplesdon, Shalford, Bramley and the surrounding villages. Whether you’re buying, selling, letting or renting in the local area, Curchods Estate Agents are the experts on your doorstep in Guildford.
For more information, visit curchods.com
DENTONS MORTGAGES
Based in Godalming, near Guildford, Surrey, Dentons Mortgages provide a personal and professional service in all aspects of mortgage advice, both commercial and residential, along with support and suggestions on how to structure and protect your mortgage.
For more information, visit dentonsmortgages.co.uk
GRANTLEY SALES & LETTINGS
Grantley is renowned for experience, knowledge and proactive professionalism. Their experience and success covers a multitude of property types from classic country estates, rural and equestrian properties to modern, one-off creative homes of distinction and town centre. Whether you are looking to rent, buy or sell, Grantley start the process with a true understanding of your needs, your expectations, your timescales and how you can best work together.
For more information, visit grantley.co.uk
HILL CLEMENTS
Hill Clements is a well‑established independent estate agency partnership, recognised among leading estate agents in Guildford for their personal approach and deep local expertise. From their Grade II* Listed office on Quarry Street—just off Guildford’s historic cobbled High Street and moments from the castle—Hill Clements specialise in the sale of distinctive homes throughout Guildford and the surrounding villages.
For more information, visit hillclements.com
KNIGHT FRANK
Having opened their first office in Guildford 20 years ago, Knight Frank know both the area and the local property market inside out. Their complete range of residential and planning services includes buying and selling, valuations, financing, surveys, and interior design. Their dedicated estate agency and new homes team in Guildford combines deep local expertise with Knight Frank’s global reach to provide exceptional service.
For more information, visit knightfrank.co.uk/offices/guildford-estate-agents
SAVILLS
Savills first set up shop in Guildford in the 1960s with the company’s first residential branch. Since then, their experienced team of estate agents in Guildford have built a business and reputation around decades of experience and local knowledge of residential property. Savills’ strength lies in the combination of this expertise with national resources and international reach. Whatever your needs, Savills can add unparalleled expertise and insights from across the Savills network, creating a comprehensive scope that none of their local competitors can match.
For more information, visit savills.co.uk
SEYMOURS
Seymour’s team are proud locals who have grown up in Guildford or surrounding villages, which means we’re invested in supporting the community and know the area better than anyone else. Led by partner, Charity Holden, the Guildford office is home to one of the largest estate agency teams in Guildford, and as such offer their clients the benefit of more than 100 years of combined experience buying and selling homes in Guildford.
For more information, visit seymours-estates.co.uk
THE BESPOKE HOME ORGANISER
Kerri Hughes, the Bespoke Home Organiser, helps clients declutter, streamline, and optimise their living spaces. This includes sorting and categorising possessions, deciding what to keep/donate/discard, finding storage solutions, creating systems so everything has a place, and helping maintain the organisation long-term. She can also assist with moving in/unpacking, setting up functional home offices, or reorganising specific trouble spots (like wardrobes, kitchens, and paperwork).
For more information, visit thebespokehomeorganiser.co.uk
THE DAMP SPECIALIST
Based in West Horsley, The Damp Specialist Company serves customers in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and London. Offering a variety of Damp, Timber and Condensation surveys as well as consultations to fit the various needs of their customers.
For more information, visit thedampspecialistcompany.co.uk
THE HOME MOVER SPECIALIST
If you’ve ever moved house and thought, “never again”, you’re not alone. Between estate agents, packing tape, and paperwork, moving ranks up there with divorce and bereavement on the stress scale. But what if someone could take care of it all for you — calmly, efficiently, and with good humour? Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply overwhelmed by the thought of moving house, The Home Mover Specialist is here to help — calmly, expertly, and with a smile.
For more information, visit thehomemover.co.uk
Discover the latest properties > move to Guildford
Become a fountain of knowledge and discover places to learn with this guide to education in Guildford…
GUILDFORD COLLEGE
Guildford College, part of Activate Learning, is a leading further education provider in Surrey, serving predominantly 16–18 year olds with a wide range of academic and vocational courses that prepare students for university, apprenticeships and employment. Located close to Guildford town centre, the college offers industry-focused study in areas including business, creative arts, construction, health, sport and digital technologies. Modern facilities and strong employer partnerships help students develop real-world skills in a supportive environment. The college also provides adult learning and professional courses, supporting lifelong learning and career progression within the local community.
