Welcome to Farnham! If you have just moved here or thinking of moving here we hope this post gives you a little insight into what you can expect.
During the Palaeolithic age Farnham was little more than a gravel track used by people and Mammoths alike. As it developed into a 'junction' of tracks occupation around the area started growing through the Bronze and Iron ages. During Roman occupation small potteries made an appearance – some of which are still present today. It was not until the Saxons in 688AD that Farnham was given its name “Fearnhamme” referring to the Fern and bracken which is still heavily evident today and the water meadows which make up large areas of the town surrounding the River Wey.
Farnham established itself as a thriving market town through the sale of wool and hops but it was not until army occupation in the mid 1800's of neighbouring Aldershot and Bordon that Farnham grew into the Market Town it is today. This influx of army personnel saw an increase in the production of beer at the Maltings yard and the appearance of many more pubs in the area. As the years progressed and the Market Town flourished small industries and business came and went, the number of pubs fell to accommodate this new growth but ultimately it was farming that remained as the prominent industry of the area.
The Town Centre known as 'The Borough' since 1207 in densely populated with all sorts of independent shops and larger chain outlets. Supermarkets such as Sainsburys, Lidyls, Iceland and Waitrose are all within walking distance of the town centre car parks with Superstores such as Sainsburys, Homebase, Halfords and Pets at Home on the outskirts of the town.
Restaurants are fairly well accounted for too, with a good selection of cuisines with independent and chain restaurants giving something for everyone. Farnham has a good selection of pubs in and out of the town, there is definitely a pub or bar to suit most tastes.
Farnham is probably one of the best areas for outdoors with large parks, lakes, forests and woods and acre upon acre of meadow land and heathland. Excellent for a country stroll, a bike or horse ride, brilliant running paths or even perfect backdrops to film Hollywood blockbuster after Hollywood blockbuster. Oh yes, if you venture down to the Bourne Woods or the Frensham Lakes there is a very good chance you will come across a full blown film set and the odd Hollywood A-lister.
If the acres and acres of running, biking, horse riding land isn't enough for you, or you prefer the comfort of running in an air conditioned gym there are three large gyms for you to choose from, from the local leisure centre to the newly opened David Lloyd centre. Is Martial Arts your thing? Kung Fu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do are all represented as is the countries leading Thai Boxing and MMA gym Team Kaobon – well worth a try if you fancy the best workout around!
Farnham has great rail links to London with a service running to Clapham and Waterloo every half hour, Guildford is also an easy train ride away. Situated close to the A3 and M3 means travelling South or North is also nice and easy.
The average house price in Farnham might be higher than other towns nearby but that doesn't mean there isn't a variety of a house prices in the area. From small one bed flats to multi-room mansions with acres of land there is something for every budget.
Farnham is sandwiched between the two army towns of Bordon and Aldershot. Close by are Farnborough with its own airport. Close too are Guildford, Basingstoke and Fleet all with really good shopping and nightlife.
Farnham has some of the best primary and secondary schools in the area, both state and private. There is the local 6th form college as well as the well-known Alton College and Farnborough Technical College. Farnham is also home to the University for the Creative Arts. A 5 campus situated throughout Surrey and Kent that offers some of the leading arts courses in the country and in fact Europe.
If you're thinking of moving to Farnham or surrounding towns in Surrey it is definitely worth a few visits day and night to really get a feel for the town. Farnham has a lot to offer, it may not be for everyone with its relatively small centre.