This historic Surrey market town has a 12th-century castle, Georgian architecture along West Street, and England's first public art college. Close to the North Downs.
Farnham, a market town in Surrey, sits at the edge of the North Downs, just an hour from London by train. Walk through streets lined with red-brick Georgian buildings, climb the keep of the 12th-century Farnham Castle, or watch a theater performance at the Maltings arts center. You can explore the stone walls of Waverley Abbey, spot deer in the 320-acre medieval park, or see penguins and parrots at Birdworld's 26-acre sanctuary.
Getting to Farnham
Trains run from London Waterloo to Farnham three times per hour, with the fastest journey taking 55 minutes. The railway station is a 10-minute walk from the town center. By car, you can reach Farnham via the A31 or A3, while buses connect to Aldershot, Guildford, and surrounding villages throughout the day.
Arts Scene and Cultural Spaces
Watch theater performances, music concerts, and comedy shows at the Maltings' 410-seat Great Hall. Learn about local pottery-making at the Museum of Farnham, housed in Willmer House - an 18th-century building with intricate brick patterns on its facade. The University for the Creative Arts campus maintains the town's connection to ceramics and crafts, which led to Farnham becoming England's World Craft Town in 2013.
Parks and Walking Areas
Walk along the one-kilometer tree-lined avenue in Farnham Park's 320 acres, play cricket on the grounds, or climb to viewpoints overlooking the town's rooftops. In the center, Gostrey Meadow runs alongside the River Wey, with a playground and a bandstand where local musicians perform every Sunday in summer. Start your hike on the North Downs Way National Trail, which begins in Farnham and continues through chalk hills and woodlands.
Family Activities
Watch penguins swim and parrots fly at Birdworld, where you can see 130 different species across 26 acres. In Alice Holt Forest, children can tackle wooden climbing frames and follow adventure trails, while cyclists can use the paved paths. Movie fans might recognize Bourne Woods within the forest - it appeared in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.
Markets and Shopping Areas
Browse forty local stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts at the Farmers' Market, held every fourth Sunday in Central Car Park. Walk the cobbled Castle Street and West Street to find independent boutiques selling clothing, gifts, and homewares, mixed with cafes and national retail stores.
