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Parks & Green Spaces

Farnham Park

Farnham Park is a 130‑hectare (320‑acre) medieval deer park perched just north of the town centre, offering a sweeping landscape of rolling grassland, ancient oak trees, woodland paths, ponds, and streams. One of the finest surviving medieval parks in the country, its boundaries have remained largely unchanged for over 600 years, giving it a uniquely historic character.

At the heart of the park is the impressive 1‑kilometre tree‑lined King’s Avenue, a striking feature dating back centuries and celebrated for its seasonal beauty. The park’s elevated position provides panoramic views over Farnham and the surrounding countryside, making it a favourite spot for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers.

The park is rich in biodiversity, home to veteran trees and habitats that support rare insects and wildlife. Much of the fallen or dead wood is deliberately left in place to maintain ecological value. Its historic significance and natural beauty have earned it Green Flag Award recognition and multiple conservation designations, including Local Nature Reserve and Site of Nature Conservation Importance.

Farnham Park also provides excellent recreational facilities, including:

  • Two children’s play areas, including an adventure playground
  • A shared walking and cycle path
  • A nine‑hole golf course
  • Cricket pitch and two football pitches
  • A café and toilets, run by the golf club

With its mix of open countryside, historic features, wildlife value, and well‑maintained paths, Farnham Park is ideal for quick dog walks, family outings, picnics, or longer nature trails, a peaceful green space that blends heritage with everyday recreation at the edge of Farnham’s town centre.

Gostrey Meadow

Gostrey Meadow is a much-loved riverside park in the heart of Farnham, offering a welcoming green space with a children’s playground, bandstand, riverside paddling, spots and the town’s central war memorial. It’s open-plan lawns connect the town centre with the River Wey, providing an easy and attractive route between Farnham Maltings and nearby footpaths.

The meadow plays a key role in community life, regularly hosting popular events such as Music in the Meadow, the Christmas lights switch‑on, Proms & Pop in the Park, and the Sustainability Festival. These gatherings make it a vibrant space throughout the year and a natural hub for residents and visitors alike.

With its mix of open green space, play facilities, and riverside setting, Gostrey Meadow offers a peaceful place to relax, picnic, take a walk, or enjoy live music on summer afternoons, a true community park at the centre of Farnham.

Bishop's Meadow

Bishop’s Meadow is one of Farnham’s most cherished natural landscapes with over 31 acres of ancient hay meadow, wet pasture and rich wildlife habitat, located just west of the town centre. Steeped in heritage, the meadow has existed since at least AD 687 and once formed part of the estate of the Bishops of Winchester. Today it is protected and cared for by the The Bishop’s Meadow Trust.

Bordered by the clear, chalk‑fed River Wey, the meadow is a rare surviving example of a traditional British floodplain water meadow. Its natural ability to hold overflow water plays a vital role in reducing flood risk through the town, acting as a natural reservoir during periods of heavy rainfall.

The landscape is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including egrets, kingfishers, bats, grass snakes, voles and even the occasional deer. Its diverse grassland habitat earned it classification as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, supporting at least 17 plant species of conservation interest in Surrey.

Loved by walkers, families, dog‑owners and nature enthusiasts, Bishop’s Meadow offers a peaceful space to stroll, picnic, explore nature trails, or simply enjoy uninterrupted views of Farnham’s historic landmarks, including St Andrew’s Church tower, Farnham Castle, and the spire of the United Reformed Church.

Beautiful, biodiverse, and deeply rooted in the town’s agricultural heritage, Bishop’s Meadow is a vital green haven that continues to play a central role in Farnham’s community and environment.