Farnham`s Tree Trail,The Feast of Food 2016,James Hockey and

Free gardening workshops for
kids
Join our free Bloomin’ Kids Gardening Workshops, this Autumn halfterm for lots
of green fingered fun from bulb planting for springtime flowering to planting a
winter container to take home!
About the workshops
The workshops will be held on Thursday 27 of October at Farnham Town Council’s
greenhouses on West Street. There will be two sessions held on the day from
10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm with a 20 minute break during each session.
The workshops are completely free and will offer aspiring gardeners the chance
to sow seeds and prick out seedlings whilst learning exciting facts and
practical skills.
Please note that workshops are unsuitable for children under four.
Getting here
Our workshops will be held at Farnham Town Council’s Greenhouses which are
located on West Street (A325) between West Street cemetery and the Council
allotments.
Refreshments
Refreshments will be available in the form of biscuits, tea, coffee, juice and
water.
Car parking and toilet facilities
There will be limited toilet facilities on site. The nearest nappy changing
facility will be in the town centre.
Car parking will be limited. There will be some parking available at the
Council’s depot which will be signposted and is approximately 90m past the
cemetery if travelling from the town centre.
Sign up today
Places are limited on each session so please book in advance to avoid
disappointment.
Register here
Farnham's Tree Trail
A self guided circular tree trail of central
Farnham by Peter Bridgeman.
Download the Map of trail
Starting in Gostrey Meadow
1. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’)
Introduced into Britain from Northern Italy in 1758. Often
looks taller than it is due to its fastigiate or upright form.
Can grow to 40m. This is around 30m (100 ft) and is one of the
tallest trees in Farnham. Like many poplars, they are
comparatively short-lived. One was felled this summer due to
decay. There are several other species of poplar in Farnham.
Lombardy Poplar and Gingko
2. Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)
Introduced in 1754 from China, with the first recorded
planting at Kew Gardens by Princess Augusta, mother of George
III, in 1762 and it’s still there at 250 plus years old. There
are specimens in China some 3000 years old. A very ancient
species pre-dating the dinosaurs, with some saying they go
back 150 million years. The dried leaves have many therapeutic
properties and the Institute for Natural Products Research
claimed can prevent bed-wetting, soothe bladder irritation,
treat intestinal worms and cure gonorrhea!
3. Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glytostroboides)
This native of China was thought to be extinct until found in
the Szechwan region in 1941 and first introduced to England in
1948. One of the original plantings is at Cambridge Botanic
Gardens and is already over 20m tall with a wonderful fluted
trunk. It is a deciduous conifer like the swamp cypress
(Taxodium) and larch (Larix). This one is some 40 years old
Dawn redwood
4. Golden Weeping Willow (Salix x sepulcralis ‘Chrysocoma’)
Dawn redwood
foliage
Introduced from France in the early 19 century. Frequently
planted as a landscape feature near water but will grow on
most soils. It’s a very thirsty tree so not suitable close to
buildings on shrinkable clay soils. Probably the most
recognizable of all large trees.
Golden weeping willow
5. Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
A native of Britain and Europe and will grow in most soils but
very tolerant of wet conditions, as can be seen either side of
the wooden walkway at the southern end of Frensham Little Pond
where they are growing right in the boggy area. The timber was
used to make clogs in northern England. The cone like seed
case is quite distinctive.
6. English or Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)
There are some 600 species of oak worldwide and there are over
180 listed in the Hillier Manual. There are many specimens of
the native English oak in Farnham and the oldest are in
Farnham Park where one is thought to date back 500 years. The
hard and durable timber was used for ship-building and
structural timbers in building construction. The only other
native is the sessile oak. You will shall see three more oak
species on this walk.
English Oak tree
7. Golden Rain Tree or Pride of India (Koelreuteria
paniculata)
A medium sized tree from China and Taiwan introduced into this
country in 1763. Grows up to 12m tall with attractive small
yellow flowers in July/August and bladder-like, three
sectioned orange/pink- coloured fruit in the autumn.
Golden Rain
8. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Native of Europe and Britain, a common hedgerow tree with many
forms and varieties. There are thousands of young ash along
the Hogs Back and on many main roads around Farnham. Now
threatened with a fungal disease Chalara. The flexible timber
was used for aircraft construction during and after WW1 and
now for quality tool handles, snooker cues and it makes by far
the best logs for open fires and wood-burning stoves. Easily
recognized by the black buds and divided (pinnate) leaves.
