The Parks & Open Spaces of Guildford Borough are managed and maintained by the Parks & Countryside Service, they range from high quality, intensively used sports pitches, to informal open spaces for recreation. The following list gives an overview of what is where and the facilities available, click on the map icon for the nearest access point or contact us at [email protected] for further information.
Visit our Countryside sites page for our woodlands, heathlands, downland, wetland, water meadows and riverside countryside areas.
Roll over the symbols for a description.
Allen House Grounds 
Close to the town centre this pocket park is a natural oasis for weary shoppers and sporty type alike! The gardens contain formal areas, bowling green and tennis courts. Plenty of benches to escape the hustle and bustle of the High Street.
Avondale Open Space, Ash Vale. 
A grassed area with a junior and toddler play area.
Bellfields Open Space, Guildford. 
A large area of grass with ornamental trees and pond situated within the Bellfields Estate.
Castle Cliffe Gardens, Guildford. 
These gardens adjoin Guildford's celebrated Castle Grounds are adjacent to both the Museum and the house in which Lewis Carroll once lived. Take time and and relax in this quiet formal garden with all season interest and views across the river valley.
Castle Grounds, Guildford.
The grounds at Guildford Castle were opened as public gardens in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee of the previous year. The gardens are extremely popular, displaying an amazing array of colorful bedding, centred on the 11th Century Castle Keep. Other attractions include a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass, a historic bowling green, music concerts in the band stand, the towns war memorial and open-air theatre in the summer months.
Foxenden Quarry, Guildford.
A small landscaped open space, set in a natural hollow, informal seating and play area.
Kingston Meadows, East Horsley. 
Adopted in 1980, a rural park of some 1.5 hectares in a rural location, with football pitch, ornamental planting, play area, hard tennis courts, bmx track and teenage meet & greet area, this is a real community asset. Sharing a car park with the village hall, where modern shower and changing facilities can be found.
Onslow Village Recreation Ground. 
An open area, bordered on two sides by houses, ideal for relaxation and informal recreation. A football pitch and children's play area are available and next door is Onslow Arboretum, a collection of trees from around the world, further details can be found on the Countryside sites page.
Quakers' Acre, Guildford.
A jewel in the heart of Guildford town centre. Seasonal bedding gives colour and life to this secretive and intimate spot. Offering seclusion and seats for reflecting on the day, its also ideal for starting those books you've just got from the library next door!
Quarry Street Gardens, Guildford.
A prominent landscaped area forming a focal point as you enter the town form Shalford. Three brick arches which were the entrances to the old drying racks (see Racks Close) can be seen, which now house the Millennium Vault.
Racks Close, Guildford.
Racks Close is associated with Guildford's medieval woollen industry, woollen cloth being dyed and dried on 'racks'. It was also a site for the quarrying of chalk, the building material of many local houses and structures. Today the steeply banked land is dissected with natural amphitheatres containing mature trees and informal seating. A quiet place for picnics and reflection.
Rowan Field, Shawfield Lane, Ash. 
Landscaped and planted in 1996 this 7 hectare park is designed to provide all year round seasonal and conservation interest. Features include a large wildlife pond, a wide variety of trees, wild flower planting, seating and picnic facilities. A small visitor car park is located off Shawfield Lane.
Shalford Park, Guildford.
An open area of parkland providing football pitches during the winter and a site for many events during the summer months. Concerts, shows, fairs and more. Ideal for a relaxing picnic. Also adjacent to Shalford Water meadows a Site of Special Scientific Interest which abuts the River Wey visit Countryside sites page for more information.
St. Catherine's Hill, Guildford.
On the summit of this hill stands the ruin of St Catherine's Chapel built in the 13th Century by the rector of St Nicolas' church. The chapel was abandoned by the end of the middle ages, the church can be seen from across the valley and river and the hill makes a fantastic viewing platform.
Stoke Park, Guildford. 
A traditional, multi-functional, natural park of 70 hectares, home to the Surrey County Agricultural Show, Guilfest and other events throughout the year. It also contains the Georgian, timber framed Burchatts Farm Barn which is a popular venue for functions and wedding receptions.
Stoke Park Gardens. 
Forming part of Stoke Park the original gardens were laid out in the 1800s. The Victorian style gardens contain seasonal bedding and landscaped areas with oriental themes, an award winning sensory garden, putting green and children's play area. There is also a boating pond, rock lined stream, paddling pool and Japanese shelter.
Stoke Recreation Ground, Guildford.
A park in-between Stocton Road and Recreation Road, providing cricket, football, changing facilities, modern play area and areas for informal recreation.
St. Martins Court, East Horsley.
Formal open space, surrounded by Sheltered Housing, formal bowling green used by East Horsley Bowling Club, landscaped areas and local parking.
Sutherland Memorial Park.
Everything's here at Sutherland! Seasonal bedding and ornamental shrub beds complement the comprehensive modern facilities at this well used park. Two well-equipped play areas, ample parking, football, cricket, bowls, tennis and basketball, supported by up-to-date, modern facilities.
Stoughton Recreation Ground, Guildford.
A large park much used by locals and home of Guildford City Boys, playground, community hall, changing rooms and areas for informal recreation. There are also fantastic views of Guildford and surrounding downland. The park has recently been planted with ornamental trees and wildflower areas are being developed.
Tilehouse Open Space
A pleasant open grass area with landscaped pond, amenity area, tree planting, ornamental shrub beds and play area.
Waverley Mead, Guildford. 
In between river and canal side this attractive site with mature trees, next to lock, weir and boathouse attracts many visitors. Hire a boat from, take a picnic or feed the ducks its an ideal place to sit and relax and watch the world go by.
Woodbridge Meadows, Walnut Tree Close.
A small, linear, riverside open space, adjoining the River Wey towpath. Mature trees and wildflower areas provide an ideal spot to stop, rest or take a picnic.
Woodbridge Road Cricket Ground, Guildford. 
The prestigious site of Guildford's annual Cricket Festival where the town plays host to Surrey County Cricket Club. The ground plays host to club, county and international matches and has a thriving Hockey use.