Things To Do
in Haslemere

Haslemere sits at the northern edge of the South Downs in Surrey, combining a historic High Street and leafy neighborhoods with easy access to countryside. The town is known for its independent shops, traditional pubs, and family-friendly parks. It benefits from excellent rail links to London and the coast, making day trips simple.

In town, you'll find a blend of tea rooms, cafes and venues that showcase Surrey's rural charm.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through the picturesque streets of Haslemere, admiring the charming architecture and quaint shops. Stop by a local café for a traditional English breakfast, complete with fresh pastries and a steaming cup of tea. After breakfast, visit the Haslemere Museum to learn about the town's fascinating history and its connection to the local area.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Weyhill, where you can explore the scenic countryside and enjoy the natural beauty of Surrey. Visit the historic All Saints Church, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. Wrap up your afternoon at a local pub, sampling some of the region’s finest ales and hearty dishes.

evening
:

As dusk settles, head back to the town center for a delightful dinner at a family-run restaurant offering traditional British cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautifully lit streets, taking in the cozy ambiance of the town. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local theatre or arts venue for a live performance or film screening.

day 2
Nature Walks in the Surrey Hills
morning
:

Begin your day with an invigorating hike in the stunning Surrey Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Pack a picnic breakfast and enjoy it surrounded by breathtaking views atop Black Down, the highest point in the South Downs National Park. As you wander through the lush green trails, keep an eye out for local wildlife and beautiful wildflowers.

afternoon
:

After your hike, head to the quaint village of Fernhurst for lunch at a local café, where you can savor seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Post-lunch, visit the historic Fernhurst Mill, where you can learn about the milling process and the mill's history in the area. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the charming villages and landscapes that make up this enchanting region.

evening
:

Return to Haslemere for a cozy evening at a local bistro, where you can indulge in a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced produce. After your meal, take a peaceful walk along the river, listening to the soothing sounds of nature. If you're in the mood, find a cozy pub to enjoy a nightcap and socialize with locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️Three-course dinner for two (mid-range)$40-70
Coffee$3-5
🍺Pint of beer in a pub$4-7
🚆Monthly public transport pass$100-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming town center with independent shops
  • Easy access to nature and outdoor activities
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Can be quiet outside market days

Places to Visit in Haslemere

Visit one of these nice places.

High Street & Clock Tower

Historic town center with flint architecture and a distinctive clock tower.

Devil's Punch Bowl Overlook

Dramatic view from the Hindhead escarpment over the Punch Bowl and valley.

Frensham Ponds (from the causeway)

Tranquil water reflections with wildlife and seasonal colours.

Black Down Summit

Sweeping countryside views over the South Downs.

Hindhead Commons & War Memorial

Rolling heathland, characteristic of Surrey's landscapes.

St Christopher’s Church & Green

Picturesque church and green on the edge of the town.

Culinary Guide

Food in Haslemere

Haslemere's cuisine draws on fresh local produce, comforting British pub fare, and cosy cafes offering seasonal dishes.

Haslemere Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cream Tea

Scones with clotted cream and jam, best enjoyed in a quaint Haslemere tearoom.

Must-Try!

Roast Dinner

Traditional Sunday roasts with seasonal vegetables at many local pubs.

Fish and Chips

Golden battered fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas.

Sausage and Mash

Herbed sausages with mashed potatoes and onion gravy, a pub staple.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Haslemere Farmers' Market

Local producers offering bread, cheeses, honey, pastries and seasonal produce.

Street Food Pop-Ups

Occasional stalls around The Parade offering pies, pastries and street snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Haslemere experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters; rainfall is spread throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments; queues and public transport run on time.

Queueing

Form orderly queues; allow space to pass in narrow shops.

Personal Space & Greetings

A polite handshake; friendly small talk is common but not overly familiar.

Safety Guide

Safety

In general a safe town; watch for traffic on narrow lanes and forests at night; keep valuables secure in crowded areas and while hiking.

Tipping in Haslemere

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are not mandatory; round up or leave 10-15% for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash and card payments widely accepted; contactless is common; some small venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Longer days, warm weather, and frequent outdoor events; carry water and sunscreen.

Autumn

Vibrant foliage and harvest markets; lighter crowds and muddy trails.

Winter

Cooler days, frost and occasional rain; pack layers and waterproofs.

Spring

Blooming landscapes, pleasant hiking conditions and longer daylight hours.

Nightlife Guide

Haslemere at Night

Haslemere has a modest nightlife scene centered on traditional pubs, wine bars, and occasional live music events and cinema at Haslemere Hall.

Hiking in Haslemere

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Devil's Punch Bowl Trail

Scenic circular route around Hindhead with heathland landscapes.

Black Down Summit Walk

Moderate climb to the South Downs highest point for panoramic views.

Thursley Common Nature Reserve Walk

Wildlife-rich heathland with easy to moderate trails.

Frensham Common & Ponds Trail

Lakeside trails and woodland paths near Frensham Ponds.

South Downs Way Segment near Haslemere

Rugged ridges offering sweeping views of the Downs.

Airports

How to reach Haslemere by plane.

London Gatwick Airport

Major international airport about 40-60 miles southeast of Haslemere; accessible by rail and road.

London Heathrow Airport

Major international airport about 25-45 miles northeast; accessible by rail to London and onward connections.

Southampton Airport

Regional airport roughly 60-70 miles southwest; reachable by road and rail via London.

Getting Around

Walkability

Haslemere is very walkable in the town center with a pleasant pedestrian-friendly High Street; some outskirts require a short drive or bus to reach parks and trails.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many households with school-aged children; family-friendly amenities.

Commuters

A sizable portion commute to London or Guildford for work.

Retirees

A proportion of residents enjoy countryside living and relaxed pace.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Local clubs and school teams with weekend fixtures.

Cricket

Summer sport with local clubs and leagues.

Tennis

Public courts and club facilities for casual games and tournaments.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Haslemere can get busy during commute hours; rail services to London and beyond are frequent; buses connect Haslemere with nearby towns; plan ahead for market days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Haslemere.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most eateries in Haslemere offer vegetarian mains; look for veggie mains or request bespoke vegetarian options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

NH S services include local GP practices; the nearest large hospitals are in Guildford and Farnham, with emergency services available via 999. Pharmacies are common in town.

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