Guildford

Guildford is a town in Surrey, England, situated in the South East region about 27 miles (43 km) southwest of central London. It is the county town of Surrey and the administrative centre of the Borough of Guildford. The town lies on the River Wey at the southern edge of the North Downs and near the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Historically a market town, Guildford grew around a castle and a medieval church. Remnants of its past include Guildford Castle and the Guildhall on the High Street. The town has several notable cultural venues, including the 20th-century Guildford Cathedral, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Electric Theatre.

Education is anchored by the University of Surrey, established in the 1960s, which has a campus in Guildford. Other educational institutions include Guildford College and several independent schools in the area.

Rail and road connections link Guildford to London and the south coast. Guildford railway station sits on the line between London and Portsmouth/Southampton, with frequent services to London Waterloo. The town is served by the A3, which runs toward London and Portsmouth, and by other major routes.

Population: the town has around 77,000 residents; the wider borough holds roughly 170,000 people. The town combines historic architecture with modern shopping, education and technology sectors, and forms a gateway to the surrounding countryside.