THE LOWDOWN

Farnham, Surrey — Photo credit: Farnham Town Council

This historic market town known for its Georgian streets, arts and craft heritage and gorgeous period architect is found in the south-west corner of Surrey, near the Hampshire border. About an hour from London and the south coast, Farnham sits on the River Wey and is surrounded by woodland and countryside.

The town centre is as charming as any you’ll find in England – a veritable chocolate box vision with cobbled courtyards, attractive Tudor and Georgian buildings and independent businesses with shop fronts painted in a range of pastel hues. So far so pretty.

And then, of course, there’s the 12th century castle set in five acres of gardens proudly overlooking the town. A little further out, but still walkable from the town centre, is Farnham Park – a 320-acre medieval deer park with sports pitches, a golf course, adventure playground and a landscape of grassland and ancient trees that has remained unchanged for more than 600 years.

PARK UP

Central car park is, as the name suggests, in the centre of town on Victoria Road. It’s big (268 spaces), and I’ve never had a problem getting a parking spot here. If you’re using a SatNav, GU9 7RD is the nearest postcode.

Another central option is the South Street car park (nearest postcode GU9 7PS), or if you want to be nearer to Farnham Castle, head to the Upper Hart car park on Long Garden Way (nearest postcode GU9 7HA). All are pay and display, and you can also pay using the RingGo app. There’s also pay-and-display parking along Castle Street.

WHERE TO EAT

There’s no shortage of places to eat out and drink in Farnham – and plenty of pubs. Famous for its quality hops during the 18th century, the town was once home to more than 150 pubs. There may not be quite that number today, but you’re still spoiled for choice.

In the heart of town is The Castle, a lovely family-friendly pub serving up seasonal menus. The Bat and Ball offers up a varied menu and a good range of cask ales, The Queen’s Head is always a good option and The Wheatsheaf, in West Street, has a relaxed vibe and cute courtyard garden. A little further out The Spotted Cow, on the edge of Farnham, has a massive garden and is particularly family-friendly, and the stylish Lost Boy with it’s pizza oven is a popular spot with locals.

Restaurant wise Daniele Sicilian is good for Italian and Yiayias at The Fox is the place to go for Greek, or if you’re a lover of sushi, get your fix at Sushi Jun but you’ll need to book ahead.

The Lion and Lamb is a buzzy café in the centre of Farnham open all day from breakfast through to dinner, or try Bears for coffee or brunch. Hamilton’s Tea House is the place to go for amazing afternoon teas, bubble teas and a slice of cake. For something really special, make a booking at Maison in Wrecclesham just outside Farnham, where you’ll enjoy an intimate chef’s table experience at the hands of former Masterchef finalist Ben Piette inside a gorgeous 500 year old building.

And, of course, there’s no shortage of quality chain restaurants here – think Côte Brasserie, Bill’s, Zizzi and The Giggling Squid.

WHERE TO STAY

The Bush Hotel, Farnham, Surrey — The Bush Hotel in Farnham. *Photo credit: The Bush Hotel*

If you want to be in the heart of Farnham it’s got to be the Bush Hotel, an elegant vine-clad red brick mansion house which has been welcoming guests since the 1600s. It’s contemporary and cool but also steeped in history and set within private gardens (there’s also a handy car park.)

On the outskirts of town there’s the Farnham House Hotel, a country manor house set in five acres of pretty landscaped gardens. Some of the ‘superior’ rooms come with balconies and – if it’s romance you seek – four poster beds.

WALK

Farnham Park in Farnham, Surrey — The avenue of trees at Farnham Park. Photo credit: Farnham Town Council.

The one-kilometre avenue of trees at Farnham Park is a good place to start if you’re after a gentle shady wander amongst pretty trees. And if you’re keen to take in some ancient trees, there you can find two self-guided walks around the town here.

Farnham also offers easy access to the North Downs Way which starts in Farnham and ends 246 kilometres later in Dover, Kent. Go as far or little as you like.

