Godalming

Education

Godalming’s schools are a major draw for families, with a strong mix of state and independent options. The town is perhaps best known for its prestigious independent schools. Charterhouse School, founded in 1611, is one of England’s historic public (private) schools and is renowned for its academic excellence and beautiful campus. Other excellent independents include Prior’s Field School, a high-achieving girls’ school, and St Hilary’s, a co-educational preparatory school praised for its nurturing, academic environment. For younger boys, Aldro School (now located just outside Godalming) offers a traditional preparatory education with a broad curriculum.

Local state schools in Godalming are equally well-regarded. Godalming College, the sixth-form college serving the area, is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and is acclaimed for its wide-ranging courses and results. The town’s two main state secondary schools, Broadwater School in Farncombe and Rodborough School in nearby Milford, both earn solid reputations, each graded “Good” in recent Ofsted inspections. At the primary level, there are numerous options and many shine: for example, Busbridge Infant School was recently rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted , and several others (such as Moss Lane School) have achieved Good ratings or better .

Parents will also find that nearby towns expand the educational choices. Guildford (just 4 miles away) boasts top schools like Guildford High School and the Royal Grammar School, which are among the best in the country. Additionally, King Edward’s School, Witley (an independent day/boarding school) is a short drive from Godalming. With this range of quality Godalming schools, from outstanding local primaries to world-class private institutions, children of all ages can receive an excellent education here. Little wonder families looking to move to Surrey often have Godalming at the top of their list for schooling.

Transport Links

Godalming is exceptionally well-connected, making it ideal for commuters and frequent travellers. The town has two railway stations (Godalming main station and nearby Farncombe), offering frequent rail services. Trains from Godalming to London Waterloo run about every 30 minutes, with typical journey times around 45 minutes (fastest services as quick as ~40 minutes). This means that London is within comfortable commuting distance, you can be in the capital in under an hour. The same line also connects to Guildford (a swift 8-minute hop by train) and continues south to Portsmouth, providing direct links to the coast.

For road travel, Godalming is just off the A3, the major route to London and Portsmouth. Driving to London (approximately 30 miles) usually takes about an hour+, depending on traffic, with easy access to the M25 for wider motorway connections. The town is also served by the A31 and A281, which link to destinations like Winchester and Horsham. Importantly, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are both within reach – Heathrow is around 33 miles (about a 40–50 minute drive in good conditions), and Gatwick is about 30 miles (roughly 45 minutes by car). This proximity to two major airports is a big plus for international travel.

Local transit is supported by reliable bus services. Regular buses connect Godalming to nearby towns and villages, for instance, routes to Guildford (for shopping and nightlife) run frequently, and other services reach outlying villages, Farnham, and Cranleigh. Within town, a local bus network and the central Godalming bus station at The Square make it easy to get around without a car. For cyclists, there are also scenic bike routes along the Wey towpath and through the Surrey Hills. Overall, whether you’re commuting to work or exploring Surrey, Godalming’s transport links are convenient and well-developed. Living in Godalming means enjoying a semi-rural lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity to London and beyond.

Entertainment & Dining

Despite its quaint size, Godalming offers a lively array of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences that delight residents and visitors. The town’s food scene ranges from cosy traditional pubs to stylish eateries. For a classic English pub experience in a scenic setting, the Stag on the River in Eashing (just outside Godalming) is a local favourite – a 17th-century inn by the river serving hearty meals. In the town centre, you’ll find The Fox & Finch, a chic yet cosy gastropub known for seasonal dishes and even an outdoor charcoal oven for summer dining. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, The Rose & Crown offers a trendy bar vibe with craft beers, local gins, and creative cocktails in the heart of town. Godalming’s High Street and side streets also host numerous cafés and international restaurants – you can enjoy Italian, Indian, Thai, or just a good flat white at an independent coffee shop. In fact, Godalming’s High Street has a fantastic selection of independent pubs, cafes and eateries, enough that you could pick a different cuisine each night of the week. Many are family-friendly and warmly run, aligning with the town’s personal, community feel.

