Explore the Hidden Gems: Farnham's Top 10 Places of Interest to Experience the Area's Rich Heritage!
Farnham is a town in Surrey, England with a rich history dating back to the Saxon era. Here are some of the places of interest in and around Farnham:
Farnham Castle
Farnham Castle is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks and a popular tourist attraction.
Farnham Castle is a historic castle located in Castle Street, just a short walk from Farnham town centre. The castle dates back to the 12th century and was home to the bishops of Winchester for over 800 years. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours, events, and a stunning backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.
To get to Farnham Castle from the town centre, you can walk up Castle Street for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive to the castle. There is limited parking available at the castle, so it’s best to check in advance whether there are any spaces available.
Once at the castle, you can explore the grounds and take in the stunning views of Farnham and the surrounding countryside. Guided tours are available and will take you through the castle’s rich history, including the role it played during the English Civil War.
Overall, Farnham Castle is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Farnham. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a beautiful spot to explore, the castle is sure to impress.
Waverley Abbey
Waverley Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery located just outside of Farnham in the village of Tilford.
Waverley Abbey was founded in 1128 and is considered to be the first Cistercian monastery in England. The monastery played an important role in the medieval period and was home to monks for nearly 400 years until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536. Today, the ruins of Waverley Abbey are open to the public and offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
To get to Waverley Abbey from Farnham, you can take a taxi or drive. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the number 46 bus from Farnham to Tilford, which takes approximately 25 minutes, and then walk to the abbey.
Once at Waverley Abbey, you can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the monastery through information panels and audio guides. The site is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
Overall, Waverley Abbey is a fascinating historical site that offers a glimpse into the past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique day out, it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Farnham Museum
The Farnham Museum is a small local museum dedicated to the town’s history and heritage.
The Museum is located in Willmer House, West Street, in the heart of Farnham town centre. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcome.
- The museum contains a variety of exhibits and displays showcasing the history of Farnham and the surrounding area. Some of the highlights include:
Art and Ceramics: The museum has a collection of local art and ceramics, including pieces by the Farnham Pottery. - Textiles: The museum has a collection of textiles and clothing from the 18th to 20th century.
- Local History: The museum has exhibits on local trades and industries, including brewing and hop farming.
- Military History: The museum has a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the town’s military history, including uniforms and equipment.
- Archaeology: The museum has a small collection of archaeological finds from the area, including Roman artifacts.
Overall, the Farnham Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the town and the surrounding area. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Rural Life Centre
The Rural Life Centre is located in Tilford, just a few miles outside of Farnham. The museum is open from April to October, from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission fees apply, but children under 4 can enter for free.
The museum contains a wide range of exhibits and displays showcasing the rural way of life over the past 150 years. The exhibits cover everything from agriculture and farming to transport and crafts. Some of the highlights include:
- Historic Buildings: The museum has a collection of historic buildings, including a chapel, a schoolhouse, and a working blacksmith’s forge.
- Farming and Agriculture: The museum has exhibits on farming and agriculture, including tools and machinery used on farms throughout the years.
- Transport: The museum has a collection of historic vehicles, including tractors, cars, and motorcycles.
- Crafts: The museum has exhibits on traditional rural crafts, including basket weaving and lace making.
The Rural Life Centre also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including steam rallies, classic car shows, and vintage fairs. There are also regular demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills.
To get to the Rural Life Centre from Farnham, you can take the number 46 bus to Tilford, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive, and there is plenty of parking available at the museum.
Overall, the Rural Life Centre is a fascinating museum that offers a glimpse into the history of rural life in the area. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique day out, it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Bourne Woods
The Bourne Woods is a large area of woodland located near the town of Farnham in Surrey. Here’s some more information about the woods:
The Bourne Woods cover over 1,000 acres and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey. The woods are also known for their role in several movies and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series and Gladiator.
The woods are popular with hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers, and there are several trails and paths that run throughout the woods. There is also a large car park at the entrance to the woods, which is free to use.
One of the most popular trails in the Bourne Woods is the Forest Trail, which is a circular walk that takes you through the heart of the woods. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles long and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through different areas of the woods, including coniferous and deciduous forests.
