Guildford Weekly #5 - 21 May 2025

⭐️ In Today's Guildford Weekly ⭐️ 

☀️ Weekend Weather & 5 Things To Do
✨ New Opening Spotlight: The Crafty Squirrel
🍽️ Taste of Guildford: The Drummond at Albury
🧸 Kids Corner: Activities & Classes
💡 Side Hustle Sparks: 3 Fresh Ideas
🏡 Property of the Week: Your Next Move?

Guildford Weekly - Your Local Roundup

(Issue #5 | May 21th, 2025)

Hey Guildford!

Hope you've had a wonderful week!

We're back with your latest instalment of Guildford Weekly.

The Met Office is forecasting a bit of a mixed bag for the weekend, but still with some pleasant moments. Expect it to be overcast on Saturday with highs around 19°C, while Sunday should see those clouds giving way to sunny intervals by late morning, also reaching up to 19°C. Still plenty of opportunity to get out and explore!

P.S. Don't forget our referral program! Refer 10 or more friends (who live in Guildford) using your unique link below, and you'll be entered into a draw to win a £100 Amazon Voucher. The draw takes place on May 30th – only about a week left to get those entries in!

EVENTS

☀️ Weekend Weather & 5 Things To Do (May 24th-25th)

Here's your weekend outlook and five fresh ideas to get you started:

Saturday: Overcast, High 19°C / Low 12°C.

Sunday: Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning, High 19°C / Low 10°C.

1. 🗺️ An Evening with Simon Reeve: To The Ends Of The Earth

Join the adventurer and TV presenter Simon Reeve as he shares tales from his incredible journeys to some of the most remote and extreme corners of the world. Expect behind-the-scenes stories and inspiring insights.

• When: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 (Typically starts 7:30 PM, check G Live website)

• Where: G Live, London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AA

• Cost: Tickets from £35.50.

• Book Now: Tickets

2. 🤸 Tuff Nutterz - UK's Largest Inflatable Obstacle Course

Get ready for some serious bouncing fun! Tuff Nutterz brings its giant 300m long inflatable maze, complete with slides, climbing walls, and multiple obstacles, to Surrey Sports Park. Great for families and anyone up for a laugh!

• When: Saturday, May 24th & Sunday, May 25th, 2025 (Various timed sessions, typically 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM)

• Where: Surrey Sports Park, Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford, GU2 7AD

• Cost: Approx £22-£25 per person (spectators may be free or a nominal fee). Booking essential.

• Book Now: https://www.tuffnutterz.co.uk/ 

3. 🛍️ Guildford Record Fair at The Guildhall

Vinyl lovers, rejoice! Hunt for rare gems, classic LPs, and new releases at the Guildford Record Fair. A great chance to browse, chat with dealers, and add to your collection.

• When: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 (Typically 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

• Where: The Guildhall, High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AA

• Cost: Usually a small entry fee (e.g., £1-£3) payable on the door.

• More Info: Guildford Record Fair

4. 🌸 Explore Chilworth Manor Gardens for NGS

Discover the 'magical' grounds of the 17th Century Chilworth Manor, open this Sunday for the National Garden Scheme. Explore its 18th Century terraced walled garden, topiary, herbaceous borders, sculptures, mature trees, and ancient stew ponds. A truly beautiful and peaceful setting. Pre-booking your ticket is essential!

• When: Sunday, May 25th, 2025, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Where: Chilworth Manor, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8HS

• Cost: Adults £7.50, Children Free. Refreshments (tea, coffee, cake, and Chilworth Manor Vineyard wine) available in aid of local charities.

• Book: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/3019/chilworth-manor

5. 🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail at Hatchlands Park

A delightful day out for little ones! Follow the enchanting trail inspired by Eric Carle's beloved book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, through the beautiful parkland at Hatchlands. Collect your trail sheet, enjoy the story along the way, and complete activities.

• When: Runs on various dates, likely including May 24th & 25th, 2025 (Typically 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, but please verify specific dates and times on their website)

• Where: Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, GU4 7RT

• Cost: Normal National Trust admission applies (Adults approx. £13-£15, Children £6.50-£7.50, Family tickets available. Free for NT members). Trail may have a small additional charge (e.g., £2-£3).

• More info: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

FEATURE

🍽️ Taste of Guildford: Positano - A True Guildford Gem!

It came as no surprise to many that Positano was voted Guildford's favourite restaurant in our recent poll! This beloved Italian restaurant, tucked away in a charming red-brick Elizabethan-era building in Tunsgate (just off the High Street), has been a cornerstone of Guildford's dining scene for years. It's believed the building itself once housed former Mayors of the town, adding to its unique character.

Known for its "intrinsically romantic" and cosy atmosphere, with original beams and dark-wood panels, Positano offers an authentic taste of Italy. Diners consistently praise the "wonderful food" and "phenomenal service," highlighting the warm welcome from owner Francesco Terracciano and his attentive team. The menu features classic Italian dishes, from delicious pasta and pizza to flavourful meat and fish mains, often described as reasonably priced. It's a multi-award-winning spot, previously named Surrey's best restaurant in the British Restaurant Awards and by Michelin's Bookatable. Whether it's for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or a family meal, Positano rarely disappoints. Booking is highly recommended, especially at weekends!

