Living in Bordon

Bordon’s community and local life are shaped by its blend of longstanding residents and newcomers attracted by the town’s regeneration. There is a strong sense of inclusiveness, fostered by regular local events and organisations such as the Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust, which coordinates holiday clubs, workshops, and support services for all age groups.

The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre is a hub for cultural activities, while the weekly market and pop-up food stalls add vibrancy to the town centre. The Green Loop and numerous green spaces, such as the Hogmoor Inclosure and Bordon Inclosure, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, family walks, and nature exploration.

Bordon is also known for its community gardening projects and sustainability initiatives, with shared allotments and local environmental groups encouraging residents to get involved. The area’s proximity to Alice Holt Forest and the South Downs National Park enhances the outdoor lifestyle, making Bordon a desirable location for those seeking community spirit amidst natural surroundings.

Bordon is generally recognised as a safe place to live, with lower crime rates than many urban centres in Hampshire. The area benefits from a visible local police presence and regular patrols, partly due to its historic military connections and strong sense of community vigilance.

Whitehill & Bordon Town Partnership and the local council run several community safety initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch schemes and public awareness campaigns. Regeneration projects have also focused on designing safe public areas, with improved street lighting, accessible parks, and new pedestrian routes.

Recent years have seen crime rates in Bordon remain below the county average, with most incidents relating to minor antisocial behaviour or traffic matters. Residents report feeling secure in their neighbourhoods, particularly in the quieter residential estates and new developments.

Parking in Bordon is largely convenient for residents and visitors alike. Most residential streets and newer housing developments offer off-street parking or designated bays, and on-street parking is generally unrestricted except in the town centre, where short-term restrictions apply to ease access to local shops and facilities.

The A325 bisects Bordon, creating accessible connections to key routes such as the A3 for north-south travel and the A31 for east-west links. While Bordon does not typically experience congestion on the scale of larger towns, peak hours can see heavier traffic, particularly on the A325 and at town centre junctions.

Commuters benefit from easy access to surrounding towns and motorways:

• Farnham – approx. 15 minutes via A325 (8 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 40 minutes via A31 (21 miles)
• Portsmouth – approx. 45 minutes via A3 (31 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes via A3 (48 miles)

Overall, parking in Bordon and its road network provide efficient transportation options with relatively low congestion for a town of its size.

Dining in Bordon reflects the town’s evolving character, with independent cafés, traditional pubs, and recently opened restaurants serving the growing population. Popular local pubs include The Royal Exchange and The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre, known for their welcoming atmosphere and pub fare. The area features a handful of Indian, Chinese, and Italian takeaway options, while the arrival of artisan bakeries and new cafés has added variety to the high street.

While Bordon itself maintains a relaxed social scene, with most nightlife centred on local pubs and the community arts centre, nearby towns such as Farnham and Alton offer broader options including bistros, cocktail bars, and live music venues.

The Phoenix Theatre regularly hosts live performances, open mic nights, film showings, and comedy acts, acting as the cultural and social heart of the community. For a more lively night out or a fine dining experience, residents often venture to the surrounding market towns, taking advantage of Bordon’s convenient transport links.

School Quality: Bordon’s schools have received solid Ofsted ratings, and many benefit from modern facilities thanks to recent investment, providing a supportive educational environment for children of all ages.

Parks and Green Spaces: The town features several accessible parks and extensive woodland trails, such as Hogmoor Inclosure, making it ideal for families who value outdoor play and fresh air.

Childcare: A number of nurseries and early years settings operate in Bordon, including preschool groups and childminders, supporting working parents and young families.

Safety: Bordon is considered a safe community, with a low crime rate relative to surrounding regions, enhancing peace of mind for those raising children.

Family Activities: From the Phoenix Theatre's family shows to open green spaces and sports clubs, Bordon provides a wide range of activities suited to young people and their parents. Local events, youth clubs, and organised holiday camps further support a family-friendly atmosphere.

Bordon is a highly pet-friendly location, attracting dog owners and animal lovers thanks to its abundance of green space and trails. The Hogmoor Inclosure, Woolmer Forest, and nearby Alice Holt Forest offer miles of scenic trails perfect for dog walking or horse riding.

The town features several veterinary practices and a growing number of pet supply shops, ensuring that pet care is easily accessible for residents. Many local cafés and some pubs welcome dogs, and most accommodation in recent residential developments is open to pets, reflecting a positive attitude toward animal ownership.

Parks and public areas are generally well maintained, with waste bins and open spaces designed with pet walkers in mind. Pet-friendly living in Bordon benefits from both urban convenience and rapid access to Hampshire's countryside.

Bordon is well placed for commuters and residents seeking access to both local amenities and larger neighbouring towns. While the town itself does not have a railway station, regular bus services connect Bordon to nearby hubs including Farnham, Alton, and Liphook, all of which provide rail services to London and the South Coast.

The A325 runs directly through Bordon, linking to the A31 and A3, making car journeys efficient to places such as Guildford, Portsmouth, and London. The Whitehill & Bordon Green Loop offers a network of walking and cycling routes, connecting residential areas with schools, shops, and leisure spaces.

For air travel, London Heathrow Airport is just over 40 miles to the north, with a typical drive time of about 55 minutes, while Southampton Airport is around 40 minutes away by car. Mainline rail stations for commuting can be accessed within 15–20 minutes by car or bus, connecting to:

• London Waterloo: approx. 1 hour from Farnham Station
• Guildford: approx. 30 minutes from Farnham or Liphook Station
• Portsmouth: approx. 50 minutes from Liphook Station

Local bus services and nearby train stations ensure that Bordon residents benefit from both rural surroundings and practical links to regional destinations.

Bordon offers a range of educational options, suitable for families with children at every stage of schooling. With new families moving in, education in Bordon is a key focus for local development initiatives, including the building of modern school facilities.

Primary Schools in Bordon:
Bordon Junior School is centrally located and well-regarded by local families, with a Good Ofsted rating as of 2018. Bordon Infant School, located nearby, also holds a Good Ofsted rating from its 2017 inspection. Weyford Nursery and Primary Academy is another popular choice, offering all-through primary provision. The Holme Church of England Primary School, slightly to the west, is known for its strong community ethos, also rated Good by Ofsted in 2021.

Secondary Schools in Bordon:
The town is served by Oakmoor School, a modern secondary institution designed as part of the area's regeneration. Oakmoor School received a Good Ofsted rating in 2022 and benefits from contemporary facilities and a broad curriculum. Amery Hill School in nearby Alton and Bohunt School in Liphook are also accessible options, both well-reviewed by parents in the region.

Further Education and Colleges:
Although Bordon does not have its own further education college, students typically travel to Alton College, a highly respected institution just a short drive away, offering A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. South Downs College in Waterlooville is another popular option for higher education and specialist training.

Universities near Bordon:
The University of Surrey in Guildford is approximately 30 minutes away by car and is known for its research and varied course offerings. The University of Portsmouth and the University of Winchester are both viable alternatives within an hour’s commute, covering a wide range of academic disciplines.