Farnham

Nestled on the edge of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Farnham is a historic market town offering a perfect blend of rural charm and urban convenience. With its scenic landscapes, rich heritage, and excellent connectivity to London, Farnham has long been a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike. This comprehensive guide will help you get to know the town, from its history and amenities to the best areas to live and what to do.

Overview

Farnham has a strong historical identity, dating back to the Saxon period. It grew in importance during the Victorian era due to the development of the railway, and today, it’s a thriving commuter town with excellent transport links to London. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including Waverley Abbey, Frensham Ponds, and the Surrey Hills.

Known for its cobbled streets, attractive Georgian architecture, and mix of independent shops and restaurants, Farnham has an undeniably quaint, village-like feel, but it offers all the amenities and services of a larger town. Its proximity to London and the South Coast, combined with excellent schools and a vibrant cultural scene, make it an attractive place to live for a variety of people.

Key Areas in Farnham

1. Farnham Town Centre The heart of Farnham is its charming town centre, which is home to a mix of historic buildings, boutique shops, and popular cafes and restaurants. Key highlights include the Farnham Maltings – a hub for arts and culture, Castle Street with its beautiful Georgian architecture, and The Borough with its independent stores. The Farnham Park, a large green space, is a short walk from the centre and is perfect for picnics, walking, or jogging.
2. Castle Hill & Upper Church Lane A picturesque area of Farnham, Castle Hill is home to the stunning Farnham Castle, an 11th-century Norman fortress offering panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. The area is quiet and residential, with a mix of period homes and elegant properties. Upper Church Lane is one of Farnham’s most sought-after streets, known for its charming cottages and proximity to both the town centre and green spaces.
3. The Bourne Located to the south of the town centre, The Bourne is a leafy residential area, ideal for families. It’s named after the Bourne River and is home to Bourne Woods, which offers walking, cycling, and dog-walking opportunities. The Bourne has excellent primary schools, and the area is generally quieter compared to the town centre, making it a popular choice for those looking for more space while still being close to amenities.
4. Wrecclesham A little further out from the town centre, Wrecclesham is a small, picturesque village located just to the north of Farnham. It offers more affordable housing options compared to central Farnham and is popular with families looking for a quieter, more suburban lifestyle. The area offers great access to the countryside, with easy access to Frensham Great Pond and Wrecclesham Common.
5. Badshot Lea & Hale Situated to the east of the town, Badshot Lea is a small, more rural residential area with easy access to both Farnham and Guildford. It’s known for its mix of new-build homes and traditional cottages. Similarly, the area of Hale is slightly more rural and provides easy access to the A31, making it ideal for commuters.

Transport & Connectivity

Farnham is exceptionally well-connected for commuters and residents who want easy access to London, the Surrey Hills, and the wider South East.

• Train: Farnham’s mainline train station offers direct services to London Waterloo in about 50-60 minutes. It’s also well-connected to surrounding towns like Guildford, Alton, and Farnborough, making it a great base for those working in London or elsewhere in the South East.
• Road: Farnham is located just off the A31, which links to the A3 and M3, providing easy access to London, Guildford, and the South Coast. Farnham is about 40 miles southwest of central London, making it an ideal location for those looking to live outside the capital but still within a reasonable commute.
• Bus: Farnham is served by an extensive local bus network connecting it to nearby towns and villages, including Guildford, Farnborough, and Aldershot.

Education

Farnham has a range of excellent educational institutions, including state schools, private schools, and higher education options. Families moving to the area will find plenty of good options for their children.

• Farnham Grammar School (Farnham Sixth Form College): Offers post-16 education and is well-regarded for its A-Level provision.
• The Bourne Community College: A highly-rated secondary school in the area, catering to families in The Bourne and surrounding areas.
• Frensham Heights School: An independent co-educational school located on the edge of Farnham, offering a broad curriculum from nursery to sixth form.

Leisure & Amenities

1. Farnham Park: A large park just a short walk from the town centre, Farnham Park is a great spot for outdoor activities like jogging, dog walking, and picnicking. It’s surrounded by historic features, including remnants of Farnham Castle, making it a popular place for both locals and visitors.
2. Farnham Maltings: A key cultural venue, Farnham Maltings hosts a range of arts, entertainment, and community events throughout the year. It is home to live music, theatre, dance performances, film screenings, and workshops.
3. Frensham Ponds: Located just outside Farnham, the Frensham Ponds are a popular spot for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, and sailing. Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond are particularly popular in summer.
4. Farnham Leisure Centre: The leisure centre offers a variety of sporting and fitness facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, sports courts, and group fitness classes.
5. Cafes & Restaurants: Farnham has a thriving food scene, with everything from cosy cafes to fine dining. Popular spots include The Queens Head (a classic British pub), Café Tarte for breakfast and brunch, and Banyan, a contemporary bar and grill. For fine dining, The Spotted Dog and The Restaurant at The Castle are highly regarded.
6. Shopping: Farnham’s town centre boasts an array of independent shops, ranging from boutiques and art galleries to food stores and homeware. For larger shopping needs, Farnham Retail Park and The Lion and Lamb Yard provide a variety of retail options.

Property & Housing

Farnham is a desirable place to live, and as such, property prices are higher than the national average but competitive for Surrey.

• Property Prices: As of 2024, the average property price in Farnham is around £600,000, though this varies depending on the area. More affordable homes can be found in areas like Wrecclesham and Badshot Lea, with prices starting around £350,000 for a semi-detached house. In contrast, larger family homes in areas like Castle Hill or The Bourne can fetch over £1 million.
• Renting: Farnham has a range of rental options from one-bedroom flats to larger family homes. Renters can expect to pay anywhere from £1,200 for a one-bedroom flat in the town centre to £2,500 or more for a larger family home in a sought-after location.

Events & Local Culture

Farnham is home to a range of local events and festivals that bring the community together.

• Farnham Carnival: A lively annual event with a parade, live music, and family activities.
• Farnham Food Festival: A celebration of local food and drink, with stalls, tastings, and workshops.
• Farnham Maltings Events: From art exhibitions to theatre performances, Farnham Maltings hosts a wide variety of cultural activities.

Conclusion

Farnham is an ideal location for those seeking a blend of countryside charm and urban convenience. With excellent transport links to London, beautiful green spaces, a rich cultural heritage, and a strong sense of community, it offers a high quality of life for people of all ages. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to retire in a picturesque town, Farnham provides an appealing mix of urban amenities, outdoor activities, and a welcoming atmosphere.