• Find them: 124 High Street, Tunsgate, Guildford, GU1 3HQ

• Bookings & Menu: https://positano-restaurant.co.uk/

• Price Range: Main courses typically £10 - £18 for pasta/pizza, £14 - £20+ for meat/fish.

ACTIVITIES

🧸 Kids & Family Corner

Keep the little ones (and bigger ones!) entertained with these fun activities:

🗝️ The Secret Garden Trail at Claremont Landscape Garden (All Ages)

Discover the magic of Claremont Landscape Garden this May half term with their "Secret Garden" themed trail. Follow the golden key trail, wander through the menagerie, enjoy sensory play, and let imaginations run wild in the woods. A lovely day out for the whole family.

• When: Saturday, May 24th & Sunday, May 25th (Trail likely runs May 24th - June 1st, check website for exact dates & garden opening times, typically 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

• Where: Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9JG

• Cost: Normal National Trust admission applies (Adults approx. £13-£15, Children £6.50-£7.50, Family tickets available. Free for NT members). Trail may be free or a small additional charge.

• More Info & Booking: National Trust

🐒 Wild Explorers at RHS Garden Wisley (Family)

While a short drive, RHS Garden Wisley often has fantastic family activities. Their "Wild Explorers" or similar nature-themed trails and activities encourage kids to get outdoors and learn about plants and wildlife. Perfect for a sunny day out.

• When: This weekend + Ongoing/Seasonal

• Where: RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB

• Cost: Garden admission applies (Adults approx £17-£20, Children £8-£10, family tickets available. Free for RHS Members).

• More Info: Whats on Wisley

🧗 Blue Spider Climbing - Kids Clubs / Casual Climb (Ages 5+)

For energetic kids, Blue Spider offers dedicated kids' climbing clubs and casual climbing sessions. It's a fun way to build confidence, strength, and problem-solving skills. Booking is essential.

• When: Weekends (check website for session times and availability)

• Where: Blue Spider Climbing, Unit 7, Oyster Lane, Byfleet, KT14 7HP (short drive from Guildford)

• Cost: Varies by session type (e.g., taster sessions approx £20-£25, kids clubs termly).

• More Info & Booking: https://www.bluespiderclimbing.com/

Heads-Up for May Half-Term (May 24 - June 1):

🎈 Action Arena at Stoke Park (Ages 5+)

Get ready for the UK’s biggest touring inflatable obstacle course at Stoke Park! With slides, tunnels, and more, it’s a fun-filled day for the whole family.

• When: May 29 - June 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM

• Where: Stoke Park, Nightingale Road, GU1 1ER

• Cost: Tickets from £13.95 per person (varies by session)

• Book: actionarena.co.uk

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MAKE MONEY

💡 Side Hustle Sparks: 2 Fresh Ideas

1. 🚗 Weekend Car Detailing (Mobile Service)

• Many Guildford residents are busy professionals or families who'd love a sparkling clean car without the hassle of going to a car wash.

• Offer a mobile detailing service at their homes on weekends – interior vacuuming, exterior wash & wax, tyre shine.

• Requires cleaning supplies, equipment (portable vacuum, pressure washer if possible), and good attention to detail. (Est. Earnings: £40-£100+ per car depending on service level).

2. 🥑 Local Artisan Food Box Curator

• Partner with local Guildford & Surrey producers (cheese, chutneys, bread, charcuterie, craft beer/cider) to create themed "Taste of Surrey" gift boxes or weekly/monthly subscription boxes.

• Requires good local contacts, appealing packaging, and an online ordering/delivery system. (Est. Earnings: Varies greatly based on box price and volume, aim for 20-30% margin).

3. 📷️ Beginners' Photography Walkshop Leader

• Combine a love of photography with Guildford's scenic spots.

• Offer small group "walkshops" on weekends, teaching basic photography skills (composition, lighting) while exploring picturesque areas like the Castle Grounds, River Wey, or Pewley Down. Requires photography knowledge, teaching ability, and pre-planned routes. (Est. Earnings: £25-£50 per person for a 2-3 hour session).

(Disclaimer: Estimated earnings are illustrative and depend on effort, pricing, and demand.)

PROPERTY

🏡 Property of the Week: Spacious Family Home on Chestnut Avenue

£1,295,000
5 bedroom semi-detached house for sale
Chestnut Avenue, Guildford

This week, we're featuring a beautifully presented 5-bedroom semi-detached house on Chestnut Avenue, Guildford (GU2). Completed in 2019 to a high specification, this home offers light, practical, and family-orientated accommodation. It's ideally located within walking distance of the station, town centre, and local schools.

Key features include a large reception hall, a sitting room with a fine bay window, and an impressive kitchen/dining/family room with wide bi-fold doors opening onto an entertaining terrace. The former garage has been converted into a home office/gym. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms on the first floor (including a main suite with dressing area and en-suite), with two further bedrooms on the second floor. Outside, there's a large gravelled parking area at the front and a lovely rear garden with a terrace, lawn, and raised deck area – perfect for family life and entertaining!

• Guide Price: £1,295,000

• Agent: Hill Clements - Guildford

• See Listing & More Photos: https://www.onthemarket.com/details/17112430/