Surrey


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



<p>This historic little market town by the River Wey is quintessentially British with pretty lanes, charming cottages and a quaint Shakespearean vibe. It&#8217;s just four miles from Guildford, but surrounded by pretty countryside. You&#8217;re in prime stockbroker territory, mostly thanks to the easy commute to London which takes less than an hour. The pretty setting is also home to a range of hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops, with plenty of lovely independents on the high street. Lots of boxes ticked!</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="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25.jpg" alt="The Stag on the River" class="wp-image-40136" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/TheStagOnTheRiver-SophieDuckworthPhotography-25-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Stag on the River</figcaption></figure>



<p>When we say you&#8217;re spoiled for choice, we&#8217;re not joking. Whatever cuisine you&#8217;re hankering for, it&#8217;s right here on your doorstep. In the mood for Thai? <a href="https://www.thegreedyelephant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greedy Elephant</a> is your go-to restaurant. <a href="https://www.acorngodalming.com/acornmenu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acorn Restaurant</a> offers up Spanish tapas and oysters &#8211; a wonderful combination in our book &#8211; and <a href="https://www.piazzafirenze.com/godalming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piazza Firenze</a> is a popular Italian restaurant. Head to <a href="https://www.thewharfgodalming.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wharf Bar</a> for Indian.</p>



<p>For more relaxed pub dining, there&#8217;s lots on offer too. <a href="https://www.theinnonthelake.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Inn on the Lake</a> in Godalming is a pretty pub worth a visit, as is <a href="https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/refectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Refrectory</a>. For restaurant-quality gastropub menus, <a href="https://thestarwitley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Star</a> in Witley should be high on your list. We&#8217;re also big fns of <a aria-label="The Stag on the River (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stagontherivereashing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Stag on the River</a>, just outside Godalming sitting right on the River Wey at Lower Eashing. There are rooms here too, if you fancy a cheeky overnighter. </p>



<p>Another high-end pub worth the drive a few minutes out of Godalming – and also with stylish bedrooms – is <a aria-label="The Merry Harriers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://merryharriers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Merry Harriers</a> in Hambledon. The food here is phenomenal. For first-class coffee, go to the 2025 Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thejournalistcoffee/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journalist Coffee Shop</a> where you&#8217;ll also find delicious handmade pastries. Also popular is <a href="https://esquirescoffee.co.uk/store/esquires-godalming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Esquires</a> (the cheese and ham toasties, are fab), and the <a href="http://nattercafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natter Café</a> in nearby Farncombe. The Natter Café also does a great breakfast. </p>



<p>Cocktails anyone? Head to the <a aria-label="Rose &amp; Crown Bar (opens in a new tab)" href="http://roseandcrownbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rose &amp; Crown Bar</a> in the centre of the town, handily located quite near the station too. Or the Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.huskinsbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huskins Bar</a> (by day a coffee shop) shakes and stirs a mean cocktail. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1125" height="1406" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/026315B6-30A3-4CCE-AE3C-DFC85AB0A59D.jpg" alt="Rose &amp; Co Lifestyle Shop Godalming" class="wp-image-62177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/026315B6-30A3-4CCE-AE3C-DFC85AB0A59D.jpg 1125w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/026315B6-30A3-4CCE-AE3C-DFC85AB0A59D-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/026315B6-30A3-4CCE-AE3C-DFC85AB0A59D-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/026315B6-30A3-4CCE-AE3C-DFC85AB0A59D-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/026315B6-30A3-4CCE-AE3C-DFC85AB0A59D-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1125px) 100vw, 1125px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rose &amp; Co</figcaption></figure>