For more information, visit guildford.activatelearning.ac.uk
MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE
Merrist Wood College, part of Activate Learning, is a specialist land-based college set within a picturesque 400-acre countryside campus near Guildford. Serving predominantly 16–18 year olds, it offers hands-on courses in areas such as animal management, agriculture, arboriculture, equine studies, horticulture and countryside management, preparing students for careers in environmental and rural industries. Exceptional facilities include working farms, equestrian arenas and industry-standard training environments. With strong links to employers and real-world learning opportunities, Merrist Wood supports clear progression into employment or higher education, while also offering adult learning and professional courses for the wider community.
For more information, visit merristwood.activatelearning.ac.uk
CODE NINJAS
Imagine your child building their own video games instead of just playing them. Code Ninjas in Guildford turn screen time into skill time — and coding is just the beginning. They’re developing the next generation of problem solvers, creators, and leaders. Whether learning basic block coding, programming in Minecraft or Roblox, or getting hands-on in robotics, your child will gain real skills, boost their confidence, and have an absolute blast doing it. Based at George Abbot School in Guildford, Code Ninja offers after-school clubs and holiday camps for all your kids’ coding needs.
For more information, visit codeninjas.co.uk/guildford-sry-uk
Find out more about family in life in Guildford with these great ideas for family days out. From pup-up play to tenpin bowling, – experience some major fun for the whoel family.
guildford shakespeare company young company
The GSC Young Company is a very special group of young creative talents, aged 12-18. It’s a safe place to discover who you are, to learn about the power of theatre and Shakespeare, to make friendships and to come together to create stories and explore where your creativity can take you. Over the course of two terms, the GSC Young Company work to create a bespoke devised production based on the plots, themes and characters taken from Guildford Shakespeare Company’s main productions. The course culminates with public performances in a central Guildford venue during the Easter Holidays.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/young-company
Merrist Wood Farm
Found at Merrist Wood College, discover farm open days and activities throughout the year. Meet all their wonderful farm animals – piglets, goat kids, sheep and lambs, Darcey the donkey, cheerful chickens, happy ducks and, of course, a turkey! A Rare Breed Survival Trust-accredited farm, they would love for you to come and say hello! If you love a morning walk with your children or family, this is a great opportunity to come along and say hello to the alpacas, llamas and rheas.
For more information, visit merristwoodevents.co.uk
POP-UP PLAY SESSIONS
Based at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, these term-time-only pop-up play sessions are perfect for preschoolers and their parents or carers, with toys, colouring and general fun to entertain busy little ones. Connect with other parents and carers and relax with a hot beverage, sweet treat, savoury snack or lunch from the café. Baby changing facilities are available.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/take-part/families
Spectrum leisure complex
One of the largest leisure centres in the UK, Guildford Spectrum offers a large range of different facilities so no matter what you enjoy doing, you’ll have something to do. From swimming and ice skating, to tenpin bowling, soft play, and holiday camps, this is the perfect day out for the family in Guildford.
For more information, visit guildfordspectrum.co.uk
Stoke Park
Guildford’s award-winning park is a stunning 52 hectares of rolling grassland. Perfect for picnics in the summer or a muddy afternoon playing football in the autummn. featuring a skate park, tennis courts, mini golf, cafe and more, enjoy the great outdoors at Guildord’s Stoke Park.
For more information, visit guildford.gov.uk
Fancy some fun? From stand-up comedy and a spot of theatre to live music and art galleries – Guildford’s got it seriously good when it comes to culture.
G Live
2011: Two billion people tuned in to watch Prince William marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 hit the cinemas ending one of the most popular franchises in history, and, most significantly of all, G Live opened its doors! Over a decade later, G Live has established itself as one of South East’s leading live entertainment venues. Their eclectic programme features a wide array of top-quality music, comedy, dance, drama, family shows, and one-night events including Jimmy Carr, Dawn French, Tim Minchin, and Diversity as well as touring productions, including; The Rocky Horror Show, Lord of the Dance and Strictly Ballroom.’
