Farnham named by Sunday Times as best place to live in Surrey

Farnham is a vibrant market town in South West Surrey. Many are attracted to the area for its excellent schooling, travel links via road and rail, plus the beautiful countryside that surrounds it.

The Sunday Times recently released their Best Places to Live 2024 guide, and it came as no surprise that Farnham placed in the top ten places to live in the South East of England, in fact, it was the only town to be named in Surrey.

It was reported that Farnham and 71 other locations across the UK were visited by judges who assessed a range of living factors, such as schools, transport, broadband speeds and culture. Not forgetting accessibility to green spaces and the health of the high street.

The Sunday Times judges described the market town as ‘A vibrant and creative community with a rich heritage and great schools, all set in the rolling Surrey Hills’. The 12^th century castle, Georgian streetscapes and being named England’s first world craft town in 2020, also received a mention.

Our Burns & Webber Farnham office has had a presence in the town since 2003 and was acquired by our parent company Curchods in 2007. Our Branch Manager, Martin Hunt said;

“I have been based in the Burns & Webber Farnham branch for the last 10 years and it comes as no surprise that Farnham has made the Sunday Times top 10 places and bagged the top spot for Surrey! With our office being situated in the heart of this fine market town, we’re surrounded by the history, lovely countryside, excellent schools and a very good train link to Waterloo – all reasons why Farnham continues to reign supreme.”

We asked the experts in our Farnham office for their top picks in the town. Whether you’re looking to dine out, enjoy a long walk, or entertain the kids. Here’s what they had to say;

“With Alice Holt Forest on our doorstep, having young children and being a family who love the outside lifestyle, to be able to go there and spend a day exploring is great!”

Martin Hunt, Branch Manager

“Things I love about Farnham are the green spaces, Farnham Park, Alice Holt Forest, Rowhills Nature Reserve (which I am lucky enough to back on to), Frensham Ponds and Bourne Woods. The town is pretty and historic, plus brilliant schools where my girls are doing really well and achieving great results! There is also always something going on, events at The Maltings, Music in the Meadow at Gostrey, the duck race, the carnival, gin festival, the new cinema and more!”

Laura Parris, Sales Manager

“It has amazing schools, good road and rail links into London and down to the coast.  We have wonderful countryside on our doorstep including Alice Holt Forest, Frensham Ponds, Bourne and Tilford Woods.  The town is vibrant with its many cafes, bars and restaurants and the new cinema opened last month.” 

Kate Clapham, Senior Negotiator

“Great schools, great dining, strong community, thriving rugby club, rich history, and England’s only art town – all reasons why Farnham is a great place to live!”

Ed Thomas, Negotiator

If you are interested in finding out more about Farnham, watch our area guide here.