Put your walking shoes on and prepare to hit the pavements around historic Guildford.
Historic churches, pubs, and antique stores sit alongside boutiques, cafes, and bakeries. Points of interest are denoted by plaques detailed in the Glorious Guildford Heritage Walk Trails brochure.
There’s so much to explore in Guildford, it’s easily walkable, and can be reached by public transport.
Whether you’ve parked your car or hopped off at the station, start your adventure on the main thoroughfare of James Street.
There are treasures galore to be found among the boutiques, galleries, and antique stores, with enticing displays on the footpath and curios and art lining the windows.
Don’t be misled by the name George’s Furniture Restoration. Even if you don’t need a chair or lounge fixed, this business is a treasure trove.
Sunday is always a popular day to visit, being the day of the week new stock is advertised on social media.
The titular George is 78 and is often still working in the store (as he has done for 37 years) with son Tony Nakhoul.
Tony says leadlight kitchenettes are very popular, as are China cabinets, haberdashery cabinets, and “anything with lots of drawers” — which are in demand by people wanting to store either paperwork, or their shoes!
179 James St. Open daily 10am to 4.30pm.
Basic Elements was one of the shops destroyed by a fire in December 2021, losing its antiques, artefacts, and collectables.
Coralie Edwards and Maurice Sawyer recently reopened the 28-year-old business, with its eye-catching range of glass lamps from Central Java again hanging out the front.
They make regular trips overseas to source stock.
Teak furniture, duck sculptures, bird cages, wall hangings, and pottery are just some of the items you’ll discover.
For those looking for something very old, how about a Dusun style, four-lugged container dating from the Tang Dynasty (800s).
These historic antiques have never been used, coming from a submerged warehouse on the Musi River in Southern Sumatera.
173 James St Guildford. Open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 3, Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 3.30pm and soon to resume closing at 4pm.
A bright new addition to the James Street coffee and brunch scene is Keni Donuts & Cafe.
Keni, Mangan means “come, let’s eat” in Filipino says owner Tessa Tayag.
The former line and pastry chef is experienced at making everything from wedding cakes to brownies but her specialty at Keni is brioche doughnuts like those she enjoyed eating in California.
Flavours can include Biscoff glaze, Ube milky, raspberry, and Canadian breakfast, with at least six to eight to choose from daily.
All-day brunch items with nods to California and Hong Kong include California Beef Hash ($22) with silverside, potato rosti and poached eggs, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Donut ($21.50), and Steak and Egg Breakfast ($27).
171 James St, Guildford. Open Tuesday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, weekends 8.30am to 4pm.
Jones of Guildford is one of the area’s original family-run stores, with their history dating to Walter Jones, who arrived in WA in 1830.
At its peak the Jones family had 14 antique shops around Perth including nine in Guildford.
Today the family still buys and sells almost “anything and everything” and you will uncover furniture, clocks, vases, canisters, compasses, books, records, clothing and so much more.
165 James St. Open Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 5pm.
If you’re visiting with children, head straight to the giant dinosaur outside the wonderland that is the Museum of Natural History and Academy of Taxidermy.
Preserving nature’s wonders “is my life” says owner, curator, and master taxidermist Michael Buzza.
Housed inside a heritage-listed theatre, the museum experience offers visitors the chance to see real and replica animals from kangaroos and emus to sharks and snakes.
Hundreds of exhibits have been patiently and expertly reproduced by Michael aided by his association with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction.
Fun fact: some specimens can be hired for special events and theatrical and film use, including the dinosaur statues.
131 James Street. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and Mondays for school and public holidays.
Take a break from the browsing to reward yourself with a treat from Mimmo’s Gourmet Gelato, which regularly scoops up medals at the Perth Royal Food Awards.
Italian gelato and sorbet are made fresh with authentic Italian flavours and ingredients. Seasonal specials make the most of local produce including watermelon, zesty lime, blood orange, fig, even Swan Valley Shiraz.
On any given day you will see 16 tempting flavours including the popular cherry, Bacio, mint, Oreo, and nougat.
Italian cakes, hot chocolate, brioche-filled ice cream, coffee and three types of tiramisu are always available into the evening.
9/121 James St. Open Tuesday 12 to 8pm, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 12 to 8pm and Friday and Saturday 12 to 9pm.
After you’ve exhausted the James Street strip, it’s time to cross the railway line and head to Terrace Road.
On the way, you’ll pass Guildford Village Potters a cooperative of ceramic artists founded in 1981 to nurture growth and diversity in visual and ceramic arts.
Expect to find decorative and practical pieces from vases and bowls to teapots and mugs, as well as wood art and paintings.
There is also a section dedicated to pottery for the garden and alfresco featuring pots, bird ornaments and planters.
There are regular exhibitions, events, and pottery classes.
22 Meadow St, Guildford. Open weekdays 10am to 3pm, weekends 10am to 4pm.
Shopaholics are advised to enter Panache Living with caution. Shane and Sue Armitage’s store is almost impossible to leave without buying something.
Need a gift? Check out the candles and diffusers from Glasshouse, Peppermint Grove, and WA-made Flower Box Home Fragrance.
Something for the house? Crockery, decorator items, lamps, and furniture abound.
Does your wardrobe need an update? From winter coats and summer dresses to jewellery and shoes, Panache will have you stepping out and accessorising in style in brands including Country Road, Elk, Najo, and Mimco.
Panache has inviting window displays that really come alive for special occasions and the festive season.
112 Terrace Rd. Open Monday 10am to 2pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
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