Guildford Castle, University of Surrey and City

Guildford has one of the best preserved Norman Keeps thought to be built around 1066. There is also an impressive Victorian Bandstand, an immaculate bowling green, War Memorial Arch and a Blue Cow. The University of Surrey was given University status in 1966, previously Battersea Polytechnic. It nestles on the side of Stag's hill below the Cathedral and echoes the warm tones of the brickwork. I also explored the old regions of the City with its cobbled pavements, old Guildhall and The Hospital of the Holy Trinity which still serves as an Alms House.

 

Guildford: River Wey and Stoke Park

I decided that, as driving out from the Travelodge in Guildford was difficult at any time of day due to the heavy traffic, I would spend the day walking into and around Guildford itself. It had been very cold overnight so lots of ice, frost and rising mist for my exploration of the River Wey and nearby Stoke Park.

Guildford Cathedral Renovations - Impressive Scaffolding

I last visited Guildford Cathedral in March 2015 when I was told that the Grade II listed Guildford Cathedral was at risk because of deteriorating plasterwork, which contained asbestos (https://pin-sharp.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/guildford-cathedral-double-takes.html). They raised the necessary 9.6M pounds and work has started. Only a small part of the Cathedral is open but it did give wonderful views of the very impressive scaffolding needed to work on the nave ceiling.