KENT, SURREY & SUSSEX - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 281

sphere that is more garden party than rock-fest; it's regularly voted one of Britain's top
family festivals. It's an easy walk from the station, and there's plenty of free parking
nearby so you can pop in for a day. Unlike some festivals, it is usually possible to get
tickets at the gate.
Guildford Lido, also in Stoke Park, is a classic 1930s' outdoor swimming pool.
The 50-m (164-ft.) pool is heated and surrounded by landscaped gardens. It is open
May 1 to mid-September daily 10:30am to 6:30pm, with several early-morning ses-
sions from 6:30am. The lawns make a wonderful spot for picnics, and there is a cafe.
Also in the park is Guildford Spectrum ( & 01483/443355 ) one of Britain's lead-
ing leisure complexes, including a pool with slides, a 25-m (82-ft.) swimming pool,
teaching pool, and diving pool, as well as bowling, ice-skating, and other sports.
Times and prices vary.
Where to Eat & Stay
Asperion This boutique guesthouse, which aims to be socially responsible, is
within walking distance of town. There are sustainable practices, green energy, ethi-
cal and social banking. Organic breakfasts are sourced from local suppliers, and there
are fair-trade tea and coffee, organic chocolate and toiletries in the rooms, and
organic wine from the bar. The rooms are crisp and white, with Egyptian cotton
sheets and down duvets.
73 Farnham Rd., Guildford, Surrey GU2 7PF. www.asperion.co.uk. & 01483/579299. Fax [phone]
units. £85-£105 double. Rates include English breakfast. AE, MC, V. In room: TV, hair dryer, Internet (free).
Holiday Inn Guildford Albeit on the wrong side of the A3 from the city, this
modern hotel amid trees nevertheless makes a good stab at sophistication, with dark
wood finishes in the lobby and bar. Most of the guests are on business, but it's a good
place for those heading off exploring. The rooms are big and stylishly simple, and a
pool and restaurant add to the attraction.
Egerton Rd., Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XZ. www.ichotelsgroup.com. & 0870/400-9036. Fax 01483/
457256. 168 units. £114-£265 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Off the A3, about 2 miles southwest
of the heart of Guildford. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; babysitting; exercise room; indoor pool; room
service; Wi-Fi (£15 per day). In room: TV, hair dryer.
Mandolay Mandolay comprises four 19th-century townhouses converted into
a luxury hotel that sits at the end of the High Street. There's been plenty of expansion
and grooming over the past decade, and the place now has a seriously swish atmo-
sphere with a sleek modern touch. The m.Brasserie and Grill is open 7 days a week
for smart, locally sourced lunches and dinners, often with imaginative combinations
such as lamb rump with artichoke, or the crispy filet of sea bass with chili, crab, mus-
sels, pappardelle pasta, and saffron sauce (main courses £10-£17). The m.Bar is also
one of Guildford's most sophisticated bars.
36-40 London Rd., Guildford, Surrey GU1 2AE. www.guildford.com. & 01483/303030. Fax 01483/
534669. 72 units. £120-£175 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room:
TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).

6

THE SURREY HILLS
30 miles from London
The Surrey Hills were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958,
and offer some of the Southeast's most beautiful and accessible countryside There's