Location: Farnham
Top Things to do in Farnham
10 Things to Do in Farnham That You Shouldn't Miss
Farnham is a town in Surrey, England, within the Borough of Waverley. The town is 34.5 miles (55.5 km) southwest of London in the extreme west of Surrey, adjacent to the border with Hampshire. By road, Guildford is 11 miles (17 km) to the east and Winchester a further 28 miles (45 km) along the same axis as London. Farnham is the largest town in Waverley, and one of the five largest conurbations in Surrey. It is of historic interest, with many old buildings, including a number of Georgian houses. Farnham Castle overlooks the town. A short distance southeast of the town centre are the ruins of Waverley Abbey, Moor Park House and Mother Ludlam's Cave. Farnham is twinned with Andernach in Germany. It is drained by the River Wey (North Branch) which is navigable only to canoes at this point.
Restaurants in Farnham
1. The Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By SoozeB74 - Surrey, United Kingdom
Really lovely walk around the woodland paths looking at all sorts of sculptures ranging from very traditional to bizarre! Good for older kids but not little ones who want to run around and climb things! Spent 2 hours there. Only downside is there is no cafe on site - have to drive down the road to a little garden centre.
2. Rural Life Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
The Rural Life Centre is an accredited open-air museum and visitor attraction which collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local craftsmen circa 1750-1960. Many aspects of village and rural life are displayed recalling a way of life once common to the local people. The museum is distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns. The extensive programme of events offers the perfect way to experience the museum as volunteers set about to bring the museum alive by educating and entertaining visitors with crafts, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Reviewed By Woodabell - London
Go on a Sunday. We went on a Saturday and the small railway wasn't running, they only tell you when you arrive that it really only runs on Sunday. Apart from that small disappointment it was pretty good. It was empty and like others have said we had the place to ourselves which was very handy, allowed the children to run around. I would also mention that the cafe was really good, almost worth visiting alone.
3. Hogs Back Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Welcome to the famous Hogs Back Brewery,Surreys largest independent brewery. We are a small craft brewery based in Surrey situated just north of the A31 Hogs Back road between Guildford and Farnham. A visit to the Hogs Back Brewery is a fascinating experience. We are open to the public for Brewery Tours most days of the week and weekends, but we can be flexible to suit individual tour group requirements so please contact us to check availability.Our brewery Shop and Off License is situated on the premises, we not only supply our own fine ales in both draught and bottled, but literally hundreds of other bottled beers from around the world. From notable Belgian beers to almost unknown types from South America to China and, don’t forget a big variety from many small UK Breweries. Pay us a visit...you’re bound to find something new!
Reviewed By RObbo60_11 - Ferndown, United Kingdom
Unfortunate we didn’t do the tour as we went to buy some strong festive beer for Xmas. My word I didn’t know where to start, what a choice both British beers and those from further afield including those from Belgium, one I bought was 11% so shall sip that one slowly. The guys serving were very knowledgeable and helpful, excellent place.
4. Frensham Little Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Bernadette M
I've been visiting both ponds since childhood and it is a beautiful place for walking (used to be for swimming), solitude. For families, picnicking, dog walking, enjoying the wildlife and photgraphy My parents used to go there when they were young. (I'm 58 now) It used to be free to park, though I seem to recall a small charge at one time. But today, visiting on the way back home to Surrey and intending to stop for a cuppa and toilet break my friend and I were shocked at the exorbitant parking charge & did not stop. Couldn't justify the cost for a 30 min at the most break. Such a shame in this day and age when money is tight for most people.
5. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Join us for our FREE children's Easter Treasure Hunt, Sat 31st March-Mon 2nd April. On Sun 1st April we are hosting an Air Cadet parade to celebrate the centenary (to the day) of the formation RAF. All are welcome but parking will not be available in the Museum compound or RAE Rd. Please park opposite the Museum in Church Road West & surrounding streets. Please note that the Museum is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays only. Please call ahead to avoid disappointment. Group visits can be booked on Tuesdays or Thursdays for a small charge. Farnborough Air Sciences Museum is located on Farnborough's historic aviation site in North Hampshire and right next to Farnborough Airport. The museum is dedicated to Farnborough's proud aviation heritage and significant contribution to air science and research, and offers an important educational resource as well as an entertaining and stimulating day out for anyone interested in aviation history and scientific progress.
Reviewed By Big_Jeff_Leo - St Helens, United Kingdom
It is not the biggest or most impressive museum by any means but what it represents is so very important. There are some exhibits that you can interact with and you can actually sit in a Harrier!!!. This place was a very important centre for aviation development in the UK and this is what the museum does well to demonstrate. The staff are very competent and are only too happy to illustrate the exhibits. The Cody Flyer is an excellent exhibit and its worth a visit on its own!.
The museum is now actually free to visit as well.
6. Fleet Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Fleet Pond is the largest Freshwater lake in Hampshire and the nature reserve has 54.6 hectares (141 acres) of varied habitats. The pond itself occupies approximately half of this area. The surrounding land features heathland, woodland, reedbed and marsh, and is home for many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers. Fleet Pond is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI.) The area is managed by the Hart District Council Countryside Ranger Service in partnership with the Fleet Pond Society which provides generous support to the Countryside Rangers as well as offering exciting volunteer opportunities for the local community. The Fleet Pond Restoration Project is run in partnership between Hart District Council, Fleet Pond Society, Natural England and the Environment Agency. To help restore Fleet Pond Nature Reserve to a healthier and more valuable amenity for wildlife and people. The sites main car park is situated just off of Cove Road (A3012) it is FREE to park here. There is a height restriction of 2.1m. Fleet Train Station car park can also be used and has quick access to the site. However this is charged Monday-Saturday. Fleet Pond also has a designated picnic area. Surfaced paths make access easy for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. There is NO FISHING at Fleet Pond until the season opens on the 16th June. Please keep dogs under close control.
