Godalming

Godalming is a historic market town located in south-west Surrey, four miles from Guildford and 30 miles from London. Godalming town straddles the River Wey and its most important distinguishing landscape feature is the large water meadow area, central to the town, known as the Lammas Lands. The town has a long history and a built environment that reflects that heritage. There are five conservation areas in and around Godalming and more than 350 listed buildings. The town is still growing with twenty-first century development sitting comfortably beside older buildings.

Education

The town has several schools, both state and independent. The town is best known for Charterhouse School, one of the oldest and most prestigious boys' boarding schools in the country, founded in 1611 by Thomas Sutton. Charterhouse School offers a range of academic, co-curricular and pastoral programmes and has a reputation for excellence in sports, music and drama.

Other notable independent schools in Godalming include Prior's Field School, which is a girls' school with a history of academic achievement and co-curricular activities. St Hilary's School is a co-educational preparatory school with a focus on academic excellence and pastoral care. Aldro School is a boys' preparatory school for pupils aged 7 to 13 with a stimulating curriculum and a wide range of activities.

The state schools in Godalming are also highly regarded, such as Godalming College, which is a co-educational sixth-form college with a specialism in arts and sciences. Broadwater School, which is a co-educational academy with a specialism in technology and enterprise. Rodborough School, which is a co-educational academy with a specialism in mathematics and computing.

Local Attractions

Godalming has plenty to offer for culture, leisure and entertainment. The town has several historic landmarks, such as Godalming Museum, which displays the history and artefacts of the town and its famous residents, such as Gertrude Jekyll, Jack Phillips and James Oglethorpe. Godalming Parish Church is a medieval church with a tower that dates back to the 15th century. Winkworth Arboretum, which is a National Trust property with over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs.

For nature lovers, Godalming has some of the best green spaces in Surrey, such as Frensham Common, which features heathland, woodland trails and wildlife. Frensham Great and Little Ponds, which are large ponds that offer swimming, sailing and fishing. The Devil's Punchbowl is a natural amphitheatre of sandstone with panoramic views.

For arts and culture enthusiasts, Godalming has a vibrant scene with nearby venues such as The Electric Theatre, which hosts theatre, cinema, music, comedy and community events. The Wilfrid Noyce Centre showcases theatre, music, dance and art by local groups and societies. There are also regular festivals and markets in the town that celebrate the local heritage, produce and talent.

Entertainment

Godalming has a range of options for dining out, from cosy pubs and cafes to fine restaurants and bistros. Some of the popular places to eat include The Stag on the River, which serves traditional pub food in a riverside location. The Fox & Finch A stylish yet cosy pub serving seasonal dishes and featuring an outdoor charcoal oven & dining area. The Rose & Crown is a unique and lively cocktail bar experience in central offering a wide selection of local gins, wines and craft beer

For nightlife, Godalming has several pubs and bars that cater to different tastes and moods. Some of the favourites are The Star, which is a live music venue with bands, DJs and comedy nights. The Charterhouse Arms also has bands & DJs playing at the weekend and has the much loved pub dog Archie residing there.

Transport

Godalming is well connected to London and other destinations by road and rail. The town has two railway stations that offer frequent services to London Waterloo, Guildford, and Portsmouth. Journey times to London are around 45 minutes.

By car, Godalming is easily accessible from the A3, A31, and A281, which provide links to London, Heathrow Airport, Winchester, and Horsham.