Abbot's Hospital

The moment you turn onto the high street in Guildford, you'll spot Abbot's Hospital's distinctive red-brick Tudor facade - it's impossible to miss. Built in 1619 by Archbishop Abbot as almshouses for the poor, it remains one of the finest examples of Jacobean charity architecture in England. The courtyard is the real draw: a perfectly proportioned square surrounded by linked residential buildings, each with its own chimney stacks that catch the afternoon light beautifully.

This is genuinely interesting if you care about social history or architecture. Most people spend 20-30 minutes poking around the courtyard, reading the plaques, and imagining what life was like for residents nearly 400 years ago. It's free to wander in during daylight hours, which makes it a solid stop if you're already in Guildford for shopping or the High Street.

Families with older kids will get something from it - there's something satisfying about the symmetry and the stories behind each building. Younger children might lose interest once they've run around the courtyard twice. History buffs should definitely allocate time here; it's the kind of place that rewards slow looking.

If you're camping nearby at Chantry Wood or any of the Surrey parks, Guildford's only a short drive, and Abbot's Hospital pairs well with a walk along the riverside or a visit to the castle ruins. Go mid-morning on a weekday if you can - weekends can get a bit crowded with school groups.