Godalming is one of Surrey’s gems. A pretty town steeped in history and iconic architecture, it continues to be a popular area in which to live and regularly appeals to Londoners looking to swap city life for country life. And as our Godalming Branch Manager, Neil Pritchard, has lived there for over 30 years, it makes perfect sense for him to guide us through the town’s best bits (and explain some of its history).
When it’s time for a drink …
There’s an abundance of places to visit in Godalming. It just depends on what you’re looking for. From a town centre accessibility perspective, it comes down to two main pubs: The Star on Church Street and Fox & Finch on Mill Lane. The Star has a great feel to it, serves good food and has a beer garden in the back. The Fox & Finch has recently been refurbished, and whilst it doesn’t have a beer garden, it’s a very smart pub.
If I’m venturing further out then The Stag on the River, in nearby Eashing, is set in a great location and the food never fails to deliver. We also have a newcomer to the area. Whilst it’s not yet open, the Ragged Robin opens this summer and is expected to be well worth a visit.
The best place to eat out is …
I’m partial to pub food, so where I like to drink also happens to be where I like to eat. I often hear very good things about the food at The Cricketers, which is just down the road in Farncombe. And there are a number of pizza restaurants that are popular.
Piazza Firenze is an independent Italian restaurant that offers an authentic menu. Whilst it’s part of a large chain, Prezzo is worth a visit – even just to see its impressive barrel-shaped ceiling (it used to be a fire station in days gone by).
Those looking for more casual dining, such as coffees and cakes, won’t be disappointed with The Pavillion, an independent café in Busbridge, or The Journalist on Godalming High Street, which has just won the Award for Best Coffeehouse in Godalming. Lastly, Acorn Restaurant and Oyster Bar, which is tucked away on Godalming’s Wharf Street, is a popular choice.
When it’s time for some fresh air …
I like going hiking, and there are plenty of fantastic footpaths and bridleways in and around the area. The Greensand Way, which runs 108 miles through Surrey and Kent, isn’t too far away to access. And closer to the town itself are plenty of walks in and around Hambledon, Wormley and Brook. There’s plenty on offer in between Godalming and Farnham, too, with places such as Hankley Common and Thursley Common. The Fox Way, a 39-mile loop around Guildford that takes in Godalming as part of the route, is also very good. It can even be broken down into seven stages for those not wishing to tackle it in one go.
Godalming’s hidden gems are …
Godalming has plenty of history to it. So, rather than focus on places that people might not know, I’m going to offer information that people might now know. Godalming made its wealth through the wool industry, so many buildings – now homes – have a jettied area (part of the building that overhangs). This was to accommodate looms and provide additional working space. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll be able to spot them.
Another lesser-known fact is that Jack Philips, the man who continued to send out the SOS message as the Titanic sank, was from Farncombe. This is why we have a pub named Jack Philips on the High Street.
In 1881, Godalming was the first town in the world to benefit from a public electricity supply, and was one of the first to have electric street lighting.
And finally, George Mallory, the English mountaineer who took part in the first three Everest expeditions, lived and worked in Godalming. He actually lived on Frith Hill Road and taught English and History at Charterhouse School.
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