Farnham has been named one of the best places to live (Image: Getty)
A pretty little town that was previously named one of the best places to live in the UK has been described as “vibrant” by residents – albeit « full of Londoners ». Farnham is a beautiful town in Surrey, about 36 miles south west of London and situated on the River Wey.
The market town was previously named among the UK’s most desirable towns by the Telegraph and the best to live in the UK in 2024 by Muddy Stilettos, and it’s not hard to see why. Harriet, 40, moved to Farnham four years ago with her husband and two children. She told the Express that “like most places that come into vogue”, those who’ve lived in the area for a long time “don’t love Londoners moving down”. She added: “It’s such an obvious route out of London, I imagine there’s always been people moving in from outside the area. It’s perfect to get to London and the south coast quickly.” Harriet said that, of all the towns her family looked to move, Farnham felt the most “London-minded”, with people her age “wanting to feel like they have a foot” in the capital. She said it has a “great energetic mindset” for people who want to live “busy vibrant lives” while still getting the respite of the countryside at the weekend. She noted that “people are here because they want to be”.
Farnham is a pretty town in Surrey (Image: Getty)
Harriet said: “There are lots of popular new openings, like a coffee shop which opened on the green a few years ago is always heaving, and I can never get a table at a new restaurant.”
She said that people who’ve lived in the area for a long time tell her “there’s so much more energy now” – with more restaurants and more shops. She finds that people across the UK “now seem to know about Farnham”.
The town’s « abundance of character, excellent amenities and vibrant community feel » were recently praised by Muddy Stilettos.
House prices in Farnham had an overall average of £598,039 over the last year, according to Rightmove. The historical sold prices in Farnham over the last year were 7% down on the previous year and 13% down on the 2022 peak of £687,187.
Most of the properties people bought in the town over the last year were detached houses, with an eye-watering average price of £874,816.
With its independent restaurants and plethora of places to eat there are plenty of things to see and do while you’re in Farnham. If shopping is more of your thing then there are antique shops, independent department store Elphicks and a monthly farmers’ market in Central Car Park.
Rory Mackenzie, from Savills, said the town is “bustling” with “thriving” boutiques and cafes. He added: “There is an ever-increasing choice of places to eat and events, such as food and music festivals, regularly taking place.
“There are great schools, state and private, respectable commuting times and the fabulous sandy commons for the mountain biker and dog owner.”
Other locals said the area had lots of pros such as it having character with pretty and historic buildings, not being far from woodland and beaches, as well as good connections to major cities, airports and motorways. Local restaurants, pubs, community projects and schools were also praised.
Farnham Park is also a hit with locals and visitors alike. One guest on Tripadvisor said: “What a delight to take my daily walk in such a lovely wild setting.
« There is a wonderful variety of trees with two playgrounds for children. One of them is a terrific adventure playground with some 30 to 40 activities.
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