When it comes to nightlife and culture, Godalming might be a small town but it doesn’t disappoint. Several pubs double as evening entertainment venues. For example, The Star Inn is famed for its live music, hosting bands and open-mic nights that draw a crowd. On weekends, the Charterhouse Arms often features live bands or DJs, and even has a beloved resident pub dog named Archie, adding to the charm. If you’re after theatre and arts, the town has options in and around it. The Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming is a community arts hub that hosts local theatre productions, film screenings, and workshops. Just a 10-minute drive away in Guildford are more formal venues like the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (for professional plays and shows) and the Electric Theatre (for fringe theatre, comedy, and music). There’s also a small cinema in nearby Guildford for movie nights.

Godalming’s community spirit really shines through its seasonal events and festivals. Throughout the year, the town puts on events that bring residents together. In summer, the Godalming Food Festival is a highlight, with the town centre filling with food stalls offering “flavours from around the world” and live entertainment, making for a delicious day out. On summer Sundays, you can often enjoy Music in the Park concerts at the bandstand by the river, where local bands play jazz or brass as families relax on the lawn. Early August brings Staycation Live, a free community music and arts festival in the park, featuring bands, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Come winter, the Godalming Christmas Festival and Lights Switch-On transforms the town with festive markets, lights, and cheer – a Christmas street market with local gift stalls, mulled wine, and carol singers usually takes place in late November. The town also hosts regular farmers’ markets and craft fairs, and nearby villages have their fairs, ensuring there’s always something on the social calendar.

Local Attractions

One of the joys of living in Godalming is the easy access to a wealth of attractions, natural beauty, and heritage sites. In the town itself, history and culture abound. The Godalming Museum in the town centre offers a fascinating look at local history and notable residents (such as landscape gardener Gertrude Jekyll and Titanic hero Jack Phillips). Just outside, you’ll find the Godalming Parish Church (St. Peter & St. Paul’s), a beautiful medieval church whose tower dates to the 15th century – a lovely spot for history enthusiasts. And of course, no visit to town is complete without seeing The Pepperpot, the old town hall on the High Street, which is an iconic symbol of Godalming’s heritage. The High Street and Church Street are so picturesque that they even featured in the Hollywood film “The Holiday”, showcasing Godalming’s cinematic charm.

Beyond the town, the surrounding Surrey Hills provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Godalming is surrounded by verdant hills, commons, and woodland that form part of the Surrey Hills AONB. There are countless walking and cycling trails with breathtaking scenery. One highlight is the Winkworth Arboretum, a National Trust arboretum on the edge of Godalming that boasts over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs. Winkworth is famed for its seasonal colour – bluebells in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn – and has gentle lakeside walks for all ages. For more vigorous hikes, head to Frensham Common and Frensham Great Pond (a short drive away), where you can find sandy beaches for summer picnics, wildlife-rich heathland, and even wild swimming or sailing on the ponds. Equally impressive is the nearby Devil’s Punch Bowl at Hindhead, a dramatic natural amphitheatre carved into the landscape, with panoramic viewpoints over the Weald. The Devil’s Punch Bowl and adjacent Hindhead Commons offer miles of trails and a fascinating history (the area inspired Conan Doyle and was once notorious for highwaymen).

For family-friendly outings, there are plenty of choices. You can enjoy riverside walks along the River Wey Navigation, which runs through Godalming – perhaps take a narrowboat ride or a peaceful stroll watching ducks and canal boats. A short trip away, you have attractions like Loseley Park (a magnificent Elizabethan manor with gardens) and Rural Life Living Museum in Farnham (an open-air museum great for kids). History lovers can venture to Waverley Abbey near Farnham, the ruins of the first Cistercian abbey in England, which offer a serene glimpse into 12th-century history. And because Godalming sits in the Borough of Waverley – once judged to have the highest quality of life in Britain – you’ll find the whole area dotted with lovely villages, farm shops, riding stables, and country pubs. Whether you fancy a challenging hike in the hills, exploring National Trust properties, or simply enjoying a picnic in a scenic spot, Godalming provides it in spades. The combination of heritage attractions and the great outdoors is a key part of the Godalming lifestyle.