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Dunsfold Aerodrome (Top Gear Test Track)
The famous airfield test track used by BBC Top Gear for its power laps and celebrity challenges.
14 km · about 25 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Guildford works well as a base: 5 minutes from Chilworth, 14km from Dunsfold Aerodrome (Top Gear Test Track).
Guildford is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 71,873, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Guildford sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Guildford to your route.
Guildford ( ) is a town in west Surrey, England, around 27 mi (43 km) southwest of central London. As of the 2011 census, the town had a population of about 77,000; it is the seat of the wider Borough of Guildford, which had around 151,359 inhabitants in 2024. Its name is thought to derive from a crossing of the RiverRead more
Wey, a tributary of the River Thames, that flows through the town centre.
The earliest evidence of human activity in the area is from the Mesolithic and Guildford is mentioned in the will of Alfred the Great from c. 880. The exact location of the main Anglo-Saxon settlement is unclear and the current site of the modern town centre may not have been occupied until the early 11th century. Following the Norman Conquest, a motte-and-bailey castle was constructed; which was developed into a royal residence by Henry III. During the late Middle Ages, Guildford prospered as a result of the wool trade and the town was granted a charter of incorporation by Henry VII in 1488.
The River Wey Navigation between Guildford and the Thames was opened in 1653, facilitating the transport of produce, building materials and manufactured items to new markets in London. The arrival of the railways in the 1840s attracted further investment and the town began to grow with the construction of its first new suburb at Charlotteville in the 1860s. The town became the centre of a new Anglican diocese in 1927 and the foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in 1936. Guildford became a university town in September 1966, when the University of Surrey was established by Royal Charter.
Guildford is surrounded on three sides by the Surrey Hills National Landscape, which severely limits its potential for expansion to the east, west and south. Recent development has been focused to the north of the town in the direction of Woking. Guildford now officially forms the southwestern tip of the Greater London Built-up Area, as defined by the Office for National Statistics.
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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Guildford.
Guildford offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Guildford is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.2354 latitude, -0.5743 longitude.
Guildford has a population of approximately 71,873 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
The famous airfield test track used by BBC Top Gear for its power laps and celebrity challenges.
14 km · about 25 min drive
racetrack
The world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, opened 1907, where surviving sections of the towering concrete Members' Banking rear up out of the Surrey woodland. The museum holds racing cars and aircraft on the original site.
14 km · about 25 min drive
museum
The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, featuring the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit from 1907.
15 km · about 25 min drive
cafe
Iconic biker and cyclist cafe at the foot of Box Hill in Surrey, a must-stop gathering point on one of England's most famous riding roads.
17 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
A popular roadside cafe at the base of the Box Hill zig-zag road, serving as the unofficial meeting point for the Surrey biker community.
17 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
The hilltop cafe at the summit of Box Hill offering sweeping views across the Surrey Hills, a classic destination for drivers and cyclists alike.
18 km · about 20 min drive
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Thrill-focused theme park near London catering to older children and adults with intense roller coasters.
19 km · about 20 min drive
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Family-friendly theme park near London with LEGO-themed rides, building workshops, and Miniland models.
26 km · about 30 min drive
April to October
Other places to explore near Guildford.
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