Located just 40 minutes from London with good links to the capital, Guildford is often referred to as a popular commuter town. But with a rich history, picturesque scenery and plenty of things to do, this pretty riverside market town is also a great for those looking for an escape from the bustle of city life.

Guildford, the largest town in Surrey, dates all the way back to the Saxon times, when the first pagans settled around 500AD. It remains home to many historic heritage sites today, including the Norman castle and a striking hilltop cathedral.

For a brisk autumn walk, Stoke Park is the best place to go. If it's raining, Guildford Spectrum offers visitors everything from ice skating and swimming to tenpin bowling.

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If you've worked up an appetite while exploring Guildford, you'll be relieved to hear that there are plenty of food and drink options. As well as chain restaurants like Nando's and Wagamama, there are lots of local options, including Kalm Kitchen, The Ivy Castle View and Burrito Loco.

Between the cobbled high street, the Friary Centre and the three-level Tunsgate Quarter, you'll have no problem getting your Christmas shopping done in Guildford. There's also a farmer's market on the high street on the first Tuesday of every month, as well as the North Street Market each Friday and Saturday.

The town's lido, which is set to reopen in 2025, is another highlight. Opened in 1933, the heated outdoor Olympic size swimming pool is the perfect place to spend a warm day. Writing on Tripadvisor, Scott, a past visitor said: "Fantastic pool - a pleasure to swim in. I have been going to the Lido for many years and the water does feel cold when it’s really hot outside but soon feels warm once you are in."

Meanwhile, Helen, who visited in August, wrote: "Absolutely fabulous day out with children. Parking free! Guy on reception outstanding in his welcome, efficiency and whole personality!!

"Large pool with areas to jump and splash in, plus lanes for swimming. Toddler pool ideal for young children and adjacent to the flumes making it easy to look after children on the flumes with a younger child in the toddler pool. Small cafe and large ice cream outlet."

A number of famous faces have called Guildford home over the years, including

The actress, who plays Emily Cooper in , was born in 1989 in Guildford. She didn't live in the UK for long, however, moving to America after her parents, singer Phil Collins and actress Jill Tavelman, divorced when she was five.

Nevertheless, she has fond memories about her time in Guildford, telling : "I was born and raised in the countryside. I remember I was fascinated by fairy tales.

"It was this magical world for me, and I would run in the garden imagining myself to be a fairy and playing with the animals and the elves of the woods. I was always playing alone, but I was convinced that they existed and were around me."