Haslemere
Image credit: John Miller
Towns & Villages in Waverley
From the beautiful and historic market towns of Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere to idyllic villages like Cranleigh, Chiddingfold and Frensham, the south west Surrey borough of Waverley is the perfect destination to explore.
The area’s villages and bustling market towns are steeped in historic buildings, with some dating back to the 15th century, as well as featuring excellent independent and national shops, pubs and restaurants.
Blessed with beautiful Georgian buildings, Farnham was recently named England’s first World Craft City as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities programme. It is a hub of creativity with a thriving arts and crafts scene.
Godalming, meanwhile, is an enchanting former market town which is proud of its many 16th century timber and tiled buildings. A few steps from the High Street, you’ll find the river where you can take a walk or hire a boat for the day.
And then there is Haslemere, which 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.
Once known as England’s largest village, Cranleigh has continued to shine in recent years and, found in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is an ideal location for walking, cycling and riding.
Away from Waverley’s main towns are a selection of beautiful villages that are among the most highly-prized places to live in the country – all blessed with peaceful countryside seclusion and yet not much more than an hour from London.
It really is no surprise that the Waverley area regularly features in 'Best places to live in Britain' lists.
If you wish to 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.