Car Hire Farnham

Low clouds often settle above the rooftops in the early hours, giving Farnham a quiet, silver start to the day. This market town sits along the River Wey in western Surrey, its edges brushing close to Hampshire’s countryside. It’s easily reached by car, especially if you’re driving in from Guildford or weaving through the lanes beyond Alton—the A31 runs straight through.

The air carries a softness most of the year, though spring showers and chilly breezes like to turn up unannounced. A warm jumper and waterproof boots make wandering easier, particularly through woodland or past riverbanks. For many, early autumn is a favourite time to visit—mellow days, copper leaves in the park and fewer people about in this town housing 40,000.

Attractions In Farnham

The rhythm of the place isn’t hurried. You find things slowly—a path between houses that opens into green or a courtyard with handmade crafts.

Farnham Park

The rise along Folly Hill leads you to Farnham Park, where open grassland dips gently and ancient oaks still stand steady. There’s space to roam—we took a walk as the light was changing and the way it filtered through the trees made everything feel just a little older. It’s open all day and night and you can spot the castle’s edge from some of the higher spots.

Farnham Maltings

Down by Bridge Square, the Maltings is part arts venue, part gathering place—never loud but always active in a quiet sort of way. We’ve turned up on rainy days and ended up staying for a small gallery show or browsing the craft shop. It’s open from 9:00am to 5:00pm during the week, with occasional weekend events. People often come over from Frimley for the seasonal fairs or workshops.

Birdworld

A bit further south, near the A325, Birdworld has a scale you might not expect—part aviary, part wildlife garden, part play area. There’s a rhythm to the place: flamingos milling by the water, children chasing shadows, parrots calling from high branches. It opens at 10:00am and closes at 4:30pm and draws in regulars from as far as Hindhead on weekends.

Museum Of Farnham

Set in a Georgian townhouse on West Street, the museum is a small, layered space—you move through rooms that still creak underfoot, each holding pieces of Farnham’s past. We lingered over some local pottery and wartime letters. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm and tends to be wonderfully quiet. It’s a popular stop for those coming from Woking who enjoy smaller, local museums.

Waverley Abbey

A short drive takes you down Waverley Lane, where what’s left of the abbey sits quietly beside the river. The arches remain and the stillness around them can stop conversation mid-sentence. It’s open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Before heading on toward Badshot Lea, we stopped here and watched a heron stalk the water.

Rural Life Living Museum

In Tilford, a few miles out, this open-air museum lays out old barns, blacksmith workshops and post-war houses—a walk-through memory of rural England. The children clambered over vintage tractors, while we watched from a weathered bench. It’s open from 10:00am to 4:00pm every day. You’ll often hear accents from Camberley—it’s a favourite spot for family afternoons.

Gostrey Meadow

Tucked beside South Street and crossed by a little stream, Gostrey Meadow always seems to have someone passing through—a toddler on a scooter, a man with a sandwich, teens lounging in the sun. There’s a bandstand, too, used more often than you’d think. It’s open all hours and serves well as a quiet lunch break.

Farnham Castle

You see the castle before you get to it, especially if you’re coming up from Castle Street—strong walls, centuries of watching the town shift and grow. It’s open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm. We went on a weekday and had the keep to ourselves. The view from the top gives you a real feel for the town’s shape.

Mother Ludlam’s Cave

A strange little spot down by Moor Park, the cave’s more about the story than the site—a local tale of a kindly witch and a cauldron that never ran empty. You won’t need long here but the walk to reach it is peaceful, especially in late spring. It’s always open, though the trail can get muddy. Tucked within reach of Godalming, it’s easy to add to an afternoon circuit.

The Blind Bishop’s Steps

Castle Hill hides these weathered steps, which climb discreetly toward the castle grounds. We only found them because we followed a narrow footpath lined with elderflower and old brick walls. They’re worth it for the feel alone—a sense of quiet history underfoot. An easy detour on the way toward Ash if you’re heading that way.

The Day Settles Softly

There’s always somewhere to sit with a coffee or warm meal in Farnham—not flashy but thoughtful and steady. Shops lean towards the independent and the pace suits those who take time to browse. There are a few good places to stay, many with gardens or rooms tucked under old beams.