Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Known for its picturesque Georgian streets, handsome Tudor and Georgian stone buildings and easy access to the rolling hills of Surrey, this historic market town has much to offer. The high street is laden with independents, there&#8217;s a burgeoning arts scene and London is an hour away by train. No wonder Farnham is a popular place to live for young professionals and families, especially those looking to escape the big smoke for a rural idyll.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn, a gastropub in the centre of Farnham, Surrey." class="wp-image-42771" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/09/The-Castle-Inn-2022-the-dining-room-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Castle Inn</figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s no shortage of quality chain restaurants here, think Côte Brasserie, Bill&#8217;s and The Giggling Squid. But there are also some lovely independents worth hot-footing it to. For relaxed pub food <a href="https://castlepubfarnham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Castle</a> in the town centre is excellent and <a href="https://www.queens-head-farnham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queen&#8217;s Head</a> has good vegetarian options. <a href="https://thespottedcowpub.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Spotted Cow</a> on the edge of Farnham has a massive garden, and <a href="https://www.thelostboyfarnham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lost Boy</a> is popular with locals. <a href="https://www.thealfredfreehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alfred</a>, a craft ale pub, is known for its smashing Sunday roasts.</p>



<p><a href="https://danielerestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daniele Sicilian</a> is good for Italian and <a href="https://www.yiayias.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yiayias at The Fox</a> is the place for Greek. If you&#8217;re a lover of sushi, get your fix at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sushijun.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sushi Jun</a>. The <a href="https://www.lionandlambcafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lion and Lamb</a> is a buzzy café in the centre of town, open from breakfast through to dinner. Another good cafés is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/baristaloungefarnham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Barista Lounge</a>. For something special, book <a href="https://www.maisonrestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maison</a> in nearby Wrecclesham for an intimate chef&#8217;s table experience at the hands of former <em>Masterchef</em> finalist Ben Piette.</p>



<p><a href="https://jackandalice.co.uk/farnham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack and Alice</a>&nbsp;is the place to go for a drink. The wine bar and café opened in summer 2023 where The Botanist used to be.&nbsp;<a href="https://borellis.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Borelli’s Wine Bar</a>&nbsp;is another decent option, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewineyardfarnham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wine Yard</a>, in the cobbled Lion and Lamb Yard, offers more than 500 tipples from around the world plus antipasti boards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1492" height="1524" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/7a3c75_2675ff4979d34c53af5d2fa9d20cceafmv2.png" alt="Terracotta pots and wooden boards Packhouse Farnham Surrey" class="wp-image-56272" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/7a3c75_2675ff4979d34c53af5d2fa9d20cceafmv2.png 1492w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/7a3c75_2675ff4979d34c53af5d2fa9d20cceafmv2-783x800.png 783w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/7a3c75_2675ff4979d34c53af5d2fa9d20cceafmv2-979x1000.png 979w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/7a3c75_2675ff4979d34c53af5d2fa9d20cceafmv2-392x400.png 392w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/7a3c75_2675ff4979d34c53af5d2fa9d20cceafmv2-768x784.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1492px) 100vw, 1492px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Packhouse</figcaption></figure>



<p>From indie gems to high street stalwarts, Farnham offers good choice of shopping. If you love vintage and antiques, you&#8217;ve hit the jackpot. The fabulous <a href="https://www.packhouse.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Packhouse</a> is in nearby Runfold, and <a href="https://thebournemill.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bourne Mill Antiques</a> is an aladdin&#8217;s cave of vintage and collectibles, just on the edge of town. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paisleycatshop/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paisley Cat</a> is a lovely little gift shop with an eclectic range of goodies, as is <a href="https://vinegarhill.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinegar Hill</a> and <a href="https://www.between.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Between the Lines</a>. <a href="https://elphicks.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elphicks</a> department store has been around for more than 140 years, and offers everything from fashion to homewear. Elsewhere for fashion, there are high street favourites like Mint Velvet, Whistles, White Stuff and Fatface alongside lovely indies like <a href="https://www.coloursshops.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colours</a> and Angel Boutique.</p>



