|
The small
market town of Farnham lies under the Hogs Back to
the west of Surrey.
This
is an ancient site, with evidence of human presence dating
back to the Paleolithic period (400,000 years ago). The settlement
first developed around 6,000 BC and in Roman times the district's
plentiful clay was used for pottery.
To the
south of Farnham stands Waverley Abbey, founded in 1128 as
the first Cistercian community in England. The abbey was
suppressed by Henry VIII in 1538 and today its ruins make
a peaceful spot to stroll or picnic.
Overlooking
the tight cluster of shops and houses in the valley is Farnham
Castle dating from the 12th century The ancient building
is now used as a conference centre but the medieval keep is
in the care of English Heritage and open to the public. From
here there are fine views over the surrounding countryside
.
Farnham
Park, once the grounds of the castle, was purchased by
the town council in 1930. William Cobbett, the essayist,
was born in Farnham in 1793 at a pub called the Jolly Farmer.
The building still stands and has been renamed the William
Cobbett in his memory.
Farnham's
facinating history, and the life of William Cobbett, is illustrated
to visitors at the Museum of Farnham, housed in a splendid
Georgian building dating from 1713. Farnham
also has other fine Georgian buildings.
The town
has a long association with hop-growing and beer and the Farnham
Maltings , an arts and community venue, hosts the Farnham
Beerex, one of the largest beer festivals in the UK.
Near
Farnham are several attractions to visit when sightseeing
in the area.
The
Alice Holt Woodland Park is an area of ancient woodland
known for its fine oaks, and timber from this area once supplied
the navy. More recently Alice Holt oaks were used to build
the replica of Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London.
Birdworld,
the UK's largest birdpark and gardens, lies 3 miles south
of Farnham, with a wide variety of birds
The
Rural Life Centre, at Tilford near Farnham, is set in
10 acres of gardens and woodland. A range of impliments and
devices illustrates farming and village life from 1750 to
1960.
Adjoining
the Frensham Country Park, 1,000 acres of beautiful countryside,
to the south of Farnham at the foot of the Devils Jump, is
the The
Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park. This area boasts some
of the finest views in Surrey and the work of over 75 sculptors
is displayed in 10 acres of hills, valleys, water gardens
and arboretum.
The nearby
village of Tongham, between Farnham and Guildford, has the
Hogs
Back Brewery, established in 1992, in 18th century farm
buildings. The traditional English brewery produces of award-winning
alees and there are regular Brewery tours with tastings -
tours must be booked in advance at the Brewery Shop.
|
the internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Farnham