<p>The independent shopping scene is Godalming is a real treat. <a aria-label="Rose &amp; Co (opens in a new tab)" href="https://roseandcolifestyle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rose &amp; Co</a> is a beautiful homeware and lifestyle store, filled to the brim with treasures perfect for a treat to yourself or as a gift. <a href="https://wattleanddaubhome.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wattle &amp; Daub</a> is another indy worth going out of your way for. And plenty do, making a trip to Godalming especially. <a href="https://hellolovelyfashion.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hello Lovely</a> offers a lovely range of women&#8217;s wear, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cassallygodalming/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassally</a> is a one-stop-shop for women&#8217;s clothing, accessories and gifts. Looking to shop for food from unique, independent brands? There&#8217;s the 2025 Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.thepepperedpearpantry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppered Pear Pantry</a>, a specialist deli offering everything from craft beer and gin to local British produce and curated hampers. <a aria-label="The Godalming Food Company (opens in a new tab)" href="https://godalmingfood.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Godalming Food Company</a> is another fabulous deli worth a visit.</p>



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



<p>For health needs there are several good options. <a href="https://www.springfieldelstead.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Springfield Surgery</a> and <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/services/gp-surgery/binscombe-medical-centre/H81026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binscombe Medical Centre</a> both rank highly among patient surveys. Or head to <a href="https://surreyholistic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Surrey Holistic Centre</a>, a wellness hub and collective in Bridge Street offering everything from acupuncture and Ayurvedic massage to osteopathy, somatic psychology and physiotherapy.</p>



<p>For fitness check out <a href="https://www.patchfitness.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patch Fitness</a>, offering small group and one-to-one PT sessions. <a href="https://charterhouseclub.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Charterhouse Club</a> is a members&#8217; health and fitness club with a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, sports studios, badminton and pickleball courts and a climbing wall. There&#8217;s a range of fitness classes, as well as PTs offering one-to-one training. Golfers might like to try <a href="https://www.charterhousegolfclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charterhouse Golf Club</a>, <a href="https://www.hurtmore-golf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hurtmore Golf Club</a> or <a href="https://www.wsgc.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Surrey Golf Club</a>.</p>



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



<p>Godalming is quite the buzzing honeypot for community activities all year round. There’s a strong local community spirit in the area, with annual events like Staycation Live, a community music, food and arts festival that&#8217;s been held each year since 2011. Sadly the 2025 event won&#8217;t be running, but there&#8217;s plenty more to step into the limelight. </p>



<p>During the summer months there&#8217;s the <a href="https://godalming-tc.gov.uk/godalming-food-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Godalming Food Festival</a>, an ode to all things food and drink, and <a href="https://www.choirblast.com/">ChoirBlast</a>, a cool two-day event celebrating contemporary choirs. <a href="https://godalmingbandstand.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music in the Park</a> is a free summer music event which takes place every Sunday afternoon from May to September at the Godalming Bandstand in The Burys alongside the River Wey. Later in the year, there&#8217;s the annual fireworks and Godalming&#8217;s <a href="https://godalming-tc.gov.uk/christmas-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Festival</a>. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans.jpg" alt="Winkworth Arboretum" class="wp-image-28746" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Winkworth-Aboretum-1-©Amber-Evans-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Winkworth Arboretum</figcaption></figure>



<p>Godalming is a brilliant place for families with lots on offer. At the 11-acre <a href="https://www.waverley.gov.uk/services/greenspaces-leisure-and-things-to-do/greenspaces-in-waverley/key-sites/the-phillips-memorial-park-godalming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phillips Memorial Park</a> you&#8217;ll find a children&#8217;s play area and a skate park. Barely three miles away is <a aria-label="Winkworth Arboretum (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/winkworth-arboretum-surrey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winkworth Arboretum</a>, a popular National Trust spot that spans 95 acres and a stunning location for a long walk or perhaps a picnic if the weather allows! In nearby Hambledon, travel back in time at the National Trust-run <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/oakhurst-cottage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakhurst Cottage</a>, 16th-century labourer&#8217;s dwelling that&#8217;s remained unaltered since the mid-19th century. All visits are by guided tour and must be&nbsp;pre-booked. If you fancy afternoon tea in the most special of settings, make a booking at <a aria-label="Barnett Hill (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/barnett-hill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barnett Hill</a>, a 10 min drive from Godalming. </p>



