Located in Surrey on the banks of the River Wey, Guildford is a beautiful town to relocate to and offers a whole host of amenities for connected, modern-day living, whilst retaining its rich and colourful history.
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about living in the county town of Surrey, including average house prices, transportation links, and education.
Average house prices in Guildford 2024
According to Rightmove, the average house price of properties sold in Guildford over the last year was £822,074, up from £529,269 in 2019. Of those properties, the majority were semi-detached which sold for an average price of £550,779 – up from £474,897 in 2019. This was followed by detached properties which sold for an average of £1,789,795 (£852,507 in 2019), and flats at an average cost of £297,922 (down from £301,240 in 2019).
Property prices in Guildford over the last year are up 40% from the 2021 peak of £586,871.
House rental prices in Guildford 2024
According to home.co.uk as of January 2024, the average house rent in Guildford is £3,195pcm and £1,840pcm to rent a flat. Of the 303 properties up for rent, the majority are flats, with houses a close second, followed some way behind by room rentals. Out of the properties for rent, two and one-bedroom properties are the most popular.
Areas nearby
Guildford is situated in equal distance to both London and Portsmouth and is the largest town of Surrey. There are a several nearby towns and villages to also take into consideration when looking to move to the area. These include the small and charming village of Albury, the busy village of Bramley, and Shalford village, located on the banks of the River Wey with direct trains to Guildford.
Transport links in Guildford
Guildford sits southwest of London and has many transport links to the capital and to many other destinations, thanks to its rail and road networks, making this a great place to live for commuters.
Guildford by car
Guildford boasts a well-maintained road network, including the A3, offering easy access to nearby villages and countryside, as well as other cities like London and Portsmouth. The A25 also makes it easy to get to neighbouring towns like Reigate as well as the counties of Sussex and Kent.
Guildford by bus
Guildford’s extensive bus network, operated by Stagecoach and Arriva, provides a convenient and budget-friendly way to get around. Frequent buses connect the town centre with surrounding areas like Merrow, Cranleigh, and Godalming. Multi-day tickets and student discounts offer cost-effective options for frequent travellers.
Guildford by rail
Guildford Railway Station is a central hub, offering direct trains to London Waterloo in under 30 minutes, making it a popular choice for commuters and day trips. Additional services connect Guildford to Portsmouth, Southampton and Reading, opening up regional adventures.
Additional ways to explore Guildford
Discover Guildford’s hidden alleyways, quaint squares, and historical gems on foot. The Guildford Town Trail and the Hog’s Back Walk are popular options for exploring the town’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Cycle paths like the Wey Cycle Path and the North Downs Way offer scenic routes for exploring Guildford’s surroundings. Bike rentals are available in the town centre for those without their own wheels.
You can also take a leisurely boat trip along the River Wey and admire Guildford from a different perspective. Cruises operate from Dapdune Wharf and offer a unique way to experience the town’s charm.
Transport to London
Other than trains from Guildford Railway Station, National Express coaches provide an alternative option for reaching London, with journey times around 1 hour 30 minutes. These coaches depart from Guildford Bus Station and drop you off at various locations in the city, including Victoria Coach Station and Stratford City Bus Station.
Transport to airports
For air travel, London Heathrow Airport is the closest option, located approximately 25 miles from Guildford. RailAir coaches offer direct connections between Guildford Railway Station and Heathrow Airport Terminals 2, 3, and 5, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to catch your flight. Alternatively, London Gatwick Airport is around 35 miles away, accessible by train with a slightly longer travel time.
Schools in Guildford
There are several superb schools in the town of Guildford and many families make the move there for the best-known and highly academic Royal Grammar School (for boys ages 11-18), which is situated in beautiful ancient buildings. There are also several girl’s private schools such as Tormead and St Catherine’s which are extremely popular. But let’s not forget the amazing state schools in the area which have been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted including Pewley Down, Onslow and Stoughton.
Things to do in Guildford
With its stunning cobbled high street and overhanging clock, Guildford has a wide variety of retail outlets and independent shops. From high fashion and specialist jewellers to antique dealers, book shops and art suppliers, you’ll find everything you’re looking for. There are also several art galleries, cafes, restaurants and farmer’s markets, as well as four shopping centres to enjoy.
As well as shopping and eating, Guildford has a rich history that you can admire at the partly restored Guildford Castle, Guildford Cathedral and the Guildford Museum.
Shopping in Guildford
Guildford’s town centre is pedestrian-friendly and has a lively atmosphere full of high street stores, charming cafes, and speciality shops. North Street is lined with an impressive array of well-known brands, fashion boutiques and department stores. From the latest fashion trends to lifestyle essentials, this bustling street provides a sophisticated shopping experience, while Castle Street, with its history and charm, combines the old with the new. Here, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, antique shops, and artisanal stores.
Situated alongside the River Wey, The Friary Guildford is a shopping destination that combines scenic beauty with retail indulgence. This modern shopping centre hosts a mix of high-street brands and speciality stores, providing residents with a diverse range of options for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford’s premier shopping and dining destination, offers a blend of sophistication and innovation. This modern development houses an array of upscale retailers, stylish boutiques, and trendy eateries. From designer fashion to cutting-edge technology, Tunsgate Quarter caters to the contemporary shopper seeking both luxury and convenience.
Guildford History
Evidence of Roman dwellings have been found throughout Guildford and by Saxon times it was a well-established town. After the Saxon era, William the Conqueror ordered the castle to be constructed, which over many years occupied a succession of kings, queens and barons.
Although the town had a population of just over 1,000 and didn’t really prosper during medieval times, the arrival of the railway later in 1845 helped the town to have further prospects and expand.
Is Guildford a nice place to live?
Yes, Guildford is a beautiful place to live and provides the perfect balance between rural and city life. Within easy reach of the capital via great rail and road connections, whilst also being surrounded by the countryside of Surrey, you really do get the best of both worlds.
Interesting facts about Guildford
- Henry III, King John and Eleanor of Castile all stayed at Guildford Castle.
- More than 200,000 people contributed a brick to the cathedral construction fund.
- Guildford is not a city even though it has a cathedral. It applied but was turned down for city status in 2002.
- The remains of what is believed to be the oldest synagogue in Western Europe were found under Guildford High Street.
What is the average age of Guildford?
Guildford residents are, on average, 38-39 years old, making them slightly younger than the South East (41) and England (40).
What is the population of Guildford?
There are almost 144,000 people living in Guildford.
Moving to Guildford
If you planning to move to Guildford to settle down, live and work, we can help. Here at Titan Storage, we offer a range of storage solutions and can be as flexible as your situation needs us to be. Whether you want immediate short-term storage or long-term storage for items that don’t have a place in your home just yet, get in touch to see how we can help.