Another popular attraction in the Bourne Woods is the Wildwood Adventure Park. This outdoor adventure park is located on the edge of the woods and offers a variety of activities, including high ropes courses, zip lines, and tree-top adventures.
Overall, the Bourne Woods are a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike. If you’re a fan of movies and TV shows, it’s also a great place to visit to see some iconic filming locations.
Farnham Park
Farnham Park covers over 300 acres and is one of the largest parks in the area. It is located to the north of the town centre and is easily accessible from the A31 and A325. The park is free to enter and is open to visitors all year round.
The park has a long and rich history, dating back to the 13th century when it was a hunting ground for the bishops of Winchester. Today, the park is a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and families looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
There are several walking and cycling trails that run throughout the park, including the popular Deer Leap Trail, which takes you through woodland and open grassland areas. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey.
Other attractions in the park include a children’s play area, a nine-hole golf course, and a cricket pitch. The park also has several picnic areas and a café, making it a great place to spend a leisurely day with family and friends.
One of the highlights of the park is the stunning views that it offers over the surrounding countryside. From various points in the park, you can see for miles around, including views of Farnham Castle and the Surrey Hills.
Alice Holt Forest
Alice Holt Forest covers over 850 hectares and is managed by the Forestry Commission. It is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and families looking for a day out in the great outdoors. The forest is open to visitors all year round and is free to enter, although there is a car parking fee.
One of the highlights of Alice Holt Forest is the variety of walking and cycling trails that are available. There are over 12 miles of waymarked trails that run through the forest, ranging from easy routes suitable for families with young children to more challenging trails for experienced walkers and mountain bikers.
The forest is also home to several attractions that make it a great place to visit for a day out. One of the most popular attractions is the Go Ape treetop adventure course, which offers a range of activities, including high ropes courses and zip lines. There is also a large children’s play area, a café, and a visitor centre that offers information about the forest and the wildlife that lives there.
Alice Holt Forest is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers. There are several bird hides and observation points throughout the forest, making it a great place to spot a variety of bird species.
Overall, Alice Holt Forest is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Alice Holt Forest is located approximately 7 miles southeast of Farnham, Surrey. It can be easily accessed by car via the A325 or by public transport, with regular bus services from Farnham to Alice Holt Forest. The journey by car takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Devils punch Bowl
The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a large natural amphitheatre located on the western edge of the Surrey Hills, close to the town of Hindhead, which is about 7 miles east of Farnham.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a stunning and dramatic landscape that was formed by the erosion of the sandstone rock that underlies the area. It is one of the most popular natural attractions in the South East of England, and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The area offers a variety of walking trails, including several that run around the edge of the Punch Bowl itself. There are also several picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the area, making it a great place for a leisurely day out.
One of the highlights of the Devil’s Punch Bowl is the stunning views that it offers over the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see for miles around, including views of the South Downs and the Isle of Wight.
The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide variety of bird species. There are several bird hides and observation points throughout the area, making it a great place for birdwatching.
Overall, the Devil’s Punch Bowl is a beautiful and dramatic landscape that is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Hogs Back Brewery
Hogs Back Brewery is an independent brewery located in the village of Tongham, which is about 4 miles east of Farnham, Surrey.
It was founded in 1992 by Rupert Thompson, who had a passion for brewing traditional English ales. The brewery is named after the Hogs Back ridge, which runs through the Surrey countryside and is a distinctive local landmark.
The brewery produces a range of award-winning beers, including its flagship ale, “TEA” (Traditional English Ale), which is brewed using locally-sourced hops and malt. Other popular beers include “Surrey Nirvana” IPA and “Hop Garden Gold” ale.
Hogs Back Brewery offers guided tours of its facilities, where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample some of the brewery’s beers. There is also a shop on site where visitors can purchase a variety of beers, as well as brewery merchandise and other local products.
In addition to its guided tours, Hogs Back Brewery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including beer festivals, live music events, and food and drink tastings.
Overall, Hogs Back Brewery is a great place to visit for beer enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about the brewing process. With its range of award-winning beers and picturesque location in the Surrey countryside, it’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
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