Ash
Cross Longbridge
9. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Native of the borders of Greece and Albania and introduced into Britain in the
early 17 century.
One of the most attractive large trees with its flowers in May and the kids’
favourite with the autumn conkers. In recent years this species has suffered
from the double problem of a leaf minor moth on the leaves and a bacteria
(Phytophthora) causing a bleeding canker on the trunks. There are two red horse
Chestnuts in the pedestrian area at the Woolmead.
Horse chestnut
Up Longbridge to junction of Red Lion Lane
10. Weeping, Willow-leaved or Silver Pear (Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’)
A native of the Caucasus and introduced in the late 18C. An attractive small
tree suitable for very confined spaces with white flowers in spring and very
small inedible pears.
Weeping, willow-leaved or Silver Pear
11. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
A true native of Scotland and Northern Europe but has grown naturally in the
south, particularly on acid heathlands. There are thousands at Bourne Wood and
Frensham Little Pond. It is also planted as a quick-growing forest tree and the
trees felled to recreate the RSPB reserve at Bourne Wood were planted to be
felled for timber. The wood is used for building and furniture and is durable if
kept dry. Lovely orange bark in the higher crown.
Scotts pine
Bridge over the bypass
12. English Elm (Ulmus procera)
Native of Britain and Europe but over 20 million large trees were lost to Dutch
Elm Disease in the 1970’s. These are just suckers from the original parent trees
and they too will succumb to the disease once trees produce sufficient bark to
attract the elm bark beetle that transmits the fungal disease. There was a
wonderful avenue of elms in Farnham Park but they were lost and replaced with
limes and beech. The timber is used for furniture, especially chair seats, and
Ercol stored many felled tree trunks in old gravel pits as the wood will not
deteriorate under water. There is a ‘National’ collection of elms in Brighton.
English Elm
Back to the Maltings
13. Upright or Cypress Oak (Quercus robur Fastigiate group). Outside the
Maltings café
This is an attractive more confined upright shaped oak. Other examples of oaks
in and around Farnham are a large evergreen oak to the rear of the Museum which
we shall see shortly, a Turkey oak in Langham Recreation ground in The Ridgeway
there is a red oak later in the tour. You can always recognize oaks as they all
have acorns.
Upright or Cypress Oak
St Andrew’s Parish Church
14. Yew (Taxus baccata)
A native conifer frequently seen in churchyards but also makes an ornamental
tree and is good for hedging and topiary. One of the longest living organisms in
the world, with trees in this country thought to date back 4,000 to 5,000 years.
There was one in the churchyard at Selbourne thought to be 1500 years old but
this fell over in 1990 and was propped up by students from Merrist Wood – but it
finally fell to pieces in 2011. The foliage and fruit are toxic. Robin Hood’s
long bow was made from Yew wood and the timber is used for decorative veneers.
Yew
15. Irish Yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’)
An upright clone first discovered in 1780 by George Willis in the gardens of
Florence Court in Northern Ireland and now widely planted as an ornamental tree.
Again often seen in churchyards due to its sombre appearance. There is also a
golden form.
16. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Native of Great Britain and Europe and common in hedgerows in woodlands,
especially on the clay soils of Essex. Like beech it makes a good hedge and
again like beech hedges holds its dead leaves though the winter. There are
several forms and cultivars and these two trees are of semi-fastigiate form. You
will see a good specimen of hornbeam at the entrance to the Bush Hotel car park
with a sculptured-like trunk.
Hornbeam
West Street
17. Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani). In the library gardens
A native of NW Asia and Syria and introduced into the UK in 1645. This specimen is likely to be over 250 years old. There are
also large specimens at Rangers House in Farnham Park planted in the 18th century and another storm-battered old tree in the
castle grounds. The large spreading branches are prone to wind and heavy snow damage and the tree here has been braced to
prevent damage. You will see a blue Atlas cedar later.
Cedar of Lebanon
18. Evergreen or Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)
Native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated in this country since the 16C. It can grow to very large proportions but is
not completely hardy up north. It is planted as shelter belts in coastal areas in the south and south-west as it is wind and
salt tolerant. The bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber) is used to make the corks for wine bottles and is grown extensively
in Portugal. Like the holm oak it is evergreen. The change to screw-top wine bottles has resulted in the decline in trees
grown for their bark.
