Breakfast
Coffee Culture
Head to this much-loved independent local for a shot of wake-me-up or for a calming cuppa. This cosy, family-run cafe is also the perfect way to get your bearings in a friendly venue hidden down the narrow Angel Gate passage just off the High Street.
Shopping
After your pick me up it’s time to hit the streets and the shops. The big draw for Guildford in the retail stakes is the independent shopping – in previous years it’s been voted luxury shopping capital of the UK and it’s very easy to see why: Guildford is teeming with cool independent stores.
Courtyard
This award-winning store is one of the best independent designer fashion boutiques in the country and is just about a minute’s walk from Coffee Culture. Come here for your new season outfit.
The Gate Boutique
More luxury womenswear is on show here and, again, it’s moments away from Courtyard. Keep an eye on their website for when they host their seasonal sales for a bargain from established and upcoming designers.
Record shops
At either end of the town, north to south, you’ll find a pair of record stores that will sate the most avid of crate diggers. Head (or pack your other half off) to Ben’s Collectors Records opposite the Guildhall and Woodbridge Road for Collectors Record Centre.
If a mooch around the major high street retailers is more your thing, then head to The Friary. Here you’ve got Zara, Muji, Urban Outfitters and all the other expected brands, ideal for finding that moment of perfect retail bliss. The High Street also has its fair share of big brands too with Waterstones, Monsoon, Jigsaw, Barbour, The North Face and many more besides.
If you’re looking for some bling then award-winning independent jewellers Simon Pure is your destination. You’ll find the store on the left down Swan Lane, another little ginnel off the High Street.
