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Photo: The picture-perfect town of Farnham in Waverley, Surrey
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From the beautiful and historic market towns of Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere to idyllic villages like Cranleigh, Chiddingfold and Frensham, and the pristine countryside in between, the south west Surrey borough of Waverley is the perfect destination to explore.
Whether you're looking to enjoy a weekend away or to move to somewhere new, we hope you enjoy exploring this beautiful corner of Surrey with us in this month's Waverley special newsletter.
The Visit Surrey team
Discover Waverley Events in Waverley Food & Drink Where to Stay
Explore Waverley's picturesque towns and villages
Cranleigh
Why you should visit...
Bustling with cosy cafés, delightful restaurants, fashionable boutiques and charming salons, you'll find several small local independent businesses that add a special touch to the “largest village in Britain.”
Where to eat: From afternoon tea at Joanna’s and top-class pub grub at The Richard Onslow to Italian at Amarone and more.
For the culture vultures: Cranleigh Arts offers the best in live music, theatre, comedy, film, family events, free-to-explore exhibitions and more.
Go for a stroll: There is access to stunning scenery perfect for walking and cycling at Knowle Park and along the Downs Link.
Somewhere to stay: The Richard Onslow is a classic English inn with a friendly old bar and snug, elegant dining room, secluded courtyard and ten characterful bedrooms.
Farnham
Why you should visit...
Known for its Georgian streets, historic buildings and craft heritage, with easy access to the rural North Downs Way trail, Farnham is a historic market town nestled in the rolling Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Where to eat: From High Street restaurants such as Giggling Squid and Côte to exquisite afternoon teas at the Bush Hotel, hidden gems such as The HOBO.CO at Farnham Pottery and the Michelin listed Maison in Wrecclesham.
For the culture vultures: The World Crafts Council designated Farnham as England’s first World Craft Town in 2020. With the likes of Farnham Maltings, New Ashgate Gallery, Crafts Study Centre and Farnham Pottery, it's easy to see why.
Go for a stroll: In the month of May, Farnham hosts a free walking festival, show casing the history and heritage of the town and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Somewhere to stay: The Bush is an independent hotel that has been welcoming guests through its doors since 1618.
Godalming
Why you should visit...
An ancient market town delightfully situated on the picturesque River Wey, where to this day cattle graze on the waterside meadows and canal boats rest up against the wharf, Godalming's unique and individual shops make it a fine place to visit.
Where to eat: You're spoilt for choice with modern European at Acorn, Italian at Piazza Firenze, Thai at The Greedy Elephant and a host of great country pubs on the outskirts of town. And don't forget to visit the likes of Godalming Deli, The Peppered Pear Pantry and Secretts Farm Shop to stock up on local produce.
For the culture vultures: The Phillips Memorial Park is named after John George (Jack) Phillips, who was Chief Wireless Telegraphist on the RMS Titanic. Jack remained at his post sending out distress messages as the ship sank.
Go for a stroll: Explore the Unique, historic and interesting architecture on the High Street and Church Street and then head out into the delightful countryside along the river. Make sure to escape among the wonders of Winkworth Arboretum, too.
Somewhere to stay: The historic Kings Arms and Royal Hotel stands in the heart of town with its 18th century Georgian frontage.
Haslemere
Why you should visit...
Haslemere is a charming market town surrounded by National Trust owned commons and hills. With many timbered and tile-hung houses and cottages, it is one of the gems of the Surrey Hills.
Where to eat: Try the modern Mediterranean fusion at Moma, Indian gastronomy at Dilli or relaxed vibes at Coppa Club's The Georgian. Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa and its Tudor restaurant is found a short drive outside the town centre.
For the culture vultures: The Haslemere Hall is the centre of cultural life with a wide variety of shows, opera productions, plays, films and other events.
Go for a stroll: Haslemere is surrounded by stunning countryside, including the Greensand Way, which runs from Haslemere to Kent, and a stretch of the South Downs Way, which starts at Haslemere Station.
Somewhere to stay: voco® Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa is a historic country house hotel nestled in 22 acres of picturesque countryside.
On the road around the villages of Waverley...
Frensham
Best known for the beautiful Frensham Little Pond and Frensham Great Pond, Frensham is the perfect launchpad for Bourne Wood, The Sculpture Park and the Rural Life Living Museum.
Thursley
Home to the spectacular Thursley National Nature Reserve and with Hankley Common, Witley Common and Elstead village on the doorstep, Thursley is a beautiful corner of the world.
Chiddingfold
With historic inns such as The Crown, Chiddingfold is a stunning village with many timber-framed Wealden houses and quaint cottages - as well as the gorgeous Ramster Gardens.
Bramley
Bramley is a picturesque village found about four miles south of Guildford. Unusually, you can also see the remains of Bramley & Wonersh station, complete with level crossing barriers.
Milford
If you're looking to discover Surrey food and drink, then Milford is the place to go as it's home to the famous Secretts farm. You'll also find one of Surrey's most eye-catching pubs, The Refectory.
Wonersh
Wonersh village lies in a valley bounded by Chinthurst Hill to the west and Barnett Hill to the east. Stay at the four-star Barnett Hill hotel, the perfect destination to explore the Surrey Hills from.
How to find the borough of Waverley...
Top travel tip: If you wish to explore the scenic towns, villages and attractions in Waverley by rail, take a look at the Surrey Hills to South Downs Community Rail Line Guide for some inspiration.
Discover Waverley: Quiet, but never boring, you'll find fabulous food, wonderful pubs, fresh air and space to relax. Visit Waverley to discover your new happy place.
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