Evergreen or Holm Oak
19. Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’) Along West Street
This is a cultivar first produced in 1836 and grafted onto the normal beech rootstock. Forms a very attractive large tree but
needs space to grow; this one is too confined. You shall see a purple beech later on the trail and there is also a fastigiate
form called the Dawyck beech discovered at Dawyck Botanic Gardens in Scotland. The native beech is a large, common tree with
lovely lime green foliage in the spring and good autumn colour, there is a group of three 18th century beech on the southern
boundary of the RSPB reserve at Bourne Wood opposite the entrance to Frensham Garden Centre.
20. Manna or Flowering Ash (Fraxinus ornus)
A medium to large tree first introduced from Southern Europe and South West Asia around 1700. Differs from the native ash by
its large creamy white flowers in May and clusters of fruit seen in late summer. A sugary substance can be extracted from
cutting the bark and rumour has it that this was the source of the Manna from Heaven that helped sustain the Israelites in
their exodus from Egypt. Others state the manna came from the Tamarix tree, as will be seen in Potters Gate.
Across to Potters Gate and on to Beavers Road
21. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
A native of NE America and east Canada and introduced to the UK in 1724. A large
spreading tree that will tolerate a wide range of conditions including
industrial. Can grow to 30m plus. Used as a timber tree in the States but does
not grow that well in Scotland. Good autumn colour.
22. Mistletoe (Viscum album) At the entrance to UCA
A semi-parasitic plant that lives on many species of trees such as poplars,
limes, rowan, birch, fruit trees and is seen here on maple. It does not usually
cause much harm but in this case it is becoming too dominant and the weakened
branches could break in high winds. There is much folklore and superstition
associated with this plant from the pleasant Christmas custom to Druid and Norse
mythology. The seeds are spread by bird droppings.
Please also see a white berried rowan (Sorbus cashmiriana), a small tree with
gleaming white berries introduced from Kashmir.
Mistletoe
23. Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
A native of Europe and the UK and a common tree in this area. Can grow quite
tall but with slender and graceful branches and pendulous twigs. It is quite
shallow rooting so is one of the first to suffer in drought conditions. There
are many forms and cultivars including a true weeping form Betula pendula
‘Youngii’ a small tree with pendulous branches. There’s a good example in the
front garden of a house at the junction of Firgrove Hill and Alfred Road.
Silver Birch
24. Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica)
A small to medium sized tree with a wide spreading habit and often multistemmed. It has attractive peeling bark but its main feature is the magnificent
autumn leaf colour turning from green to yellow though gold, brown and crimson.
It is in the same family as witch hazel with small red flowers in winter. A
native of Northern Persia to the Caucasus mountains and first introduced to
Britain in 1841.
Hart Car Park
Please note the trees planted in the Hart car park, a few are growing well but
most are struggling due to poor or inadequate soil preparation. Compare the
London planes within the car park to those within the grassed area around the
perimeter.
25. Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii)
One of the Himalayan birches with snowy white bark introduced in 1890. Grows to
a medium sized tree. There are many forms and variations in bark colour.
Himalayan Birch
Castle Street
26. London Plane (Platanus x hispanica)
A hybrid tree (P. occidentalis x P.orientalis). Found in Spain in the mid 17th
century and first recorded in the UK in 1663. It has large maple-like leaves and
wonderful mottled and peeling bark. Forms huge trees 40m plus tall and one tree
planted in the Bishops Palace at Ely has a trunk diameter of 3m. Tolerates urban
conditions and responds well to pollarding as can be seen here. These three
trees were planted to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 so are about
120 years old. The timber is used for furniture and is called lacewood.
London Plane
Across The Borough to Borelli Yard
27. Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa bignoniodes)
Native to North America and introduced to Britain in 1726. Grows very fast at
first and soon appears quite old, this one was only planted in about 1990 so is
only 25 years old. Showy large white spikes of flowers with yellow and purple
marking leading to the long bean like pods that persist. A great tree for
creating shade and is well suited to this location.