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
Guildford Fringe Festival (SEPTEMBER)
Since its founding in 2013, Guildford Fringe Festival has become a vibrant annual celebration of the arts in the heart of Guildford. An open-access, multi-arts festival, Guildford Fringe welcomes performers and creatives from all disciplines to showcase their talents across a variety of venues in our historic and picturesque town. The festival truly embraces inclusivity, offering opportunities for everyone to get involved, whether as artists or audience members.
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com
Guildford Shakespeare CoMPANY
Founded by Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches in 2006, who still lead the company, Guildford Shakespeare began with a simple mission – to create exceptional theatre in extraordinary places. Their unique site-responsive approach to productions place the audience right at the heart of the action, immersing them in the world of the play. Using churches, castles, galleries, museums, quarries, lakes, and even a real Boeing 747, audiences are encouraged to interact with their shared space and heritage, engaging with the stories as more than just something to watch.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
New House Art SPACE
A creative community found in the heart, New House Art Space is a haven for the aesthetically inclined and culturally curious. They’re here for the dreamers, the sketchers, the late-night thinkers, and the rule-breakers. From boundary-pushing exhibitions to coffee fuelled Drink & Draw sessions, New House Lates, and genre-defying Writing Saloons — they don’t just host events, they fundamentally support culture in Guildford. Think open studios, rent-a-space moments, and unexpected collisions of art and ideas.
For more information, visit newhouse.art
The Boileroom
Curators of emerging, national and local music, community and creative arts events since 2006; The Boileroom is Guildford’s award-winning 275 capacity venue. Over the years they’ve welcomed artists like Ed Sheeran, Foals, The Bronx, First Aid Kit, Lucy Rose, Wolf Alice, Sugarhill Gang, Lee Scratch Perry, You Me At Six, Bastille, The 1975, David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan OBE, Declan McKenna, Tony Christie; and The Amazons to name but a few.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Opening it’s doors in 1965 and providing the people of Guildford, Surrey, and beyond with excellent vibrant drama and entertainment since – Yvonne Aruand Theatre is a local landmark of the town. With an ever-popular annual pantomime, as well as theatre, comedy, cinema, live music, workshops find your fix of culture here.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Fallen Angel Bar
Never judge a book by its cover, there’s always so much more on the inside, and as we always say The Devil is in the detail. One of the oldest and finest buildings on the most iconic High Street in Surrey is now home to a venue like no other, a place of contradiction, indulgence and naughtiness. It’s a place that puts the camp in Campari, the cock into cocktail, and the bottom into bottomless brunch. It’s decadent cabaret lounge and a palace of low comedy. Expect naughtiness.
For more information, visit fallenangelbar.com
Frida’s Coffee House
Found at the cultural hub that is New House Art Space, and but a stones throw from Guildford Train Station, Frida’s Coffee House is inspired by the charm of our founder’s eponymous bulldog, Frida. Offering specialty coffee, delicious pastries, and toasted bagel, the space doubles as a cozy workspace and social hub. Join them for monthly art exhibitions, and make Frida’s your haven for great coffee and delightful moments.
For more information, visit newhouse.art/coffee
Guildford Farmers’ Market
Whether you’re looking for a fresh loaf and some fancy locally produced preserves or searching for something seasonal and artisanal – Guildford Farmers’ Markets will have you salivating in a second. Found on Guildford’s High Street on the second Tuesday of the month, expect tasty treats.
For more information, visit guildford.gov.uk
Riverbank Kitchen
The Riverbank Kitchen is a welcoming space for families, social groups and those looking for a peaceful spot to work during the day – with great coffee and amazing cakes, all made in-house. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3.30pm and closed on Mondays and Sundays.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/riverbank-kitchen
The Boathouse CAFE
Nestled on the banks of the River Wey in the heart of Guildford, The Boathouse is a vibrant independent cafe and riverside venue. Open year-round, they serve barista coffee, pastries, snacks and a carefully curated drinks menu — including wines, spritzes, and local favourites from their fully stocked bar.
For more information, visit theboathousecafeguildford.co.uk
The Star Inn
Entertaining Guildford locals for over 400 years, The Star Inn situated on Guildford High Street is a must for thirsty visitors. With a real fire, an intimate courtyard garden and three floors full of snug and cosy corners, this is one of the best pubs in Guildford to simply relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy fine traditional food and drink.
