Guildford City Guide

Food ranges from classic British pub dishes to Italian, Indian, Thai, and Chinese. Many vegetarian and vegan options are available. Late-night food options are limited, mostly takeaways and fast food.

Decent nightlife with pubs, bars, and a few nightclubs mostly in the town center.

Growing coffee scene with independent cafes and specialty roasters alongside chains.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Typical restaurant tips are around 10%, and taxis often get a rounded-up fare or 10%. No expectation for services like hairdressers.

SIM cards are available from phone shops on the High Street and in shopping centers, as well as some supermarkets. Major providers like EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three offer good coverage. eSIMs are also available and usually don't require ID for pay-as-you-go plans.

Generally clean streets, especially in the town center. Regular waste and recycling services.

Limited 24/7 services. Some convenience stores have extended hours but few are fully 24/7. No 24/7 pharmacies or night clinics.

You can find major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Aldi. There are also smaller specialty stores and a weekly farmers' market. Shops open early and close by 9 or 10 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Sundays.

Card payments, including contactless, are widely accepted. You rarely need cash for daily expenses.

ATMs from Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest are easily found on the High Street and near shopping centers. UK bank ATMs usually have no withdrawal fees, but your home bank might charge for international transactions.

Guildford has well-regarded state and independent schools, such as Guildford High School and Royal Grammar School. English is the main language of instruction. Admissions can be competitive with waitlists for some schools.

No large established digital nomad community or co-living spaces. Many cafes offer Wi-Fi and are work-friendly.

Excellent parks and green spaces like Stoke Park and River Wey Navigation. Many shaded walking areas and running paths.

Popular running routes include the River Wey towpath and Surrey Hills trails. Running is generally safe with good air quality.

Several gyms and sports facilities are available, including a large leisure complex.

Many public and private tennis courts with booking systems and some equipment rental.

Padel courts are less common but increasing in number.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers, all with English-speaking instructors.

Several schools offering Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, BJJ, and Boxing with English-speaking instructors.

No local ski slopes. Indoor ski centers are over an hour's drive away.

You can kayak and paddleboard on the River Wey. Nearby lakes offer sailing and windsurfing with rental options and guided tours.

No surfing locally. Closest surf beaches are over an hour away on the south coast.

No nearby natural dive sites. Some training centers exist in the wider area.

Healthcare is mainly through the NHS with English-speaking staff at Royal Surrey County Hospital. Public healthcare is generally good quality with private options available. Pharmacies are common and help with minor ailments.

Tap water in Guildford is safe to drink.

Good for families with many playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and attractions like Guildford Spectrum and Guildford Castle.

Generally accepting town with inclusive venues and strong legal protections.

Pet-friendly town with many dog-friendly parks and pubs. Veterinary clinics are available. Standard UK pet import rules apply.