Indian Bean tree
Central Car Park
Note the Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus crus-galli) with huge thorns and the good and
poor tree planting in the car park. Note the recent planting of Turkish hazel
Corylus colurna) and the established box elder trees (Acer negundo) on the side
nearest Victoria Road. The box elder has pinnate or divided leaves, unusual for
maples.
Across South Street (on the way you will see the hornbeam at
the Bush Hotel).
Hornbeam
28. False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) Sainsbury’s car park
Native of USA but found in this country since 1600 and now naturalised. Good
display of white pea-like flowers in May/June. There is a large specimen at the
top of Green lane. There are several forms and an attractive compact yellowleaved cultivar ‘Frisia’ makes a good small garden tree but is more prone to
disease. Note the dead ivy, just cut it at the base.
Brightwells House
29.Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’)
This is another variation of the beech commonly called copper or purple beech.
This is a fine specimen but its future is uncertain as it is included within the
Brightwells/East Street redevelopment scheme.
Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’)
30. Walnut (Juglans regia)
A slow-growing round-headed tree that has been cultivated in this country since
the Roman times both for its fruit, ornament and its prized timber. The fruit in
the form of nuts does not normally ripen in this country unless we have a long
hot and dry summer, but you can pickle green walnuts. The timber is used for
veneers on fine furniture. There’s an Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) nearby.
Walnut
Across to The Victoria Garden
31. Rowan or Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
A small to medium sized native tree called the mountain ash as
the divided leaves resemble ash and it will grow at high
altitudes (even above 1000 feet in Scotland, higher than any
species). There are many ancient associations with magic and
witchcraft and these trees were planted around Scottish crofts
to ward off evil. There are many forms and cultivars. The
birds enjoy the red fruit and if you are desperate the same
fruit can be used to make Rowanberry wine.
32. Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)
The same genus as rowan but very different. The leaves are
simple and greenish-grey above and almost white on the
underside – hence its name. The trees here are a cultivar
‘Lutescens ‘ The whitebeam is a native of Southern England,
especially on chalk downs as can be seen along the Hogs Back.
A good garden tree and there are many cultivars.
Back to Gostrey Meadow
33. Paper Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata)
Passed the war memorial next to the (now closed) bowling
green. A medium sized tree with very conspicuous pairs of
white bracts in April/May. These look like flowers but are
modified leaves looking a little like a handkerchief, a small
dove or are a bit spooky. A native of China first described in
1869 and introduced into this country in 1904 by one of the
great plant collectors, Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson.
Pocket Handkerchief
Paper Handkerchief
fruit
Paper Handkerchief leaves
Other interesting trees in Farnham slightly out of the town
centre:Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
There is a large specimen standing by the roadside on Farnborough Road nearly
opposite the showrooms of Optiplan Kitchens.
Introduced from North America in 1688, this large tree has unique shaped leaves
and tulip-like yellow/green flowers in June/July.
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Several large specimens along Frensham Road with a row on the boundary between
the SE Water reservoir and Prior Court. (There is another odd tree in the
grounds of the reservoir called a telephone tree, it’s a 12m tall plastic and
metal telecom mast poorly disguised as a cypress tree!)
The Douglas fir is native to North West America where it was first discovered by
Archibald Menzies in 1792 and introduced to GB in 1827 by David Douglas another
of the great plant collectors. It can grow to over 90m (300 ft) in the States
and is among the tallest trees in Britain, reaching over 60m (200 ft) in
sheltered Scottish glens.
Giant Redwood or Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
There is a good specimen in the grounds of Farnham Castle
A native of California USA where these trees form some of the largest organisms
on earth. One, the ‘General Sherman’, is some 84m tall, has a trunk diameter of
8m, weighs around 2500 tons and is estimated to be 3000 years old. Only
introduced into this country in 1853 and one of the first plantings was at
Stratfield Saye in 1857 to mark the death of The Duke of Wellington; hence the
name but he had nothing to do with this tree. There’s one at Benmore in Scotland
at 54m and another at Polecat Copse near Haslemere nearly as tall. Our one is
only a pup at some 20m.
Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
There is one standing close to the road in the garden of Hamilton House just
below the castle in Castle Street.
Another giant redwood tree from California and Oregon, again discovered by
Archibald Menzies in 1794, introduced to Europe in 1840 and three years later
into Britain. In its natural habitat it will grow to 100m-plus and is a
contender for the tallest tree in the world, but the gum trees (Eucalyptus) of
Australia would challenge that.
