A Town That Takes Food Seriously
Guildford hosts several food and drink festivals through the summer months, making it one of the liveliest food destinations in Surrey. The events rotate between Shalford Park, Stoke Park, and the town centre, each with a different character but the same underlying theme: Surrey produces far more good food and drink than most people realise, and Guildford is where you can taste it.
The Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival at Shalford Park is one of the standouts – a celebration of artisan cheese from British producers alongside chilli sauces, smoked meats, and street food. The event returns on 18–19 July 2026 and draws a large crowd to the meadows along the River Wey, with the village of Shalford and the Surrey Hills as a backdrop.
Foodies Festival and Beyond
The Foodies Festival at Stoke Park (6–8 June 2026) brings a national food festival format to Guildford. Live cookery demonstrations, street food vendors, a drinks theatre, and artisan producers fill the 60-acre park on the edge of town. Stoke Park also hosts the Sausage and Cider Fest in August – a more relaxed, family-friendly affair with live music, local cider, and exactly what the name promises.
The Guildford Farmers' Market on North Street runs on the first Tuesday of each month throughout the year, drawing regular shoppers rather than festival crowds. It is one of the longest-running farmers' markets in Surrey.
Surrey's Food and Drink Scene
Surrey's food and drink sector has grown substantially in the past decade. The county now has over a dozen commercial vineyards, several producing award-winning sparkling wine on the same chalk soil that gives Champagne its character. Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking is the largest vineyard in England. Surrey Hills Brewery, Hogs Back Brewery, and Tillingbourne Brewery represent a thriving local ale scene. For anyone moving to the Guildford area, a summer food festival is a good introduction to what the county produces – and to the character of the town itself.
