Whenever I write or post pictures from various parts of the UK, all my ActiveRain friends seem to like it. So this is part of a new daily series introducing you all to various parts of this lovely little island! If you've got any special requests for certain English places, just drop me a line and it could be featured next!
Today we're talking about Guildford :-)
Guildford, in Surrey (South East of England), is a rather nice little town which more than a handful of my colleagues have called 'home' over the years. I grew up ten minutes down the road so I know it well! And we're not the only fans of Guildford, oh no. Guildford regularly appears in all manner of 'Top UK places to live' lists and has even been hailed the most attractive and safe shopping destination in the country.
Guildford appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was deemed to be worth the princely sum of £32. Of course, just to own a property in Guildford nowadays you're gonna need a few hundred thousand more than that.
Guildford's got plenty of historical tidbits to offer, including a castle which is thought to predate the Saxons and the oldest remaining synagogue in Western Europe. The first ever game of cricket is also argued to have taken place at the Royal Grammar School in 1598.
Even in more recent times Guildford had made it's mark on the history books, the scary climax of The Omen was filmed at Guildford Cathedral and let's not forget that Cheryl Cole (nee Tweedy) was arrested for assault after thumping a toilet attendant in one of Guildford' favourite nightclubs.
We spoke to one Guildford resident to find out why they love where they live...
"There's a nice combination of rural and urban here, nothing's too overwhelming. There's enough of a buzz for decent shopping, restaurants and bars without the claustrophobia of a big city. I can be at Waterloo in half an hour or I can be in one of the many picturesque Surrey villages like Shere and Gomshall within 15 minutes. There's a mix of good state schools and private schools and there's lots for kids to do with the Spectrum nearby. The only downside? Don't start your night at the bottom of the high street and expect to make it to the top, that's a big hill and if you've had anything to drink then it's not going to happen!"
Has Guildford tickled your fancy? Check out...
Homes for sale in Guildford
Property to rent in Guildford
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Poppy, what a lovely place. I had the pleasure of living in the UK for a little over a year and found the country rather picturesque everywhere I went. I loved it! Thanks for sharing.