Golden Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara ‘Aurea’)
Its drooping leading shoots distinguish this species and there is a fine example
of the golden form in the front garden of a house at the top of Castle Street.
The deodar was introduced from West Himalaya in 1831 and can grow into a very
large tree.
Mulberry (Morus nigra) black (Morus alba) white
The ‘Mulberry Hotel’ near Farnham station is named after a mulberry standing in
the garden. At one time they were claiming this tree to be 300 years old but in
my estimation it’s less than 100. The tree was introduced in the early 16C from
Asia and its leaves are the staple diet of the silkworm. It is quite a smallgrowing tree and can look gnarled and old when comparatively young. The tree at
the Mulberry has suffered in the recent past by excavations around its rooting
area.
Christmas Lights Switch-On 2016
Set to be an action packed day of festivities, there will be
lots of activities for children and families to mark the
beginning of the festive season.
Throughout the day local schools, theatre groups and musicians will keep the
crowds entertained. Princes Hall cast of Sleeping Beauty and Harlington Fleet’s
cast of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs will also be providing laughter ahead of
the big switch on! Children are welcome to bring along a letter to personally
give to Santa or pet the animals at the Live Nativity. For the adults why not
treat yourself to a glass of bubbly or a warming mulled cider. At 4.30pm Rachel
Morris, 2016 Paraylmpic Gold medallist will be turning on the Farnham Christmas
Lights. After the switch on the fun will continue until 6pm with more singing
and dancing onstage.
The Christmas Lights Switch-on is FREE and takes place in Gostrey Meadow. All
town centre car parks will remain open.
We hope to see you there!
With thanks to Principal Sponsor,
Specsavers
James Hockey and Foyer
Galleries
The James Hockey and Foyer Galleries is a public exhibition space at the
University for the Creative Arts. The aim of the gallery is to present work of
lasting educational importance which will invite participation and contribute to
the public and professional debate.
Respect for the specialist appreciation of disciplines, media and techniques
remains vital to the promotion of the arts at the Galleries.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Closed Sunday
Film Locations
Farnham and its wonderful countryside, in particular the coniferous woodland of
Bourne Woods near Tilford, is frequently been used as a film location, including
the blockbusters: Gladiator (2000), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
(2009), Robin Hood (2010), War Horse (2011) and Transformers: The Last Knight
(2016).
Frensham Ponds provided the prefect backdrop for Snow White and the Huntsman
(2012) and most recently The Huntsman, the prequel to Snow White and the
Huntsman (2015). Waverley Abbey has also hosted numerous filming and photography
shots.
Though there might not be any sets left to view, the Greensand Ridge is lovely
to stroll upon and admire local wildlife, such as woodlark, the Dartford warbler
and even a sand lizard if you are lucky.
All of these locations are free to visit and explore although access might be
restricted when they are actually filming!
If you are looking for a film location you will need permission from the
relevant authority or land owner. For more filming information.
Image of Bourne Woods © Julian Paynter
Frensham Ponds
Frensham Ponds were originally created in the 13th century to supply fish to the
Bishop of Winchester whilst visiting Farnham Castle.
Today the ponds (great and little) and the surrounding area is a sanctuary for
wildlife and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Look out for reed
bunting, sedge warbler and great crested grebe, as well as nightjars and
woodlarks. The great pond is also the backdrop for an hotel and used for sailing
and fishing.
Part of the Greensand Way that crosses Surrey, and once drained during WWII as
they were visible landmarks for the enemy, Frensham Little and Great ponds
provide a wonderful local location to discover. A perfect place to run, walk
dogs, build sandcastles, sail and even paddle in the summer months. Both have
cafe facilities.
Frensham Ponds are part of the National Trust network and managed by Waverley
Borough Council. A map of Frensham little ponds.
For a relaxing day whatever time of the year, Frensham Ponds are a great escape
from the hustle and bustle. Follow a beautiful walk with a cream tea at Frensham
Pond Hotel, Frensham Garden Centre or the Rural Life Centre.
Banner image © Julian Paynter
Markets
Farnham Library
The Library in Farnham warmly welcomes anyone to visit its multitude of
facilities that it is lucky enough to offer including a free tennis court in the
lovely library gardens.