For more information, visit starinnguildford.co.uk
From shopping centres featuring major brands to hidden alleyways branching from Guildford’s iconic High Street setts where you’ll find independent gems aplenty – get ready to go shopping in Guildford.
Experience Guildford PRIVILEGE CARD
Want to save money? Featuring fantastic deals around Guildford Town Centre the Experience Guildford Privilege Card is a must have for anyone who lives or visits Guildford and it’s now easier than ever to start claiming discounts with Experience Guildford app. Simply download the app from the Apple or Android app store.
For more information, visit experienceguildford.com
Guildford Flames
The Flames began competing in 1992-1993 and currently compete out of the 2000 seat Guildford Spectrum in the Elite Ice Hockey League made up of 10 teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In addition to sourcing players locally and from a variety of pro leagues around the world, the Flames roster has included former and current (during lockout periods) National Hockey League players, as well as players, both foreign and domestic, with World championship and Olympic International experience.
For more information, visit guildfordflames.com/home
HKôre Studios
HKôre offers dynamic Reformer Pilates classes suitable for all levels, designed to help people move fearlessly in a fun and supportive environment. Known for its welcoming community and grounded in the belief that the human body is resilient, HKôre goes beyond the aesthetics often associated with Pilates to help people build strength and confidence through movement.
For more information, visit hkore.co.uk
Natural Light Wellness Spa
Natural Light Wellness Spa, tucked away inside the Holiday Inn Guildford, is more than a spa—it’s a sanctuary for rest, reconnection, and true holistic care. A multi-generational family of therapists working side by side, they combine heartfelt, intuitive care with specialist knowledge. Offering a range of traditional spa treatments and more specialist holistic therapies that include Swedish massage, reflexology, Menopause Massage, Abdominal Harmony massage, Oncology Massage, energy healing, and our beloved Karma Head Massage.
For more information, visit natural-light-surrey.com
SPECTRUM LEISURE COMPLEX
Swim, gym, climb or jump – Guildford’s Spectrum Leisure Complex is your one stop shop to fitness and leisure in Guildford. With weekly classes and workshops and memberships, Guildford Spectrum prides itself in providing first class facilities for the residents of Guildford as their local leisure centre.
For more information, visit guildfordspectrum.co.uk
Surrey 89ers
The professional basketball club in Surrey dedicated to developing the sport in Surrey and the surrounding areas, Surrey 89ers are based at Guildford’s Surrey Sports Park. A relatively new franchise in the Super League Basketball, they made their debut in the 2024-25 season, the squad features a mix of homegrown talent and international stars, united by their love for the game and their desire to compete at the highest level.
For more information, visit surrey89ers.basketball
Surrey Sports Park
Guildford’s Surrey Sports Park is the premier sports and fitness destination in Southeast England, offering world-class facilities for individuals of all levels — from Olympic champions to casual enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, join a team, learn a new sport, or simply enjoy our outstanding facilities – experience the difference that drives sporting excellence and healthy lifestyles in Surrey.
For more information, visit surreysportspark.co.uk
bus
Need a bus? Hop on board and get round Guildford by bus.
For more information, visit guildfordbus.co.uk
train
With both Guildford Main Line Station and London Road station to choose from, getting in and out of Guildford by train couldn’t be easier. With services to London Waterloo, Reading and Portsmouth, explore the South East with ease.
For more information, visit networkrail.co.uk
Walk
Fancy a free guided tour of Guildford? From the terrible King John to Lewis Carrol, discover the town’s rich history.
For more information, visit guildfordwalks.org.uk
Population
Estimated to be 151,359 in 2024, with some 61,000 dwellings.
Average property price
Houses in Guildford sold on average for £556,716 in 2025
Famous faces
Film producer Tom Ackerley and his wife, actress Margot Robbie have been spotted Guildford town. Tom’s parent’s live in Guildford.
Computer whizz Alan Turing’s parents lived in Guildford and he often used to run in Stoke Park and along the North Downs.
Fun Fact
The Omen was filmed at Guildford Cathedral. While Guildford has a cathedral, it is a town and not a city
