Local Attractions
Whether you are visiting Guildford for business or pleasure why not take time to enjoy some of the wonderful attractions that the area has to offer. Details of many interesting places to visit are available from reception, here are just a few of our favourites for you to consider.
Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to Surrey.
The estate is spread over 60 glorious acres and features include the glasshouse, home to a remarkable collection of tropical plants and the interactive 'root-zone', the world famous trials fields and of course many ornamental features such as the lakes and model gardens.
Wisley is just a 15 minute drive from the hotel and whether you are a keen gardener or you don't know your 'galanthus' from your 'solenostrum' it is a highly recommended day out. Admission details and more information can be found on their website www. rhs.org.uk or by calling 0845 260 5000
The River Wey has been described as 'Surrey's best kept secret' but a visit to our friends at Guildford Boat House will introduce you to a world of tranquil scenery and rich history.
Whether you fancy hiring a rowing boat and exploring the wonderfully safe waterways yourself or taking a gentle trip up river on the 'Harry' as their famous 60 seater is known locally then pay a visit to their website www.guildfordboats.co.uk or call on 01483 504494.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre - As one of the country's leading regional producing theatres the Yvonne Arnaud hosts many plays immediately ahead of transfer to the West End. Through clever use of their two auditorium the Yvonne Arnaud are able to provide a vibrant mix of shows starring household names with innovative theatre and events.
Whatever your tastes in theatre, comedy, dance or music the Yvonne Arnaud will have something to please you. Special mention should also be made of their wonderful work with productions for younger people, their children's workshops are rightly famous and their staging of children's classics attract huge audiences. For full listings please visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call 01483 440077
'The Nations Thrill Capital' is how Thorpe Park describes itself and who are we to argue? With more than 80 thrilling (some terrifying!) rides to choose from a trip to the largest fun park in the south east will certainly satisfy even the most ardent adrenaline fan.
www.thorpepark.com is where you will find all the details and the park itself is about 25 minutes by car from the hotel.
Built in 1660 the house is now one of the most popular attractions in Surrey with more than 100,000 visitors each year drawn to the wonderful collections of fine art, regular exhibitions and of course the stunning interior with wooden panels and original 17th century features.
Admission is free, please call 01483 444751 for opening times and what's on details.
Older even that Guildford House, Abbott's hospital is described as arguably the finest historic building in Guildford with good reason. Founded in 1619 by George Abbott, Archbishop of Canterbury as 'a gift out of my love to the place of my birth' the 'hospital' is still providing a sociable and supportive environment for local elderly people.
Organised tours of the hospital take place regularly, please visit www.abbotshospital.org for details
Directly opposite Abbotts Hospital is Holy Trinity Church, the largest Georgian built church in Surrey and is home to the handsome (and slightly gruesome) seventeenth century marble memorial to George Abbot. The former Archbishop of Canterbury was instrumental in the translation of the King James Bible and 2011 sees an international celebration of the 400th anniversary of this work.
Further information about the church is available from their website www.holytrinityguildford.org.uk.
An Edwardian country estate designed to be the perfect setting for a millionairess hostess to entice royalty, politicians and the best of Edwardian society for entertaining weekends in the country. The house, with its notably stunning interiors and collection, delightful gardens and superb views across the rolling Surrey hills is waiting to be explored.
Dapdune Wharf and the River Wey Navigations
The wharf itself is a fifteen minute walk from the hotel and from there you can explore one of the oldest navigable waterways in Britain. Boat trips are available most of the year, please call 01483 561389 to check opening times.
Built in the 1750's, Hatchlands is home to Europe's largest collection of keyboard instruments many of which have associations with the world's most famous composers including Chopin, Bach and Elgar. In addition to the house itself there are more than 600 acres of beautiful parkland to explore with gentle, well sign posted walks and of course the world famous Gertrude Jekyll designed parterre garden.
The Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni built Clandon Park in the Early 1730's for the 2nd Lord Onslow, the Mansion itself has been extensively restored and features a number of magnificent rooms including the two - storied Marble Hall, one of the finest examples in Europe.
Surrounding the House, the Gardens include a parterre on the South side overlooked by a grotto and the only traditional Maori House outside New Zealand.
Clandon is also home to the museum of The Royal Surrey Regiment, more details about Clandon can be seen at www.clandonpark.co.uk.