Enrolment is free of charge with anyone able to borrow 20 books. The library has
11 PCs with free internet access and free tutored courses are on offer. Book a
computer. Help is also available to apply for your free bus pass where eligible.
The library also welcome families into Farnham Library. “Rhyme time” sessions
are run on a Tuesday morning at 11am.
To renew online visit www.surreycc.gov.uk
Parking and accessibility
The nearest public car parks are Waggon Yard and Lower and Upper Hart, these are
pay and display car parks. The library is on one level with adjacent disabled
parking.
The library has automatic doors and a hearing loop is installed. There is also a
disabled toilet.
Opening times
Monday 9am-6pm,
Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm,
Saturday 9am-5pm
Waverley Abbey
About
England’s first Cistercian abbey was built near Farnham. The now ruins of
Waverley Abbey are situated in a peaceful loop of the River Wey and still give
an impression of the solitude experienced by the monks who founded a monastery
here almost 900 years ago.
The monastery at Waverley, the first Cistercian abbey to be established in
England, was founded by William Gifford, Bishop of Winchester, in 1128. It was
colonised with 12 monks and an abbot from Aumone in France. By 1187 there were
70 monks and 120 lay brothers in residence. In 1201 the abbey buildings were
badly flooded. This became a common occurrence and as a result the abbey was
substantially rebuilt during the 13th century. It continued to grow in the 14th
century. The monks and lay brothers farmed the surrounding land, were active in
the Cistercian wool trade and provided shelter for pilgrims, travellers and an
infirmary for the sick.
In 1536, with the dissolution of the monasteries, the site passed to Sir William
Fitzherbert, treasurer of the king’s household. Much of the abbey was dismantled
and some of the stone was reused to build Sir William More’s house at Loseley, a
few miles to the east.
Today the site is managed by English heritage and is free to visit. Only parts,
some substantial, of the buildings remain standing, although archaeological
excavation has recovered the complete ground plan.
Don’t miss the graphic panels that tell the story of this important monastery.
Opening times:
Daylight hours
Please note: dogs on leads are allowed and limited parking is available.
How to find Waverley Abbey
Farnham Castle Keep
The impressive motte and shell keep of Farnham Castle was founded in 1138 by
Bishop Henry of Blois. Long a residence of the wealthy bishops of Winchester,
the accommodation in the keep was updated in the 1520s. The keep was abandoned
after the Civil War service and the much-altered medieval bishops’ residence is
open for events.
The Farnham Castle keep is managed by Farnham Castle in partnership with English
Heritage and free of charge to visit. See the English Heritage website for more
information on access and facilities.
Opening hours:
28 March – 24 December
Monday- Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 10am – 4pm
Notes:
Summer Bank Holiday 10am-4pm
Heritage Trail
On the circular walking Heritage Trail you can discover more about Farnham’s
historic treasures, from the unusual groups of seven steps leading to the castle
built for the blind bishop in 1524 from where King Charles I stayed on West
Street. To William Cobbett’s tomb at St Andrew’s Church, .
Pick up a free copy of the map from the town council offices, an information
point in the town centre or download your copy of the Heritage Leaflet 2015
If you would like to print this A3 sized trail out on A4 please try the Heritage
Trail A4 version. Please note the map has been cut in half to enable this.
Farnham Farmers' Market
About Farnham Farmers’ Market
When and where the market takes place
Markets taken place on the fourth Sunday of the month from 10am-1.30pm. In
December, the market usually takes place on the second Sunday in the month. See
our calendar of events for the dates of the markets.
The market is held in Central car park, off Victoria Road, Farnham.
What you can expect to find
Farnham Farmers’ Market has a great variety of stalls offering seasonal produce.
You can usually buy:
honey and jam
fruit and vegetables
bread and cakes
preserves
meat
fish
pickles, sauces and oils
cheese
fruit juice and cordial
eggs
muesli
plants, roses and herbs
handcrafted, non-food items
Meet the producer
Find out more about our regular stallholders.
Charity refreshment tent
Every month, a local charity runs the refreshment tent serving hot drinks, cake
and other items.
How to be a stallholder
The aim of the market is to:
offer shoppers a lively, bustling atmosphere
provide a balanced cross-section of products, and
encourage shoppers to buy local
If you are a local producer and would like to attend the farmers’ market you
will need to complete an application form and a produce enquiry form.