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



<p>The <a href="https://www.godalmingfilmsoc.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Godalming Film Society</a> is a members-only society celebrating cinema&nbsp;by screening films that are rarely seen on the main circuit. There&#8217;s an emphasis on world cinema and films are shown at Borough Hall on Tuesdays between September and May. </p>



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



<p>The average house price in Godalming over the past year was just a snip under £600k. Most of the properties sold were detached, selling for an average of £940,000. Terraces average around £450k and with semi-detached house fetch close to £570k.</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="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Property-Godalming-House-Partnership.jpg" alt="Property for sale in Godalming, Surrey." class="wp-image-61947" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Property-Godalming-House-Partnership.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Property-Godalming-House-Partnership-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Property-Godalming-House-Partnership-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Property-Godalming-House-Partnership-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Property-Godalming-House-Partnership-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set in gardens and grounds of about 4 acres, this family home has a an indoor pool, sauna, gym and bar. It&#8217;s for sale with <a href="https://housepartnership.co.uk/property/hascombe-road-godalming-surrey-gu8-4aa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">House Partnership</a> for £5.85m.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p>There are several highly-rated nursery schools in Godalming which provide excellent care and early childhood education.&nbsp;The family-run <a href="https://bellhousenursery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bell House Nursery</a> in the centre of Godalming is Ofsted-rated Outstanding and caters to children aged 2-4 yrs. Also Outstanding is <a href="https://www.wharf.surrey.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wharf Nursery School</a> offering a term-time nursery for children aged 2-5 yrs. It was founded in 1947. <a href="https://www.toddletowndaynursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toddletown Nursery</a> in Godalming takes children from 6 mths to school age, 51 weeks a year.</p>



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



<p>You&#8217;re spoiled for choice when it comes to schools in Godalming &#8211; both independent and state. For prep schools <a aria-label="Aldro (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.aldro.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aldro</a>, <a href="https://www.barrowhills.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barrow Hills School</a> and <a href="https://www.sthilarysschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Hilary&#8217;s School</a> are all excellent choices. For senior schools, co-ed <a aria-label="Charterhouse (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.charterhouse.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charterhouse</a> is well-known and highly regarded, alongside girls&#8217; school <a aria-label="Prior's Field (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.priorsfieldschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prior&#8217;s Field</a>, and the coeducational <a aria-label="King Edward's Witley (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.kesw.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Edward&#8217;s Witley</a>. Guildford schools including <a href="https://www.rgsg.co.uk/">RGS</a> for boys, and <a aria-label="St Catherine's (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stcatherines.info/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Catherine&#8217;s</a> and <a aria-label="Tormead (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.tormeadschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tormead</a> for girls, are also options for parents. There are several top-rated state schools in Godalming including <a href="https://www.busbridge-junior.surrey.sch.uk/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busbridge CofE Aided Junior School</a> and <a aria-label="Godalming Junior School (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.godalming-junior.surrey.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Godalming Junior School</a> (both Ofsted-rated Good) for primary-aged children, <a aria-label="Broadwater School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.broadwater.surrey.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadwater School</a> (secondary) and the Outstanding and incredibly highly sought-after <a aria-label="Godalming College (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.godalming.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Godalming College</a> for Sixth Form.</p>



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



<p>Godalming was the first town in the world to have a public electricity supply and street lighting &#8211; which happened in 1881. Perhaps not quite a secret, but a couple more notable and fun snippets nonetheless. Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks, formed the band Genesis during their student days at Charterhouse School, and the Hollywood actor Sam Worthington was born in Godalming, although he moved to Australia at a young age</p>



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



<p>Hop on a train at Godalming station and you&#8217;ll arrive at London Waterloo in just 45 mins, which means it a popular choice for commuters, particularly those with young families.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Godalming

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