HOTSPOT – FARNHAM

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FARNHAM

IT’S POSSIBLE TO HAVE IT ALL IN THE LEAFY SURREY TOWN

OF FARNHAM, WITH COUNTRY LIFE AND CULTURAL PURSUITS IN THEIR PLENTY, AND LONDON UNDER AN HOUR AWAY BY TRAIN

The leafy town of Farnham,

Surrey, was recently named as one of the best places to live in the South East by The Times. This accolade won’t come as a surprise to its residents, who love the area for its clean air, green spaces, great schools and beautiful homes. A favourite with commuters seeking a country lifestyle, Farnham is just a few miles from Guildford, and under an hour from London. It’s the mix of great travel links, a well-stocked high street and laid-back living that really puts Farnham on the map as a great place to live.

WHO LIVES THERE?

With such good commuting credentials, Farnham is home to its fair share of city workers, who have sought the country life while being close to London. The University for the Creative Arts, a renowned art college in Farnham, attracts a young, talented bunch, too. It’s a popular location for families, who like the perfect balance between town and country life. Several new housing developments are being created close to the town centre (also

bringing a cinema, shopping centre and restaurants), which are already proving popular with young professionals. There are also plenty of wide, leafy residential streets with a wide variety of large family homes to be found very close to the town centre.

SHOPPING

A walk along the pretty high street will bring you to a range of recognisable and independent names, happy to welcome shoppers now restrictions are easing. You’ll find everything from a popular guitar shop and antiques store to

Oliver Bonas, Fat Face and

Hobbs. Lion and Lamb Yard, a cobbled side street, is particularly characterful, and is home to a cafe, supermarket and more independent boutiques. The town has several major supermarkets, including a huge Sainsbury’s. There’s also an awardwinning farmers’ market, held monthly, as well as an annual food festival, which sees Castle Street filled with sumptuous smells and happy foodies.

EATING OUT

A number of good pubs, plus independent and chain restaurants, can be found right in the centre of Farnham, meaning plenty of choice for eating out (or ordering in). The Giggling Squid for Thai and The Lost Boy for quality burgers, pizza and Mediterranean-inspired dishes are both very popular with locals. High street pubs include the wonky-beamed Nelson Arms and The Queen’s Head – among several others – that are well worth a visit for a meet-up or leisurely lunch. If you’re driving, or doing a long walk, The Spotted Cow or The Bat and Ball have great menus and vast gardens.

OUT AND ABOUT

Options for days out and activities are endless. Open countryside, country walks and great cycling routes are easily accessible. Local favourites include Bourne Wood and Alice Holt Forest – home to adventure play areas and off-road cycling routes, and Crooksbury Hill, for stunning views out over the South Downs. Farnham Castle, the Rural Life Centre and Birdworld are all popular with locals. Farnham Maltings, a centre offering arts and crafts classes, exhibitions and talks, is a great community asset, running everything from sewing and pottery classes to comedy shows from world-class acts.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS

Farnham offers the magic commuting time of less than 60 minutes to London. Trains run directly to London Waterloo in 59 minutes (though you can get there quicker if you’re happy to change trains). Direct services run to Guildford in 23 minutes, or you can reach it slightly faster by car. Road links are equally good: the A3, close at hand, will take you to London, or heading south, you can reach the coast in a little over an hour.