Before you do this, it is a good idea to read the stallholders’ guidelines and
food safety advice.
St Andrew's Church
A Grade I listed building, St Andrew’s Parish Church amid its leafy churchyard
provides a haven of peace. See the 12th century chancel, 15th century nave, the
great east window by Augustus Pugin and the beautiful award winning renovations
undertaken by eminent architect Ptolemy Dean. Beside the north door of the
church is the imposing tomb of William Cobbett, a famous son of Farnham.
Museum of Farnham
“The neatest spot on earth – all there is garden.” William Cobbett describing
Farnham.
Farnham is a town of outstanding Georgian architecture and a designated town of
craft with a lively and artistic atmosphere. The museum aims to reflect this in
a varied programme of exhibitions and events for adults and children alike. The
museum was founded in 1961 to provide the Farnham community with a collection
dedicated to the history of the local area in an elegant Grade I listed Georgian
townhouse which still retains many original features, including a beautiful
walled garden perfect for picnics. Displays include items from a large and
eclectic collection; from archaeological artefacts to nationally important
artworks by local artists and an extensive costume collection. The museum holds
three major exhibitions per year which aim to please and surprise, from artistic
collaborations to exhibitions designed for children and families.
Five things to see and do at the museum
1. Discover the history of a beautiful Grade I listed Georgian townhouse and its
many occupants
2. Try the children’s trail or one of the activity packs for all ages
3. Have a look at the exhibitions and find out if you are an adventurous
archaeologist or a civil war buff
4. See the wonderful history garden spanning from Roman gardening to a working
World War II allotment
5. Join in with brass rubbing or a crafty half-term activity for children or
sign up for Museum Club
If you’ve got a bit longer…
6. Ask at the local studies library for assistance with your latest school
project
7. Have a picnic in the garden
8. Enjoy one of the new temporary exhibitions
9. Join the hunt for the hundred year old biscuit!
Audio guides, tours and children’s guides are available.
The Garden Gallery
A modern community venue for the town. The beautiful garden gallery in the
museum garden is available for parties, conferences, exhibitions and weekly
courses.
Hiring the Gallery
The gallery is self-contained and consists of a entrance hall, a main area,
kitchen and toilet (disability accessible and baby changing). The building is
fully wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to 80 people. It is available
for hire throughout the week, including evenings and weekends.
Opening times
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Admission FREE
Wheelchair access to ground floor, shop toilet, Garden Gallery and garden.
Museum of Farnham garden room
Farnham Castle
The recently renovated and refurbished, Farnham Castle set in stunning gardens
with manicured lawns, combines 12th century history with 21st century style,
offering a truly unique setting for private celebrations and meetings. The
Norman keep and scheduled Ancient Monument, offer fabulous views over the town
and Surrey countryside.
Alice Holt Forest
You can walk, cycle, play or have a picnic in these lovely woods. Find the
wooden sculptures which younger visitors can climb and enjoy. Experience life in
the trees with Go Ape, take a relaxing break in the café and finish your visit
with a quiet stroll in one of the more remote parts of the forest. New in
2015, a family cycle trail to discover.
Alice Holt is free to visit, just car parking charges to pay for your day out.
An annual car parking pass makes excellent value if you live locally. And with
rooms to hire you can now hold an event or party here in the Farnham
countryside.
Opening times
Alice Holt Forest is open everyday (except Christmas Day) 8am- 5pm (DecemberFebruary), 6pm (March), 7pm(April), 9pm (May- Spetember), 7pm (October) and 6pm
(November)
Farnham Park
This green flag status, 130 hectare medieval deer park, with its impressive one
kilometre tree lined Kings Avenue offers tranquility, walking paths, two
excellent playgrounds (including a brand new, wooden castle play structure),
football pitches to hire, a golf course, a cricket pitch and a café and toilets.
‘To walk under the gnarled, ancient boughs of the Park’s oaks, and realise these
are the same trees that Kings and Queens rode past some 500 years past, gives
you an enormous sense of continuity and wellbeing’
There is also a famous
quote from Alfred Lord Tennyson on his visit to Farnham Park in 1853
“…the
Park here is delicious…”
For more information including wildlife and history leaflets including “The
wildlife of Farnham Park” see the Farnham Park website.
Playground Farnham Park 2015 copyright FTC