Thinking Of Moving To The Countryside? Guildford Could Be Perfect For You!

Are you thinking of moving to the countryside? It goes without question that moving to a countryside location can have a range of benefits. Surrey is home to some of the most beautiful countryside areas in the UK and has a range of unique and interesting places to visit. Guildford is one place that is becoming increasingly popular amongst those searching for a new home.

Richard Stovold, the resident partner of both Seymours in Guildford and Burpham shares his thoughts with us.

Richard says, “not only do you benefit from the wide range of activities and things to explore in Guildford town centre but you are also within a short commute from places like London via the area’s public transport options. Guildford is also just a small distance from some of the most beautiful countryside walk routes in England. so if you are thinking of moving to the countryside, you should definitely explore what Guildford has to offer”.

READ MORE – Buying a home in Surrey, the ultimate guide.

Why Should You Consider Moving To Guildford – A Perfect Balance

If you wish to get the comfortable community atmosphere of a Surrey countryside town whilst still benefiting from the entertainment and shopping options of a town or city, Guildford is the perfect place for you. Guildford truly offers you the best of both worlds between rural and city living. 

The excellent road and rail connections in Guildford make it an extremely convenient and easy solution for long-distance travel. For instance, a train between Guildford station and London Waterloo is only around 40 minutes long. Furthermore, Guildford is only a short distance from both Gatwick and Heathrow airports, another important aspect for those wishing to take holiday or in need to travel for work purposes. 

The area is also perfect for families and students seeking accommodation. Guildford is home to several top-quality educational institutions such as Guildford High School, Grammar High School and The University of Surrey. Even if you are not a student, that does not mean you can’t still benefit from the Universities’ excellent sports park that is available for public use.

Love the Countryside? 

Another benefit of Guildford is that it is local to some of the most beautiful walking routes in Surrey. From South Downs National Park to the exceptionally beautiful Leith Hill in Dorking, there are plenty of walk routes to choose from. 

One of the closest routes local to Guildford is North Downs Way. This route between Farnham and Guildford is around 10 miles. It includes the beautiful river wey and becomes even more diverse with the addition of deep woodlands and open fields as well.

There are also plenty of other walking routes and beautiful countryside options that you can wish to consider, just a short distance from Guildford. For example: 

Devil’s Punchbowl 

This circular walk route from Haslemere Rail Station passes through heathland and farmland, Devil’s Punchbowl and Gibbert Hall. Along this route, you can expect to see grazing cattle, unique wildlife and stunning views of the distant London Skyline.

North Downs Way – Walk the Chalk 

This route starts from Dorking Rail station. Should you wish to take the “Walk the Chalk” route you will be sure to find yourself on a real adventure. You will explore the slopes of the North Downs as well as some of the most stunning chalk grasslands in Surrey. There is sure to be wildlife to spot too so when taking this route you should always remember a pair of binoculars and a camera!

Leith Hill, Dorking

This stunning woodland walk passed the incredible Leith Hill Tower which also happens to be the highest point in South- East England. A common route people take is from Leith Hill to Holmwood Common, spanning around 6 miles.

Explore Many Aspects Guildford Town Has To Offer

An immediate benefit outside of the beautiful countryside local to Guildford is Guildford town. The town is home to an exceptionally pretty high street filled with a wide variety of different shops and restaurants. Being local to Guildford gives you easy access to design boutiques, a lively farmers market on the first Tuesday of each month and all the high street stores you could possibly want. 

Living in Guildford, you will never be short of entertainment either. Guildford town is home to 3 theatres and a multi-complex cinema, both of which are just a short walking distance from the centre. Additionally, the area’s purple flag status means that there is a diverse mix of entertainment and dining options for the evening time whilst ensuring security and safety for all residents and visitors in the area. 

Fun for the Whole Family – Thinking of Moving to the Countryside? 

Families may also benefit from the wide variety of events and festivals that are held throughout the year. During the summer, Guildford has much to offer such as Guildford Lido as well as boating opportunities, skateparks, crazy golf facilities available in the beautiful Stoke Park. 

Other attractions in the area include Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Castle and the many walking route options such as those we have previously mentioned like North Downs.

Average Renting Prices 

Should you wish to rent a home in Guildford, you can be sure to find a home on your preferred budget. Average rental prices in Guildford can vary anywhere from £577 PW to as little as £257 per week. The availability of cheaper rental options is particularly useful for students who have a limited income and still want somewhere lively yet close to educational facilities. Are you looking to rent alone? If so you will be pleased to know that there are a range of affordable studio properties available in the area. 

READ MORE – Tips for sustainable renting in Guildford.

Schools

Another benefit of Guildford is that it is the home of two of the best secondary schools in the country according to the “parent power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2018”, a ranking of over 2000 schools in their exam results. 

For example, Guildford High School has built a reputation as being the second-best independent secondary school in the South-East after 97.5% of A-Level students achieved A* to B grades and a further 96.8% of GCSE grades at A* to A grade level. 

Royal Grammar School also has a particularly prestigious reputation. The school has been ranked as the eighth-best in the region after 95.6% of A-level pupils received A* to B grades and 91.8% A* to A grades at a GCSE level. Factors such as these make Guildford a popular living destination for families looking to provide the best possible education for their children.

Independent Shops and Restaurants – Thinking of Moving to the Countryside? 

Although commercial restaurant chains and shops can be very convenient, there is definitely something to be said about the community atmosphere of a town with an abundance of independent shops and restaurants. Especially with the pandemic still going on and continuing to affect many aspects of our lives, the high street has also been hit hard in many areas of the UK. However, Guildford still has a fantastic range of independent shops that continue to make a great business for themselves and provide variety to the area. 

One example is Ben’s Collectors Records in Tunsgate. This shop provides a great place for music fanatics to browse a wide range of records and music items. A few additional businesses include Kalm kitchen, Positano and Moffats. Furthermore, if you enjoy a market, there are plenty of stools worth checking out in the town centre. 

Summary – A Town With Everything You Need

Are you thinking of moving to the countryside? Then this beautiful town may be perfect for you. It is home to some of the most lavish and upmarket properties yet has a wide variety of potential properties at different price ranges, ensuring there will be somewhere in your budget. 

New developments in recent years include Victorian townhouses and cottages. The area offers plenty of variety. Only being a short commuting distance from London, you can gain the advantages of a city lifestyle for an affordable price. 

Guildford’s high street is bustling with life. Living locally in Guildford, you should be sure to check out the monthly farmer’s market where shop owners showcase a large variety of products and services. Guildford truly is the best of both worlds for countryside living. For example,  being situated close to the beautiful River Wey means that many businesses overlook calm waters and countryside scenery. 

The area is also home to some of the top schooling opportunities in the South East. Both Royal Grammar School and The University of Surrey are well known for the high academic levels that students achieve.

Looking to Sell? Get in Touch With Us Today! 

Seymours in Guildford is located at the top of the high street and first opened its doors in the autumn of 1992, making it one of the oldest and most established branches within the Seymours group. Richard is married with two children and has been a resident of Guildford for most of his working life. With over 30 years of experience in the county and branches dotted throughout Surrey, our expert agents can secure you the right sale price for your home.

If you would like free-market advice or need an instant property valuation you can trust, get in touch with the team at Seymours Guildford or call Richard and his team on 01483 576833.

Sell your property with the experts today: choose Seymours Estate Agents.