<p>Brides-to-be might want to head to <a href="https://www.thefarnhamboutique.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Farnham Boutique</a> or <a href="https://www.bridalindulgence.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bridal Indulgence</a>. And book lovers should check out the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blue_bear_bookshop/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Bear Bookshop</a> where, as well as a wide choice of new release and vintage books, you can also grab a coffee. The <a href="https://www.farnham.gov.uk/farmersmarket">Farnham Farmers&#8217; Market</a> is held on the fourth Sunday of every month. And on the first Saturday of every month the <a href="https://farnhammaltings.com/visit-us/monthly-market">Maltings Monthly Market</a> hosts over 200 stalls selling vintage and retro, craft and local produce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Your health is well taken care of in Farnham. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/farnham-hospital-and-centre-for-health/DJQ1L/departments-and-services" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnham Hospital and Centre for Health</a> is a large modern facility in the centre of town, part of the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. It hosts various medical practices including children and adolescent services, and dentistry and orthodontics.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.spirehealthcare.com/spire-clare-park-hospital/#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clare Park Hospital</a> in Farnham offers private hospital treatments including private GP services, general surgery and scans. And there&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.thefemalehealthclinic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The FeMale Health Clinic</a> offering a range of medical and aesthetic treatments. There are also plenty of options for GPs, dentists, optometrists, physios, and holistic health clinics.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/farnham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Lloyd Gym and Spa</a> in Farnham is a health club offering everything from steam rooms, spas and swimming to tennis, yoga and pilates. If it&#8217;s more a luxury retreat you&#8217;re after, head to <a href="https://purespauk.com/pages/pure-spa-beauty-farnham-surrey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pure Beauty and Spa</a>, a day spa with six treatment rooms, a nail bar and a Hyperbaric oxygen therapy&nbsp;chamber.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Farnham is a town that&#8217;s all about community &#8211; it&#8217;s big, bold and thriving. Farnham Maltings is a hub for events hosting several festivals throughout the year including Unravel (dedicated to all thinks knitting), a Festival of Crafts and Christmas Fair. The <a href="https://www.farnham.gov.uk/food-festival-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnham Food and Drink Festival</a> is a one-day event held in the autumn with more than 100 traders taking over Castle Street. And the annual Christmas Light Switch-on also a popular event. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling-720x480.jpeg" alt="Alice Holt Woods in Farnham." class="wp-image-38110" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/Alice-Holt-Forest-cycling.jpeg 1001w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alice Holt Woods</figcaption></figure>



<p>Not many towns have their own castle. Farnham castle, the 12th-century castle built in 1138AD by the grandson of William the Conqueror, is now an award-winning wedding venue. <a href="https://www.farnhamcastle.com/the-castle/tours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Castle Keep</a> is open to visitors most days, and tours of the <a href="https://www.farnhamcastle.com/the-castle/tours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishop&#8217;s Palace</a> are also available select Wednesdays. <a href="https://www.birdworld.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birdworld</a> offers a great day out for the family, or if you&#8217;re sporty head to <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/alice-holt-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice Holt Woods</a>, just south of Farnham, where you can hire bicycles, go running or hiking or get your adrenalin fix at the Go Ape. The <a href="https://rural-life.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rural Life Living Museum</a> in Tilford is also worth a visit. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p><a href="https://farnhammaltings.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnham Maltings</a> is a cultural hub offering music, comedy, theatre, film and workshops throughout the year, as well as festivals and fairs. <a href="https://www.newashgate.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Ashgate Gallery</a> is an art gallery and shop championing local artists and affordable arts and crafts. And don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://www.thesculpturepark.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sculpture Park</a> which shows off more than 600 sculptures in beautiful gardens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average house in Farnham sold for £532,836&nbsp;in the past year. Most were detached sellling for an average of £926,965. Semis averaged £484,850, and terraced homes £484,850.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="799" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Property-Farnham-Knight-Frank-2.jpeg" alt="Georgian house for sale in Farnham, Surrey." class="wp-image-55314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Property-Farnham-Knight-Frank-2.jpeg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Property-Farnham-Knight-Frank-2-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Property-Farnham-Knight-Frank-2-1000x666.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Property-Farnham-Knight-Frank-2-400x266.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Property-Farnham-Knight-Frank-2-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This Grade II-listed Georgian 7 bed country house is set on a handsome 11.3 acre plot. Fancy it? <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/runwick-farnham-surrey-gu10/GLD012252001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for OIEO £3m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries"><strong>NURSERIES</strong></h2>



<p>Plenty of nurseries in Farnham, including the nurseries at local independent schools  <a href="https://www.edgeborough.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edgeborough School</a>, <a href="https://www.barfieldpst.org">Barfield Prep</a> and <a href="https://www.frensham.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frensham Heights</a>. The <a href="https://www.csnurseryschools.co.uk/woodland-nursery/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodland Nursery School</a> in Lower Bourne and <a href="https://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/farnham-day-nursery-and-preschool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bright Horizons Day Nursery and Pre-School</a> in Monkton Lane is Ofsted-rated Outstanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>SCHOOLS</strong></h2>



<p>Schools in Farnham are excellent – in both the state and independent sectors. If you&#8217;re looking to go private, <a href="https://www.barfieldpst.org">Barfield Prep</a> is a small co-ed prep at nearby Runfold, and <a href="https://www.frensham.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frensham Heights</a> is a progressive all-through day and boarding school offering holistic, child-centred education. <a href="https://www.edgeborough.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edgeborough School</a> is an idyllic prep and boarding school at Frensham, just outside Farnham.</p>



<p>Excellent state schools include <a href="https://www.south-farnham.surrey.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Farnham School</a>, a primary and infant school set over two sites, and <a href="http://www.stpolycarps.surrey.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Polycarp&#8217;s Catholic Primary School</a>. For senior schools, <a href="https://www.allhallows.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All Hallows Catholic School</a> is Ofsted-rated Outstanding. <a href="http://www.weydonschool.surrey.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weydon School</a> is a highly sought-after senior school. </p>



<p>Farnham is also home to the <a href="https://www.uca.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University for the Creative Arts</a>, a specialist arts and design school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Did you know that Farnham is the birthplace of Peter Pan? His creator JM Barrie spent his summers at Black Lake Cottage in Farnham from 1901 to 1908. And it was during these years that Peter Pan was created.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Trains run regularly throughout the day from Farnham to London Waterloo which usually take about one hour 30 mins. </p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Farnham

See more in Surrey