Living in Farnham

Farnham’s community atmosphere is characterised by a strong sense of local identity and active civic engagement. Markets, such as the monthly Farnham Farmers’ Market, bring together residents and local producers, while annual events like Farnham Carnival and the Farnham Food Festival showcase the town’s creative and inclusive side. Community centres and groups offer a diverse range of activities for all ages, from art classes to sports clubs.

The town is surrounded by green spaces and parks such as Gostrey Meadow, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities, picnics, and local gatherings. Local organisations, including the Farnham Society and various neighbourhood groups, help maintain Farnham’s architectural heritage and encourage sustainable development, reinforcing a strong community feel. The presence of the University for the Creative Arts also brings a youthful and creative vibrancy to the town’s cultural scene.

Farnham is generally considered a safe place to live by Surrey standards, with lower crime rates compared to larger urban centres. Incidents of serious crime are rare, and the town benefits from strong neighbourhood policing and active community safety partnerships. The town centre and residential areas are patrolled regularly, and residents often report feeling secure both during the day and at night.

There are ongoing community safety initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes and partnerships with local youth groups designed to discourage antisocial behaviour. The presence of local police and the sense of community engagement add to the general perception of Farnham being a secure and welcoming place to settle.

Parking in Farnham is generally accessible, with a range of options to accommodate residents, workers, and visitors. The town offers multiple car parks, both long stay and short stay, alongside on-street parking spaces in the centre and surrounding residential areas. Resident permits are available in certain streets where parking pressure is higher, particularly in more historic parts of the town with narrower roads.

Farnham experiences some traffic congestion during rush hour, especially along the A31 and within the one-way system of the town centre. However, the road network offers straightforward connections to nearby towns and cities. Main routes include:

• Guildford – approx. 25 minutes via A31 (11 miles)
• Aldershot – approx. 12 minutes via A325 (4 miles)
• Basingstoke – approx. 30 minutes via A31/A339 (19 miles)
• Winchester – approx. 45 minutes via A31 (31 miles)

The M3 motorway can be joined at junctions nearby, offering efficient road access towards London or the South Coast.

Farnham boasts a thriving food and drink scene, offering a mix of traditional pubs, stylish bars, independent cafés, and quality restaurants. Popular destinations include The Nelson Arms and The William Cobbett for classic pub fare, while The Botanist and The Castle Inn are known for their inviting atmospheres and curated drinks menus. A number of cafés and tearooms such as Lion and Lamb Café cater to breakfast and lunch crowds, with artisan bakeries and delicatessens sprinkled throughout the town centre.

For dining, there’s a choice of international cuisine, from Italian trattorias to Asian fusion bistros and contemporary British dining. Takeaway options are plentiful, serving everything from gourmet burgers to sushi. While Farnham doesn’t have a large nightclub scene, its bars and live music venues offer a sociable, relaxed nightlife, often supported by events at The Maltings arts centre and seasonal town festivals.

School Quality: Farnham’s schools are highly rated, with both state and independent options praised for their academic and extracurricular provision, making the area very attractive to families seeking strong educational outcomes.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from an abundance of parks, playgrounds, and easy access to the Surrey Hills for walking and cycling. Gostrey Meadow and Farnham Park are particularly popular with local families for leisure and play.

Childcare: A range of nurseries, preschools, and childminders operate across Farnham, offering options for working parents and those seeking flexible care.

Safety: Good safety records and strong neighbourhood networks contribute to parents’ peace of mind, supporting a family-friendly environment.

Family Activities: The town regularly hosts family-focused events, such as theatre performances at The Maltings, craft workshops, library sessions, and local sports clubs, ensuring there is plenty for younger residents to enjoy.

Farnham is a particularly pet-friendly town, prized for its proximity to extensive green spaces. Farnham Park, Alice Holt Forest, and the surrounding countryside offer miles of scenic walking trails ideal for dog owners. The town has several well-reputed veterinary clinics and a selection of pet supply shops catering to animal needs.

Many local pubs and cafés welcome dogs, and pet-friendly housing is increasingly common, particularly in the town’s outlying neighbourhoods. There are also dog-training groups and kennels nearby for additional support. The general culture in Farnham is welcoming towards pets, making it a popular location for those with four-legged companions.

Farnham benefits from excellent transport connections, making it especially popular with commuters and those needing regular access to London or the South West. Farnham railway station runs frequent direct services to London Waterloo, often taking just under an hour, ideal for daily commuters. There are also regular trains to Alton and connections to Guildford, providing flexibility for journeys both local and further afield.

The town is well-served by local and regional bus routes, linking it with nearby towns such as Aldershot, Guildford, and Haslemere. National Express coaches operate routes through Farnham, providing direct travel to major airports and key destinations. Road access is straightforward, with the A31 running through Farnham and offering swift links to Winchester to the west and Guildford to the east. The nearby A3 and M3 connect Farnham with London and the coastal regions.

For air travel, both Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport are within easy reach—Heathrow is under an hour by car, and Gatwick can generally be reached in about 70 minutes. Key commute times from Farnham include:

• London Waterloo – approx. 55–60 minutes by train
• Guildford – approx. 20 minutes by train/car
• Winchester – approx. 40 minutes by car via A31
• Basingstoke – approx. 30 minutes by car via A31/A339

Primary Schools in Farnham:

South Farnham School is highly regarded in the local area, consistently rated Outstanding by Ofsted (last inspection in 2012), and is known for its academic achievement and wide range of extracurricular activities. Potters Gate Church of England Primary School also receives positive reviews from parents, with a Good rating from Ofsted (2017). St Andrew's Church of England Primary School is another popular choice, praised for its nurturing environment. Highfield South Farnham is an independent preparatory school with a strong reputation.

Secondary Schools in Farnham:

Weydon School stands out as one of Surrey's top-performing secondary schools: it was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023. All Hallows Catholic School is also highly regarded, offering a broad curriculum, and was rated Good by Ofsted in 2018. Heath End School provides education for ages 11–16 and has been improving its performance and facilities in recent years. Farnham Heath End School is known for its inclusive ethos.

Independent & Further Education:

Edgeborough School and Frensham Heights School are local independent schools offering day and boarding options, set in beautiful grounds. There are also nearby sixth-form colleges, such as Farnham Sixth Form College, which provides a variety of A-level and vocational courses.

Universities:

Farnham is home to the University for the Creative Arts, a leading institution that attracts students in fields such as art, design, and media from across the UK and internationally. Its presence strengthens the area’s cultural and creative life.