Where to work in Guildford

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Guildford is one of those quintessentially English towns that in the last couple of years has become a great location for remote work and life. Growing up, I saw it go from a quiet quintessentially English town to a commuter town and now a great space for both commuter and remote lifestyle just outside of London. No one is more surprised than I am to share that I actually think it’s worth a mention for places to remote work in the UK, but it seriously has become quite something.

While everyone has been convinced of ‘the death of the high street’ in the last decade, it feels like the pandemic actually brought new life to it instead. After almost two years of being at home, it showed a need for more ‘third party spaces’ where people could come together and spend time for longer periods than might have been expected pre-pandemic. Whether working together outside of the office for a change of scenery or grabbing a cup of coffee and enjoying a longer catch up. Travelling into Guildford now, it’s encouraging to see these retail spaces become more focussed on social spaces now (including remote work spots).

Where to Work in Guildford

Cosy Club

Pre-pandemic this felt like the only place for a long time that I could go in and remote work from. While it has a little more competition now, I’d still rate this as a space to head to if you’re needing a cosier space with good wifi, good coffee and a hearty breakfast. Just a heads up, dogs are only allowed in the bar area, but hey! It’s good to know furry friends are allowed.

Coppa Club

Also known as The Guildford Townhouse, I was very excited to hear that there would be a Coppa Club opening up in my hometown. Three floors of comfy tables and chairs perfect for a work set up or a brunch, I really enjoyed the atmosphere here and getting some work done at the same time. It’s a little pricier than other places, but for every now and again, I feel it’s worth it.

Joe & The Juice

It’s encouraging to know that the town is getting more invested in healthier lifestyle options, and having been a long time fan of Joe & The Juice, it makes me happy to know I have this option closer than London, if I wish it. I think this is probably more of a shorter set up place, like two hours max of work, but it’s worth it for a pick me up.

Black Sheep Coffee

Playing on the history of Alice in Wonderland in Guildford, Black Sheep Coffee is now in one of the prime locations of Guildford and while the wifi isn’t always great in there, it’s a perfect place to stop in between journeys. They also have a range of lifestyle coffee blends that I’m curious to try next time I’m in there.

Harris + Hoole

From what I remember, the coffee and pastries here are yummy but I’d maybe find a space upstairs to work here if I can. It’s definitely more of a quick coffee and move on vibe for me, but still worth stopping in.

Ole & Steen

So admittedly I’ve not tried working here - just did a quick content sesh on the phone - but I’ve loved this brand for years since living in London. I would go here just for the ‘fika’ vibe between work seshes or to have a catch up with friends. You can literally get the yummiest cinnamon slices and coffee!

Meghan’s by the Castle Restaurant

Although this restaurant is still on my ‘to see’ list, it felt worthy of a mention as it literally has ‘laptop friendly’ printed on the door. I’m excited to try this place in the future so will keep you posted!

What to Do in Guildford

While you can probably do most things in the high street in a day, there is a lot to explore around Guildford if you like cute walks, coffee and history:

Guildford Castle: The castle grounds offer a peaceful escape for lunch breaks, and the view from the top of the Great Tower provides a stunning panorama of the town and surrounding countryside. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when the flowers are in bloom.

River Wey Walks: Meandering along the riverside path is a perfect way to decompress after work or with a coffee with friends on the weekend. Following the towpath north takes you through peaceful meadows, while heading south leads you to the charming village of Shalford.

The Guildhall Clock: This iconic overhanging clock on the High Street is a must-see, and the surrounding area is full of independent shops and cafés perfect for weekend browsing. The cobbled High Street itself is one of the most picturesque shopping areas in southern England.

Surrey Hills: Just on the doorstep, the Surrey Hills AONB has plenty of trails and cycle pathes. The view from St Martha's Church on the Pilgrim's Way is particularly spectacular and worth the climb - we used to climb it with the dogs.

Guildford House Gallery: This 17th-century town house hosts regular exhibitions of local and national artists. It's a great spot to find inspiration, and the craft shop is perfect for unique gifts.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre: For evening entertainment, this riverside theatre offers a varied program of productions, from West End previews to local shows. The riverside terrace is also a lovely spot for a pre-show drink in summer.

The town's proximity to London means you're never far from big city amenities, but Guildford itself offers plenty to keep you occupied. The monthly farmers' market transforms the High Street into a foodie paradise, while the seasonal events like the Guildford Fringe Festival and Christmas Market add extra character to the town.

Overall, nowadays I can honestly say that Guildford could actually be a good hotspot for remote workers looking for a base in southeast England. The reliable infrastructure, abundance of workspace options, and high quality of life make it an attractive alternative to London. The strong transport links mean you can easily access the capital when needed, while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life and beautiful countryside.

Have you explored Surrey yet?

Han x