Farnham

Farnham is an ancient medieval town in Surrey, full of interesting historical sites and beautiful Georgian buildings.

With evidence to suggest that Farnham has been a settlement for tens of thousands of years, the town is rich in history. Taking in the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, the Romans and Saxons also settled in Farnham. The town boasts an intact Norman castle and keep, built for the Bishop of Winchester as a half-way point between his home in Winchester and London. Part of the castle and its keep are now open to the public. Farnham and its castle played a major part in the English Civil War, with visits from King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. Following this period, the town became known for its market, which the author Daniel Defoe described as the greatest after London. Industries in the town have included the production of pottery, wool, crops, flour, and beer.

Farnham borders on the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Downs Way long-distance path starts here. Alice Holt Forest is nearby, as are Frensham Ponds and many heaths and downland scenery.

See

• ⊙Farnham Castle, Castle Street, ☎ +44 1252 721194. A Norman castle that was lived in for almost 900 years with buildings reflecting the changing architectural styles through the centuries.  
• ⊙Farnham Museum, 38 West Street, ☎ +44 1252 715094. Visit the museum and understand the extensive history of the town, from prehistory to today. Features exhibitions of art, crafts and writing produced in the town. Check the website for information about temporary exhibitions and children's activities. Free.
• ⊙St Andrew's Church, Church Lane, ☎ +44 1252 715412. St Andrew's is the parish church of Farnham. There was a church on the same site as the present St Andrew's some five hundred years before the present building was built in the 11th century.  

Do

• Country Market, United Reform Church (opposite Sainsbury's supermarket), South Street, ☎ +44 1246 261508. Held every Friday from 9:30AM-11AM. Established in 1950, this market offers quality handmade crafts, plants, fresh flowers and vegetables when in season, eggs and honey and a selection of traditional home cooking and preserves. 
• Farmers Market, Central Car Park (off Victoria Road). A local farmer's market selling traditional food, flowers and other produce is held on the fourth Sunday of each month. Many of the stallholders offer free samples before you buy. 
• Maker's Market, The Maltings, Bridge Square, ☎ +44 1252 718001. This market is one of the oldest and largest in the area, with around 200 stalls selling vintage and handmade items, as well as food. The market is held on the first Saturday of every month, from 9:30AM-4PM.