Farnham

Farnham is a town in Waverley, Surrey, England, spread over a ridge through which the North Branch of the River Wey flows. Streets climb from the river valley to residential areas above, while the center lines main roads running from the castle to surrounding communities with shops and public buildings.

Bishops of Winchester governed the settlement from the early 9th century onward and built a castle in 1138 that served as residence and administrative seat. Market rights encouraged trade through the centuries, while hop growing and pottery making shaped the local economy into the 20th century.

University campuses have trained generations of design graduates, while working studios scattered through old buildings let craftspeople produce ceramics day after day. Shoppers still browse independent stores along Castle Street and Downing Street, stopping where cafes set out small tables under brick facades that reflect centuries of trade.

Train connections run frequently to London and Guildford, and bus routes link residential areas to the center and neighboring places. Main roads can get busy during rush hours, while parking near the center is mostly metered.

Parkland from medieval times surrounds the town with large trees that stood when kings hunted here. Visitors can walk paths used for centuries that still offer the same views over rolling hills.