Travel back in time for the history of Guildford railway station
A short walk around Guildford railway station and its environs to look at its rich history led by Geoff Burch and David Rose
Time & Location
22 Sept 2024, 10:00 – 12:00
Guildford Railway Station, Station Approach & Walnut Tree Cl, Guildford GU1 4UL, UK
About the event
Meet at the the entrance to Guildford railway station, off Walnut Tree Close GU1 4UT.
Any travel advice: Public car parks close by including Farnham Road multi-storey car park, Guildford bus station in Commercial Road.
what3words address: ///margin.dollar.spice Grid reference for start point: SU 99229 49573.
Description of walk: Led by local historian David Rose and retired railwayman and railway historian Geoff Burch, it promises to be a fascinating morning as there will also be plenty of vintage photos to look at – printed out and on iPads. Walk in conjunction with the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership with access to the station by Network Rail.
Starting with a walk on the platforms, you will hear the story of how this important railway hub developed. The mural by artist Julie Hoyle in the subway will also be featured. The walk will then go via Farnham Road bridge to the multi-storey car park and pause at the vehicle entrance to hear about the motive power depot (engine shed) that was once here. You will stand at the exact spot when steam locomotives entered and left the shed.
Then towards where the coaling stage stood adjacent to platform 8, once another hive of activity. The walk continues along Guildford Park Road and on beside Guildford Park Avenue up to Yorky’s Bridge. This footbridge from the University of Surrey to Walnut Tree Close was once a well-known location for train spotters and photographers. Again looking at vintage photos of steam and electric trains taken from the bridge, there are great views of the layout of the lines into the station and a skyline that is forever changing. You’ll even hear how the bridge got its unusual name! The walk back to the station will be via Walnut Tree Close.
Any specific walk / condition issues: Care to be taken when on the station platforms and walking on pavements beside Farnham Road, Guildford Park Road and Walnut Tree Close. Care to be taken when vehicles are entering and exiting Farnham Road multi-storey car park.
Dogs not allowed.
Length of Walk: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
Maximum 20 walkers, book on first come, first served basis.
Book: phone walk leader David Rose on 07557 046502 or email davidrosemedia@gmail.com
Led by Geoff Burch and David Rose