World Craft Town

Farnham proudly holds the title of England’s first World Craft Town, awarded by the World Crafts Council in recognition of its long-standing commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.

From Roman pottery kilns to the Arts and Crafts movement, Farnham has a rich history of making. Today, it continues to thrive through a vibrant community of artists, designers, and independent businesses, supported by nationally recognised institutions.

At the heart of this creative landscape is the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), one of the UK’s leading specialist art and design universities. On its Farnham campus you will also find the Crafts Study Centre, a public museum dedicated to British craft and a hub for research and exhibitions.

The town is also home to the The Maltings, a key cultural venue offering maker spaces, creative workshops, performances, and community festivals. You can explore their full programme of events via the The Maltings What’s On page.

Farnham’s status as a Craft Town is not just about heritage, it is about supporting a living, growing creative economy. Through Make It Farnham, we aim to champion that spirit: celebrating the businesses, craftspeople, and community that make our town a truly special place to visit, work, and thrive.