Location: Farnham
Top Things to do in Farnham
What to do and see in Farnham, England: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Alice Holt Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 709 reviews
Reviewed By MatElaOsc - Normanton, United Kingdom
New year's day, great choice of walks and trails. Superb Gruffalo trail with wooden sculptures to find as well as some great children's play sculptures on the other trail. Our 3 year old loved climbing and exploring. Cafe us also great food always busy. But were able to eat outside on New Year's day!!
2. Rural Life Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 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 Selsea - Herne Bay, United Kingdom
Fantastic place to visit, tucked away off the beaten track. Staff were lovely ate in the cafe sandwiches were delicious. Plenty to see and buildings to go in and experience. Well laid out, extremely interesting some of the buildings were packed with artefacts of bygone days. My only minor complaint was that you had to pay extra for the train ride! But that would have not put me off of going. Definitely will visit again and would most certainly recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
3. Go Ape Alice Holt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
One of the best days out in Surrey, there's something for the whole family at Alice Holt Forest. Alice Holt (close to Farnham and Guildford) is home to our original Tree Top Adventure. We'll brief you for safety before you fly down our zip-wires, leap off our Tarzan Swing and tackle our obstacles whilst enjoying some breathtaking scenery. If you're looking for outdoor activities for children, then Go Ape's got the answer with Tree Top Junior. Fun filled days out of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. You'll negotiate crossings and finish on a high (literally) with an awesome zip wire.
4. The Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
Reviewed By jivebanana - Coulsdon, United Kingdom
A friend had recommended The Sculpture Park to me and so it was on my list for this summer. What an extraordinary place to visit. It is situated opposite a gorgeous pub which is great as the park itself has no cafe. The pub is therefore a good option for coffee or lunch and it is possible to leave the trail round the park and stop for a drink and then restart when you are ready. So, important things to know - a) the car parking is quite limited outside the park. b) on arrival it is essential to go straight to the Reception hut to pay your entrance fee and collect the booklet which provides you with a map showing how to follow the three trails around the park. c) Although it is not a long walk (approx 2 miles) the terrain is uneven and there are lots of steps, narrow walkways and bridges and so sturdy shoes are a must. If you have mobility issues it would be worth checking access arrangements before you visit. d) the booklet provided gives the numbers of each sculpture, the sculptor, the name of the piece, the price and the material it is made from. The tour around the park uses each numbered sculpture as a guide to your location. e) The park is suitable for children and dogs are allowed if they are kept on a short lead. f) There are several places where you can stop for a picnic; either in one of the Thai huts or in the gravelled picnic area where there are tables. g) Much of the park is in shade so even on the sunniest of days you might need to bring a jumper. h) there are toilets on site and they are really nice and clean. As for the park itself it is a wonderful showcase of the weird and wonderful. Most are for sale. There are amazing pieces that make you gasp with wonder or recoil with horror. All will amaze and with a selection of about 800 sculptures you will need at least 2.5 - 3 hrs (not including lunch) to see it all. For a modest entry fee this is a great place to visit. There is no gift shop as such but there are indoor exhibits too. Make sure you see the dragon, the tank, the polar bears, the huge tarantula and the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse (creepy!). There is so much to see here and explore. Look once and then look again to see what you’ve missed and enjoy!
5. Waverley Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By nnmercman - Camberley, United Kingdom
The Abbey’s about half way along main road between Farnham and Elstead. There’s a small car park and it’s only a short walk to the ruins past a lake full of bird and water life with mature trees and bushes on far bank in grounds of the large majestic house (private property). Didn’t realise ruins are part of English Heritage and when you read the main information panel you realise just how big the structure was back in the day before Henry VIII came to power (it was Britains first Cistercian Monastery). There are other information panels dotted around and a beautiful Yew tree sits towards left hand boundary. Near the car park is a WW2 gun emplacement which was a defensive position against any German invasion attempting to take the Hogs Back high ground. There’s a pleasant footpath just across the bridge on left (Moor Park Heritage trail) - it is signposted but it’s obvious adjacent home owners have attempted to hide access with plant pots. Footpath is just under a mile, flat and wide with some interesting views and things to see (Mother Ludlam’s cave and another gun emplacement) - you can also take one of the side trails down and across water meadows. Impressive Moor Park House is at end of trail and you can complete a circular walk along main road but it is definitely not advisable as there’s no verge/hard shoulder and cars drive at speed along it’s windy stretch. Best to visit both Abbey and trail during dry summer months as it can get very boggy under foot!
6. Birdworld
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,035 reviews
Set in 26 acres of landscaped gardens, Birdworld is one of the largest bird parks in the UK! In addition to birds from around the world, Birdworld is also home to the Jenny Wren Farm featuring some of our fluffier residents! During a visit there are lots of daily events, including penguin feeding, animal encounters and the amazing Outdoor Flying Display (Easter- End October)! Also not to be missed is Penguin Beach, a fantastic walkthrough exhibit featuring a colony of African Penguins. Birdworld has numerous catering outlets but also plenty of space for picnics!
Reviewed By Truthspeaker2018 - Waterlooville, United Kingdom
This is a fantastic day out. Best to come in warmer weather but you won't be disappointed. We have been going for years. Birds everywhere of all different types. The Jenny Wren farm is part of the attraction and about 5 mins walk from front entrance, where there are chickens running around and many farm animals. There are shows throughout the day. Play parks on site. Our only criticism is the cafe, not a lot of choice at all food wise, no gluten free options apart from soup. Not worth even bothering, apparently you can walk through to forest lodge cafe, we will do this in future.
7. Farnham Maltings
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 139 reviews
Both a community arts & entertainment venue and a creative organisation, the Farnham Maltings produces, commissions and tours national theatre and supports creative businesses, artists and artisans. So whether you are a creative business or an individual, or would simply like to discover more about our varied programme of comedy, music, theatre, film and festivals, visit our website to discover more.
Reviewed By M4957QPsuem - Hampshire, United Kingdom
The Christmas fayre was on today but a couple of us were just meeting for coffee in the cafe.We still had to pay a £1 to get in.We explained at the door that we weren’t going to the fayre,just the cafe,but no,we still had to pay.The cafe door that is usually open had a notice,NO ENTRY.surely this could be better organised.
