Let’s first talk about Guildford and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Guildford, in the English county of Surrey, is only 28 miles south-west of London and has a population of 78,000 people. It recently became a part of Greater London. The origin of its name is unknown, but the root of the word ‘guild‘ may refer to the golden sand on the banks of the river Wey. It could also refer to the Royal Mint, where coins have been produced since AD 978.
Guildford has a rad modern music university called ACM, so you will see hipsters on their way to and from rehearsals with electric guitars, drums, and bass guitars strapped to their backs. That gives it a significant advantage over the smaller but renowned University of Surrey, which has 15,000 students.
Guildford has some of the most expensive property prices in the UK, but it is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country.
In terms of tourism, Guildford receives approximately 100,000 visitors per year, indicating that it is not overcrowded. The castle, which was built around 900 years ago by William the Conqueror, is a major attraction. It is visible throughout the town because it is built on a high point. The view alone is worth the admission fee (£3.70 for adults and £2.20 for children).
The Stranglers, a 1970s punk blast from the past, are still touring today, and its older residents remember their musical success story. Younger ravers will undoubtedly be familiar with the drum and bass group ‘Sub Focus.’ Terry Jones, who played ‘Brian’s Mum‘ in Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian,’ attended Guildford’s Royal Grammar School. “He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy!“
Guildford has a cathedral but lacks the city status that normally comes with it, possibly due to its small population. Aside from that, there are some other fantastic things to do there, such as visiting the traditional street markets, the Watts art gallery, the incredible countryside, and its numerous well-kept parks.
Parking in Guildford can be difficult, so please scroll down for every type of parking option you can think of. We have made it easy for you by providing every free and paid option you could want.
Important Note:
While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.
UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.
Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.
Free Parking in Guildford
Free, unrestricted residential street parking
Why should you pay for parking if you do not have to? Nobody wants to pay a parking ticket from the pesky parking cops, and using free residential parking spaces will keep you out of trouble. All of the free options have been double-checked and are listed below in order of distance from the Guildford railway station. To make things easier for you, we have divided the list into three sections: west, north, and east, as well as providing other useful or interesting information. Unfortunately, there are not many free parking options in the city center, but it will be worth the effort if you are up for a nice walk through Guildford.
Although it is acceptable to use these free parking options, we must remind you that you must follow common-sense parking rules such as leaving enough space for other cars, not blocking driveways, and not taking someone’s space if a notice or cone has been placed there. Please try not to make too much noise, even during the day, as the residents will not notice. If you are concerned about the area or do not feel comfortable leaving your car or belongings inside, you should consider safer paid parking options. Although we keep this site up to date, you should double-check for new parking implementations.
Free after 6pm/Overnight Streetside Parking
You can use these residential parking options, but only after 6pm. Otherwise you’ll need a permit. Do make sure you’re out of there by 08:00 to avoid fines.
- Poltimore Road GU2 7PT – 0.5 miles
- Artillery Terrace GU1 4NL – 0.7 miles
- Woodbridge Road GU1 4RN – 0.8 miles
- Avonmore Avenue GU1 1TW – 1.6 miles
North
If you are driving down from Woking, there are some residential street parking options in Guildford’s northwestern outskirts. These will require you to walk to the center for 30-40 minutes. The most scenic route would be to take a stroll along the Wey River and visit some of the local parks, such as the Stoughton Recreation Ground. If you are feeling particularly daring, you could even visit The Guildford Ski Slope to burn off some energy after a long drive. Parking in the north will also come in handy if you want to spend some time alone in Guildford Cathedral.
- Beckingham Road GU2 8DF – 1.2 miles
- Woodside Road GU2 8WB – 1.2 miles
- Deerbarn Road GU2 8AT – 1.5 miles
- Stoughton Road GU1 1LH – 1.7 miles
- Shepherds Lane GU2 9TT – 1.7 miles
- Franks Road GU2 9NT – 1.8 miles
East
Will you take the A3 motorway from London to Guildford? If so, there are plenty of street parking options, but be prepared to walk for 30-40 minutes. Why not visit the breathtakingly beautiful Stoke Park? It’s truly massive, with a fantastic free outdoor kids’ swimming pool that’s extremely popular during the summer. It’s close to the river and features a sports recreation center, a skate park, a lido, and other amenities.
- Lancaster Avenue GU1 3JR – 1.5 miles
- Sells Close GU1 3JY – 1.6 miles
- Saint Luke’s Square GU1 3JU – 1.3 miles
- Saint Catherine’s Park GU1 3NF – 1.3 miles
- Upper Edgeborough Road GU1 2DJ – 1.4 miles
- St. Margaret’s GU1 1TL – 1.5 miles
- Aldersey Road GU1 2ER – 1.5 miles
- Gateways GU1 2LF – 1.8 miles
- Collingwood Crescent GU1 2NS – 2.1 miles
West
If you’re coming in from the west, such as Basingstoke or Aldershot, you’ll pass right by the hospital and the University of Surrey. Even though it’s a bit of a detour, the Henley Fort is also worth a visit. It was built in the nineteenth century and sits on a hill on The Mount. In general, Guildford is a pleasant place to walk, and there are plenty of green spaces for dog walkers and other sports enthusiasts.
- Rickyard GU2 8JP – 1.7 miles
- Homestall GU2 8JS – 1.8 miles
Free after 9pm/Overnight Streetside Parking
If you’re going to be late, these options are fine, but like the other residents-only options, get out before the traffic wardens see you when they start patrolling at 08:00. No laws will be broken as long as the timing rules are followed.
- The Mount GU2 4HR – 0.3 miles
- Bury Street GU2 4AW – 0.4 miles
- Bury Fields GU2 4AZ – 0.5 miles
- Millmead Terrace GU2 4AT – 0.5 miles
- Lawn Road GU2 4DE – 0.5 miles
- Denmark Road GU1 4DA – 0.9 miles
- Dene Road GU1 4DB – 1 mile
Park and Ride Services
You can only park here if you actually use the park and ride service.
- Spectrum Park & Ride GU1 1UP – northeast of Guildford
- Artington Park and Ride GU3 1LP – south of Guildford
- Merrow Park and Ride GU4 7AA – east of Guildford
- Guildford Park and Ride GU2 7AD – west of Guildford
Cheapest Paid Car Parks
You can use the paid parking options if you are not trying to save money or if you are unsure about anything. They provide greater security and bring you closer to your destination. They do vary in price and generally rise between the hours of 13:00 and 15:00.
- Farnham Road Car Park GU2 7NP – £2.20 for 2 hours
- Tunsgate Quarter car park GU1 3UW – £3.60 for 2 hours
- North Street Car Park GU1 4AH – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Old Police Station Car Park GU1 4JX – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Castle Car Park GU1 3RW – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Leapale Road Car Park GU1 4JX – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Commercial Road Car Park GU1 4SU – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Millbrook Car Park GU1 3XJ – £3.60 for 2 hours
Free short-term parking (2h or less)
You should definitely consider using commercial parking, as long as you remember to leave before your two-hour time limit expires. If you need to get in and out of Guildford again, it could be a good option.
- Ladymead Retail Car Park GU1 1DT
- Tesco GU2 7XE