Reviewed By 585Rodney585 - Farnborough, United Kingdom
We use this area weekly to walk our young dog. There are various entrances where you are able to park and access the the area. The condition of the road is poor with many deep potholes but if you take it slow it is well worth the effort. There are several trails of varying length. Well worth a visit.
7. Aldershot Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By oldcyclist704 - Aldershot, United Kingdom
Took our 2 eldest grandchildren(8 & 10). They enjoyed handling a variety of rifles which we as grandparents also enjoyed. The weight of each was astonishing. We could not imagine even as grandparents having to carry these weapons along with full kit into battle in very challenging conditions. The replica barracks over the years also showed how austere conditions were: essential we believe for instilling discipline and hardening mentality for the tasks in hand. The interactive events whereby our 8 year old was 'barked at' by the RSM went down very well as did the video view from the cockpit of a light tracked vehicle.
8. Basingstoke Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Wendy H
£17 per night off grid.
We used as a base to visit family. Close for all our needs. This place has a cafe and a playground. Toilets and an elsan. The canal was lovely to walk by in the evening.
The field was large and easy to get on and off.
The staff were friendly and polite.
Thank you
9. Farnham Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Farnham Park is a remarkable survival of a medieval deer park with a landscape of rolling grassland and veteran trees and a boundary that has remained unchanged for over 600 years. Its 320 acres (130 hectares)has retained much of its 17th Parkland character and has the feel of open countryside. It offers Avenues, hidden dells, hills, Valleys, ponds and streams. It's elevated position provides panoramic views of Farnham and surrounding countryside. Farnham Park is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), an area of Historic Landscape Value (AHLV) a Grade 2 listed Historic Park and Garden (English Heritage designation), a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and has received Green Flag status for the second year running. Park facilities The Park is managed for wildlife and recreation and provides: a large adventure playground a toddlers play area a shared used path (suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists) limited access for wheelchairs cafe toilets a hole golf course cricket club two football pitches. The football pitches are available for hire during the playing season please contact: [email protected] Where is Farnham Park? The southern end of the Park lies about 100m north of Castle Street, an easy walk from the centre of town. Farnham is well served by buses and trains, though if you are driving, the main car park is situated off Folly Hill (A 287) between Farnham and Upper Hale.
Reviewed By aldershot1 - Hampshire, England
Farnham Park is central and has good amenities for children, especially the adventure park which our grandchildren enjoyed.
The plus points include free car parking, a café on the site, easy access to local towns like Fleet and Farnham and lots of walking possibilities.
The seats could be a lot more comfortable - the designs were better with curved backs years ago - but there are places where you can and watch the children enjoying themselves.
The downside- a big one- is that the toilets are not open to the public. Yes, there are toilets in the café but it is not really fair on the proprietors if you use their loos without buying anything.
Councils are allegedly short of money but in practice still pay vast salaries for people like senior officers. All popular public amenities must have toilets that are well tended and open to all. That is a good use of public funds that most local taxpayers would support.
PS - One question posed below makes no sense: "Is parking not available at this place or activity?" So is the answer "yes" meaning parking IS available, or "no, "it is NOT not available...(!)
10. Frensham Great Pond & Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Frensham Ponds and Common are situated between Farnham and Hindhead on either side of the A287. The area is made up of a large area of heathland, together with some coniferous and mixed woodland. It includes two large ponds, known as Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond, which were built in the Middle Ages to provide fish (especially carp) for the Bishop of Winchester's estate. Facilities at Frensham Ponds and Common There are car parks at both ponds (The car park at Frensham Little Pond is managed by the National Trust). Refreshments and toilets (including wheelchair accessible facilities) are also available at both Ponds. Sailing on the Great Pond is only for members or the guests of Frensham Pond Sailing Club. Angling on both ponds is for members of Farnham Angling Society. Visiting Frensham Common and Ponds by car (GU10 2QB) Frensham Ponds are very popular in the summer. The car park is usually full by noon so please arrive early to avoid disappointment. You will not be able to park on the lanes that access Frensham Ponds as these roads are designated as Rural Clearways. Surrey Police will be issuing penalty notices to vehicles parked on the clearway. Clear access is needed along Bacon Lane for emergency vehicles, but, in recent years, parked cars have meant that ambulances, police and fire engines have found it very difficult to attend incidents easily, as the road has become entirely blocked. Frensham Great Pond car park Address of main car park: Bacon Lane, Churt, Surrey GU10 2QB Please note the car park closes at 9pm Parking is free during the week. However, parking charges apply on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10am-4.30Pm (from Easter Good Friday to end September). All vehicles - £4 Blue Badge holders - no charge National Trust members (please show your card or current NT vehicle sticker) - no charge
Reviewed By 585Rodney585 - Farnborough, United Kingdom
Went there with my wife and young dog for a walk. We were not allowed on the beach because of animal restrictions so wandered about through bracken and gorse, up and down along narrow tracks. It would have been nice to have seen some signage. The cafe brewed up a very good hot chocolate which was needed as we encountered a couple of downpours. Look forward to revisiting in sunnier weather.
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