During the second semester, students are given three weeks in between teaching to study for upcoming exams and prepare for assignments. Whilst these upcoming assessments may be important towards your final grade, it is important to take a few breaks and what better way to do that than to explore Guildford (or travel somewhere else 🙂).

In this blog I will tell you a few things you can do around Guildford and give you some tips if you want to explore elsewhere.

Exploring Guildford

Picnic by the lake on Stag Hill Campus

Since the weather is getting warmer it is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic by the lake on campus. Pack your favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and perhaps a good book, and relish in the calming ambiance. You can take a quick break from the library and enjoy some food while soaking up the sun by the lake. 

Visit Guildford Castle

The Guildford Castle is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage. At the top of the castle keep you will see panoramic views of Guildford and the surrounding countryside.

Walk to the Mount 

The views at the Mount are breathtaking and stretch as far as the eye can see. It is the perfect place for a picnic and to see Guildford from a different perspective.

Go to the Guildford Spectrum 

At the Guildford Spectrum you can find swimming pools, fitness classes, ice skating and bowling. It is the perfect place for leisurely fun. Be advised that you may need to book a time slot.

Get the adrenaline going 

If you’re an adrenaline junkie in search of thrills, some places in Guildford that you can visit include Ninja Warrior, Air Hop Trampoline and Wild Wood Adventure. Be advised that you may need to book a time slot.

Explore Somewhere New

Guildford is perfectly situated nearby many destinations waiting to be explored.

London

Being only 40 minutes away by train, it is essential to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of London. If you are going for a day trip to look at all of the tourist attractions, below is the perfect itinerary for your day. London is also good to meet up with friends from other parts of the UK and for a night out.

London Day Trip Itinerary

• 10:34am
  • Take the train from Guildford to London Waterloo
    • £30 approx. train ticket
• 12pm
  • London Eye
    • 6 minute walk from Waterloo Station
• 12:45pm
  • Sea Life Aquarium
    • 2 minute walk from London Eye
  • Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
    • 7 minute walk from Sea Life Aquarium
  • Buckingham Palace
    • 18 minute walk from Big Ben (walk through St. James’s Park)
• 2pm
  • Natural History Museum
    • 21 minute tube ride from St. James’s Station
• 3:30pm
  • National Gallery Museum
    • 23 minute tube ride from South Kensington Station
• 4:45pm
  • Madame Tussauds
    • 30 minute bus ride from South Kensington Station
• Explore
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Oxford Street
  • Piccadilly circus
  • China Town
• Food/Lunch
  • Visit Camden Market or somewhere in London
    • 20 minute tube ride from Oxford Circus Station
• Other
  • Tower Bridge
    • 35 minute tube ride from Camden Town Station

This itinerary can be used as a guide for when exploring the iconic landmarks in London. Be sure to include time for food and rest. It is best to buy a one day travel card which can be used on all London Transport services as this may work out cheaper.

Brighton

Take a day trip to the vibrant seaside town of Brighton, where eclectic charm meets stunning coastal scenery. By train it is 1 hour and 36 minutes (with 1 train change).

Besides taking a leisurely stroll along the Brighton Pier, you can also visit the SEA LIFE Brighton aquarium, explore the Royal Pavilion, and browse around the ‘lanes’ where you will find quirky shops, cozy cafes, street performers and more.

Europe

Major cities in Europe are less than 3 hours away by plane or train. So far, my favourite places in Europe to explore have been Amsterdam, Venice and Paris.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of canals and culture. To reach Amsterdam by train from Guildford, you can go from Guildford Station to London Waterloo, then transfer to the Eurostar at St Pancras International. In just a few hours, you’ll find yourself at the Central Station, in the heart of this dynamic city. By plane, you can catch a train from Guildford Station to Gatwick Airport. From there, board a flight to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and within 1.5 hours, you’ll be in the Netherlands. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is about 30 minutes from the City Centre.

I recommend getting an iAmsterdam City Card as this provides you with free access to some attractions and unlimited travel on GVB trams, busses and metro. Some attractions include the Artis Zoo, Moco Museum, Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum.

You can also visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works by the Dutch master himself, visit the Anne Frank House, and further explore the city centre. For a taste of local life, wander through the charming streets of Jordaan, dotted with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and hidden courtyards.

Venice

Venice is know as the city of romance and canals. To journey from Guildford to Venice, catch a train from Guildford Station to Gatwick Airport. From there, board a flight to Venice Marco Polo Airport, and within 2 hours, your Venetian adventure will begin.

This trip can be less structured as you will need time to admire the centuries-old palaces, charming bridges and stunning architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace.

Depending on how long you are staying, I would recommend taking a boat tour to the islands of Burano and Murano. Burano is known for the colour houses, while Murano is famous for glass making. Venice is very touristy, so the streets are very crowded. A trip to these small islands will take you away from the heavily populated city and you will get to experience more of Italy. To get around Venice, it will either be by foot, gondola ride or water taxi.

Paris

Paris, known as the city of love and lights, is easily accessible by Eurostar or plane. By Eurostar, travel from Guildford Station to London Waterloo, then transfer to the Eurostar at St Pancras International. By plane, travel to any airport and catch a flight to Paris. In just under two hours, you’ll find yourself in the French capital.

Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where breathtaking views of the city await you at every level. Next, explore the Louvre Museum, Domaine National du Palais-Royal, Arc de Triomphe and Av. des Champs-Élysées. You can also get a day travel pass that allows you to use the metro and busses.

I always recommend travelling with some cash just in case you need it or your cards don’t work. Travel money can be ordered from Tesco, the post office and others. Next on my travel bucket list is Barcelona, Spain! See you in the next blog 🙂