Farnham
Day Trips
Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Farnham's hidden gems and unique experiences!
Begin your journey at Farnham railway station and check in to a charming boutique hotel in the town center. Wander through the cobbled streets of Lower Church Lane to admire the medieval architecture. Savor a light coffee at a local café while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit Farnham Castle to explore its historic keep and scenic gardens with panoramic views over Surrey. Join a guided audio tour to learn about the castle’s 900-year history and its role in medieval England. Capture photos of the battlements and lush green lawns for a memorable start to your trip.
Enjoy traditional British fare at a cozy pub like The Gryphon Inn, sampling locally brewed ales. Treat yourself to a hearty shepherd’s pie or fish and chips by a roaring fireplace. Cap off the night with a relaxing stroll along the illuminated streets of the town center.
Return to Farnham Castle for a deeper dive into its storied past with a behind-the-scenes guided tour. Explore the Upper Courtyard and marvel at the Great Hall’s vaulted ceilings. Pause in the castle gardens to admire seasonal blooms and tranquil pathways.
Head to Farnham Park for a leisurely picnic under ancient oak trees and sweeping lawns. Walk along the River Wey’s banks at the southern end of the park to spot kingfishers and herons. Climb up to the hilltop viewpoint to savor magnificent vistas across the Surrey countryside.
Book tickets for a performance at the Farnham Maltings, a vibrant arts venue showcasing theater and live music. Savor a light supper from the venue’s café bar before the show. Let the enchanting melodies and dramatic performances transport you into a world of cultural delight.
Drive or cycle to Hatchlands Park, a grand Neo-classical country house managed by the National Trust. Explore the elegant drawing rooms and admire the decorative painted walls and ceilings. Stroll through the riverside gardens to enjoy a serene start to the day.
Watch a demonstration at the estate’s working equestrian center and meet the friendly horses. Relax with afternoon tea in the café overlooking sweeping lawns and ancient lime trees. Take a gentle walk along the Wey Navigation towpath stretching beyond the park.
Return to Farnham for dinner at The Wheatsheaf Inn, housed in a historic 16th-century building. Sample seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients alongside premium English wines. Conclude the evening with a handcrafted cocktail on the terrace under twinkling lights.
Arrive at Alice Holt Forest for a morning spent cycling or walking along woodland trails under towering beech and oak trees. Rent a bike from the forest center and follow waymarked routes that reveal hidden clearings. Listen for woodpeckers and red kites overhead.
Participate in a tree-top high ropes course or try archery at the forest activity center for an adrenaline boost. Pause for a woodland picnic amid sun-dappled glades or enjoy a café lunch at the visitor center. Take a guided nature walk to learn about local flora and fauna.
Head back to Farnham for an intimate performance at the New Ashgate Gallery showcasing regional art. Indulge in gourmet tapas at a nearby wine bar while discussing the day’s adventures. Unwind with a leisurely riverside stroll along the Wey Navigation under the evening sky.
Drive to Birdworld, one of the UK’s premier bird parks, and wander through large aviaries housing exotic bird species. Watch colorful parrots, flamingos, and pelicans in immersive habitats. Attend a feeding demonstration to witness birds in action.
Explore the surrounding Surrey Hills countryside, stopping at quaint villages like Albury for lunch at a country pub. Wander through Albury Park to see historic follies and scenic ponds. Take a short drive to Chilworth to admire the ancient Milliarium at the crossroads.
Return to Farnham and dine at The Fox and Hounds, known for its wood-fired pizzas and seasonal specials. Sample a craft beer brewed on site and mingle with friendly locals. End the night with a peaceful walk along the River Wey, enjoying the moonlit reflections.
Embark on a scenic drive to the village of Ewhurst, stopping at panoramic viewpoints over the Surrey Hills. Visit St. Peter’s Church to admire its Norman architecture and serene churchyard. Savor breakfast pastries at a local tearoom overlooking rolling fields.
Hike across Blackheath Common to witness rare heathland birds and wildflowers in season. Pause for a packed lunch atop the heath where the views stretch for miles across verdant valleys. Explore hidden woodland paths leading to tranquil ponds.
Return to Farnham and shop for fresh artisanal bread and cheese at the Thursday evening Farmer’s Market. Prepare a picnic or enjoy wood-fired dishes at a local deli. Conclude the evening with folk music at The Spread Eagle’s open mic night.
Set off for a half-day hike on the North Downs Way from Farnham to Badshot Lea, passing through woodlands and chalk escarpments. Breathe in the fresh countryside air as you follow the well-marked route. Stop at a scenic belvedere for photographs of the undulating landscape.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a rest bench overlooking fields carpeted with wildflowers in summer or golden bracken in autumn. Continue your trek to view ancient tumuli and hidden valley streams teeming with wildlife. Return to Farnham via a charming bridleway lined with blackthorn blossom.
Treat yourself to dinner at Plantagenet Brasserie, offering modern British cuisine with a European twist. Pair your meal with a fine bottle of English sparkling wine. Walk back through the historic town center to admire the warm glow of gas lamps after dusk.
Begin the day with a visit to Farnham Maltings’ craft studios, where local artisans create pottery, textiles, and glass art. Join a morning workshop to try your hand at wheel-throwing or screen printing. Wander the galleries to browse unique handcrafted goods for souvenirs.
Enjoy a light lunch in the Maltings’ café and watch a film at the on-site studio cinema. Attend an afternoon rehearsal or open studio session to meet performers and artists. Explore the bookstore for regional novels and art catalogs.
Attend a live concert or theater show at the Maltings, immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural scene. Savor pre-show snacks and specialty coffees in the bar area. Let the performance’s energy carry you into a creative evening atmosphere.
Take a short train ride to Guildford and admire the medieval Guildhall and cobbled High Street shops. Climb the steps to Guildford Castle’s motte for panoramic views across the town and surrounding hills. Enjoy coffee at a café overlooking the picturesque Surrey Hills.
Embark on a River Wey boat trip, gliding past weeping willows and moored narrowboats. Stop for lunch at a riverside pub in Shalford, sampling seasonal dishes made with local produce. Return by boat to Guildford as the afternoon light shimmers on the water.
Head back to Farnham and dine at The Prince of Wales, where classic British cuisine meets contemporary flair. Try the slow-cooked lamb shoulder or pan-seared sea bass alongside a crisp local white wine. Relax by the riverbank after dinner, savoring the tranquil night sounds.
Spend your final morning at Farnham Park Gardens, enjoying a leisurely walk through manicured flowerbeds and ancient oaks. Reflect on your journey while feeding ducks at the River Wey’s edge. Treat yourself to a gourmet brunch at a nearby tea room.
Stroll along West Street to shop for unique gifts, artisan chocolates, and bespoke jewelry at independent boutiques. Stop for afternoon tea at a tea salon, indulging in delicate finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. Pack your bags and savor the last moments before departure.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant like The Borough, celebrating your Farnham adventure with a multi-course tasting menu. Raise a glass of English sparkling wine to new memories made. Depart Farnham station with a heart full of stories and plans to return soon.