Farnham. A storybook English town.
Known for its Georgian streets, historic buildings and craft heritage, Farnham is a historic market town nestled in the rolling Surrey Hills. Here, you’ll get to enjoy all quintessential England has to offer and you’ll still only be an hour from London.
From great locally produced food, beautiful green countryside and fascinating heritage to a wealth of independent shops, Ofsted Outstanding primary and secondary schools, and brilliant transport links, Farnham is the kind of place we all want to write home about.
For nature lovers there’s Farnham Park. Its green expanses and woodlands provide serene trails and ever-changing seasonal beauty, while the River Wey winds through the town offering peaceful waterside walks.
Farnham's cultural scene thrives at The Maltings, a converted brewery turned vibrant arts centre. Here, music, theatre and exhibitions bring the town's culture to life. But what truly defines Farnham is the warmth and friendliness of its people. It's a close-knit community that embraces tradition and innovation, making it a welcoming place to call home.
In every corner of Farnham you'll find a sense of timelessness and serenity, capturing the essence of English countryside living. Whether you're savoring a cream tea, admiring historic architecture, or simply enjoying the beauty of the landscapes, Farnham invites you to step into a story of enduring beauty and tranquility.
Farnham exudes timeless charm and beauty in the heart of Surrey's countryside. Dating back to Roman times, Farnham seamlessly weaves the past into the present, offering a unique tapestry of experiences for all.
At its heart, Farnham Castle stands tall as a symbol of the town's rich history. Its medieval fortress and well-kept gardens showcase the town's enduring legacy, offering sweeping views of the town and lush rolling hills.
Cobbled streets and historic buildings, along with elegant Georgian architecture in the town centre, transport you to another era. Stroll down Castle Street, lined with charming boutiques, tearooms, and antique shops, for a real taste of the past.
Top marks in Surrey.
Farnham's education system, boasting consistently impressive Ofsted scores, reflects the town's unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and instilling a lifelong love for learning. With 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings the norm, Farnham's schools offer a rich array of opportunities for students to explore, grow and thrive.
Nestled amidst Surrey's picturesque landscapes, these schools are more than just buildings; they are beacons of knowledge and enlightenment, where curiosity takes root and dreams flourish. You see, they don't merely impart knowledge, they lay the foundation upon which future generations will construct a brighter, more enlightened world.
Distinguished institutions like South Farnham School, St Andrew’s CofE Primary, Edgeborough School, St Polycarp’s School and William Cobbett Primary School consistently achieve remarkable Ofsted scores.
University of Creative Arts.
With a history stretching back to the 19th century, Farnham University of Creative Arts is a hidden gem at the heart of this delightful English town. It’s a haven for artistic souls and creative spirits.
The campus itself is a work of art, seamlessly blending historic architecture with contemporary design. Within its walls, students from around the world gather to explore the realms of art, design and creativity. After all, it’s more than a mere academic institution. Here ideas are nurtured and set free, and the future of art and design takes shape.
Historical markets.
Not all good things come to an end. Farnham is a market town dating back to the Middle Ages and today you’ll still find an award-winning Farmers’ Market.
Here, visitors and residents have the chance to buy seasonal produce directly from the producer and food is noticeably fresher because it’s grown, raised, caught, baked, picked or processed within 50 miles of the market.
Inn with the old.
Discover a collection of enchanting pubs that paint a vivid picture of the town's rich heritage and warm community spirit. These pubs, nestled amidst it’s charming streets, are more than mere watering holes. They’re cozy havens where history mingles with modernity.
From the centuries-old charm of The William Cobbett to the vibrant ambiance of The Nelson Arms, Farnham's pubs offer a delightful tapestry of experience and flavour. With their roaring fires, exposed beams and inviting gardens, they beckon both locals and visitors to share stories, savour traditional ales and indulge in what the locals would call ‘hearty fare’.
A history fit for a King. Or Queen.
Farnham's rich history traverses through Stone Age, Roman, and Saxon times. Its crown jewel is the 12th-century castle, built in 1138 AD by Henry de Blois, with a nearly 900-year history of occupation by the powerful Bishops of Winchester. Monarchs like King John and Queen Victoria visited, and Henry VIII spent much of his boyhood here. Elizabeth I even ran the country from Farnham for six months.
The town’s craft roots date back to its clay exports for the Romans. Farnham Pottery now offers a community arts, crafts and education experience, inspired by its pottery history. In 2013, Farnham was designated England's Craft Town, celebrating craft every October with over a hundred events, showcasing makers, craft walks and local designers' work.
This historic location has a rich history of inspiring literary and artistic talent with notable figures like Jonathan Swift, William Cobbett and John Henry Knight, the builder of Britain's first petrol-powered vehicle. J. M. Barrie penned "Peter Pan" at Black Lake Cottage on Tilford Road, adding to the town's creative legacy.