吉尔福德位于美丽的萨里郡，这里是英格兰最为富庶的地区，也是拥有全英最美的自然风光的地区之一。英格兰东南部美丽的春夏风光被誉为“英格兰的后花园”。吉尔福德拥有美丽和丰富的旅游资源，而在吉尔福德周边，适合周末游的地方也非常多。笔者常常在周末乘坐火车或者巴士去往这些地方游玩1-2天，在紧张的学习之余放松身心，非常合适！
法纳姆（Farnham）
法纳姆是一座历史悠久的小镇，其根源可追溯至古罗马时期，小镇中心的法纳姆城堡是该地区的标志性建筑。城堡最初建于12世纪，后来成为了英国主教的住所。参观城堡，不仅能感受中世纪的历史氛围，还可以在其美丽的花园中散步，花园里栽种着各种各样的花卉和植物，四季景色各异。此外，法纳姆的市集也非常有名，每月都会举行一次大型的农贸市场，我们可以在这里购买到新鲜的当地农产品和手工艺品。
有趣事实： 法纳姆拥有英国最古老的马场之一，每年这里都会举行传统的马市，吸引来自各地的爱马人士。
朴茨茅斯（Portsmouth）
朴茨茅斯是英国南部一个重要的海港城市，以其丰富的海军历史著称。在这里，我们可以探访世界级的历史船坞，比如著名的胜利号战舰和无敌舰队博物馆。胜利号是尼尔森将军的旗舰，在特拉法加战役中起了决定性的作用。朴茨茅斯还以其现代化的建筑而闻名，斯皮恩塔塔不仅是英国最高的观景塔，还是朴茨茅斯的地标性建筑。
有趣事实： 朴茨茅斯是查尔斯·狄更斯的出生地，这位伟大的作家在这里的一个小屋中出生，现在这个地方已转变为狄更斯出生地博物馆。
南安普顿（Southampton）
南安普顿是一个现代化的城市，也是英国重要的港口之一。城市以其丰富的航海历史而闻名，特别是作为“泰坦尼克号”邮轮的起航点。在南安普顿，我们可以参观海洋博物馆，了解这座城市与泰坦尼克号的历史联系。此外，南安普顿的艺术画廊和剧院文化氛围浓厚，特别是南安普顿市艺术画廊收藏了许多现代和当代艺术作品。
有趣事实： 南安普顿的城墙是英国保存最完好的中世纪城墙之一，游客可以沿着这些古老的城墙步行，体验历史的厚重感。
萨里山（Surrey Hills）
萨里山是一个被指定为特别美丽的乡村地区，拥有广阔的自然景观和丰富的生物多样性。这里是徒步旅行者和自然爱好者的天堂，有许多标志性的徒步路线，如北唐斯道（North Downs Way）。萨里山的地势起伏，提供了许多理想的观景点，其中新兰兹角（Newlands Corner）和博克斯山（Box Hill）是最受欢迎的观景台。
有趣事实： 博克斯山是英国文学中的一个著名场景，简·奥斯汀的《爱玛》中就有提到这个地点。
怀特岛（Isle of Wight）
怀特岛是英国南部的一个风景如画的岛屿，以其美丽的海滩、古老的城堡和生态多样性而著名。我们可以参观奥斯本府（Osborne House），这是维多利亚女王的夏季度假地，府内的装饰和家具保留了19世纪的风格。岛上的自然保护区是观察野生动物和植物的绝佳地点，特别是红松鼠，这在英格兰其他地区已变得罕见。
有趣事实： 怀特岛每年都会举行著名的怀特岛音乐节，这是欧洲最大的音乐和艺术节之一，吸引了来自世界各地的艺术家和音乐爱好者。
Guildford is situated in the beautiful county of Surrey, one of the most affluent regions in England and home to some of the country’s most picturesque natural landscapes. The beautiful spring and summer scenery of Southeast England has earned it the nickname “the Garden of England.” Guildford boasts a wealth of beautiful and rich tourist resources, and there are many destinations in the surrounding area that are perfect for weekend trips. I often find myself hopping on a train or bus to these locales for a day or two of relaxation away from the pressures of study—it’s most refreshing!
Farnham
Farnham is a town with a long history, tracing its roots back to Roman times. The Farnham Castle in the town centre is a landmark of the area. Initially built in the 12th century, it later became the residence of British bishops. Visiting the castle, one not only experiences the medieval ambience but can also stroll through its stunning gardens, which are planted with a variety of flowers and plants, offering different scenic views each season. Moreover, Farnham’s market is well-known, hosting a large farmers’ market monthly where you can purchase fresh local produce and handmade crafts.
Interesting fact: Farnham houses one of the oldest horse markets in the UK, drawing equestrian enthusiasts from across the country annually for traditional horse fairs.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a vital seaport city in the south of England, renowned for its rich naval history. Here, you can explore world-class historical docks such as the famed HMS Victory and the Royal Naval Museum. HMS Victory served as Admiral Nelson’s flagship and played a decisive role in the Battle of Trafalgar. Portsmouth is also noted for its modern architecture, with the Spinnaker Tower being not only the tallest viewing tower in the UK but also a significant landmark of the city.
Interesting fact: Portsmouth is the birthplace of Charles Dickens, the great novelist who was born in a small house here, now transformed into the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.
Southampton
Southampton is a modern city and a significant port in the UK, famous for its rich maritime history, particularly as the departure point for the Titanic. In Southampton, we can visit the Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s connection with the Titanic. Additionally, the cultural atmosphere in Southampton’s art galleries and theatres, especially the City Art Gallery, which houses many modern and contemporary art pieces, is vibrant.
Interesting fact: Southampton boasts some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Britain, offering visitors a chance to walk along these ancient fortifications and experience the depth of history.
Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring expansive natural landscapes and a rich biodiversity. This area is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with numerous iconic walking trails such as the North Downs Way. The terrain in Surrey Hills is varied, offering many ideal vantage points, with Newlands Corner and Box Hill being among the most popular.
Interesting fact: Box Hill is a famous location in British literature, mentioned in Jane Austen’s “Emma.”
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a picturesque island off the southern coast of England, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient castles, and ecological diversity. Visitors can tour Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer retreat, where the decor and furniture retain their 19th-century style. The island’s nature reserves are excellent for observing wildlife and plants, especially the red squirrels, which have become rare in other parts of England.
Interesting fact: The Isle of Wight hosts the famous Isle of Wight Festival annually, one of the largest music and arts festivals in Europe, attracting artists and music lovers from around the globe.