HAVE A DRINK

The drinks at Jack and Alice in Farnham — There’s an extensive drinks menu at Jack and Alice in Farnham, including a vast choice of cocktails, wine, beer and cider. The Alice’s Gin Menu is particularly appealing. *Photo credit: Jack and Alice*

Jack and Alice is the place to go for a drink. – the stylish wine bar and café opened their doors last summer where The Botanist used to be. Borelli’s Wine Bar is another lovely option, The Alfred, is a decent craft ale pub, and The Wine Yard, in the cobbled Lion & Lamb Yard, offers more than 500 tipples from around the world plus antipasti boards.

LET’S GO SHOPPING

Farnham, Surrey — Photo credit: Farnham Town Council

The main shopping street takes in the Borough with East and West streets at either end, and here there’s plenty to entice – from indie gems to high street stalwarts. Elphicks department store, has been around for more than 140 years, and offers everything from clothing to homeware. Elsewhere for fashion, there are high street favourites like Jigsaw, Whistles and Hobbs alongside lovely indies Mulberry Silks, Colours and Angel Boutique.

Paisley Cat is a great little gift shop with an eclectic range of goodies, as is Vinegar Hill and indie chain Between the Lines. For books (and coffee), head to the Blue Bear Bookshop. And, if you love vintage and antiques, you’ve hit the jackpot – the fabulous Packhouse is just outside Farnham in Runfold and Bourne Mill Antiques is an Aladdin’s cave of collectibles, just on the edge of town.

The Farnham Farmers’ Market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month, and on the first Saturday of every month the Maltings Monthly Market hosts over 200 stalls selling vintage and retro, craft and local produce.

TOURIST SPOTS

Farnham Castle Keep, Surrey — Farnham Castle Keep. *Photo credit: Neale James Photography*

Not many towns have their own castle! Farnham castle, the 12-century castle built in 1138 AD by the grandson of William the Conqueror, is now an award-winning wedding venue, but The Castle Keep is open to visitors most days, and tours of the Bishop’s Palace are also available select Wednesdays.

WHAT’S FOR KIDS

Cyclists in Alice Holt Forest near Farnham — Go cycling at Alice Holt Woods just outside Farnham. *Photo credit: Forestry England*

Farnham Park offers up plenty of fun for kids in the form of a large adventure playground plus a toddler area.

Birdworld, just out of town, offers a great day out for the family, or if you’re the sporty types head to Alice Holt Woods, just south of Farnham, where you can hire bicycles, go running or hiking or get your adrenalin fix at the Go Ape. The Rural Life Living Museum in nearby Tilford is also worth a visit.

A LITTLE BIT QUIRKY

The name ‘Farnham’ is of Old English origin and means ‘meadow where ferns grow’. Sweet, huh?!

WHAT’S THERE FOR A CULTURE VULTURE?

New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham — *Photo credit: New Ashgate Gallery / Instagram*

If it’s arts and culture you’re after, you’re in the right place – there’s creativity everywhere. Farnham has World Craft Town status – which means that the roots of crafting runs deep here. It is home to a host of world-renowned craft artists as well as many emerging makers.

The University for the Creative Arts, a specialist art and design university, has its largest campus in Farnham, and there’s also Farnham Maltings, a creative arts centre which offers a programme of performance, events and workshops.

The Museum of Farnham is a local history museum found in Wilmer House, a beautiful Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse on West Street, and New Ashgate Gallery, in Waggon Yard, is celebration of contemporary art and craft. Pottery, though, is arguably where it all began and today Farnham Pottery is one of the best examples of a Victorian country pottery. Visit to explore the historic buildings and see the creative work that is being produced today as well as live music and events.

HAPPENINGS

Farnham sees all sorts of events for all the family from Big Fish Little Fish raves, to food festivals and antiques markets, see calendar here. The Gin & Fizz festival takes place on 7 Sept and promises fun, flavours and lots of bubbles. There will be talks, live music, street food vendors and of course plenty of gin and sparkling wine. Details will be released nearer the time.

Insider Guide to Farnham

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