Welcome to Farnham

Farnham is a historic market town known for its craft heritage. The town offers students a welcoming and charming environment that helps you balance academic life with creative inspiration and the chance to unwind. 

The town has fantastic transport links, with direct trains to London and transport links to many notable towns and cities in the south of England, but within the town you’ll find all the essentials needed during your time at university. 

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, explore the surrounding countryside or simply enjoy life in a picturesque town, Farnham has plenty to offer beyond your studies. 

Farnham Castle

Culture

As one of Surrey's most creative towns, Farnham offers a rich cultural experience. The town's history is reflected in landmarks such as Farnham Castle, which has overlooked the town for nearly 900 years. 

There are exhibitions, performances and creative events throughout the year. Some of these may be on-campus events arranged by students or staff, but there’s also a wide range of events organised by community groups  and local arts organisations. 

There are many theatre venues in the local area, with The Maltings in Farnham being closest. There’s also the recently opened Reel Cinema in the town, which provides a modern venue see new films and screenings on theatre performances. 

Shopping

There are plenty of places to shop for your everyday essentials, with Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and M&S Food all located within Farnham and plenty more supermarkets in nearby towns such as Morrisons, Iceland and Tesco in Aldershot, Aldi in Church Crookham and Asda in Farnborough. 

As well as many well-established high-street brands, Farnham’s historic town centre is also home to a variety of independent retailers and boutiques. These businesses give the town its distinctive character and offer an alternative to larger shopping destinations. 

Larger shopping centres are located in Guildford, Basingstoke and Camberley, all of which can be easily travelled to from Farnham. 

Food & drink

Farnham has endless cafes, bars and restaurants to suit all budgets, making it easy to find somewhere to meet friends, study or enjoy a meal out. 

As well as dozens of independent locations, you’ll also find familiar chains such as Costa, Starbucks, Zizzi (make sure to check out the artwork by a UCA student!), Pizza Express and Bills.   

Farnham's regular markets and seasonal events also showcase local food producers and artisan suppliers. 

K-Pop dance club presidents Eugenie Biron, Yuting Zhuang and Caitlin Visser at the front teaching the club a new dance

Sport & health

There’s many facilities around Farnham for anyone looking to stay active or maintain an health lifestyle. Farnham Leisure Centre includes a swimming pool, gym, fitness studios and exercise classes.

There’s many more gyms in Farnham and the surrounding areas, as well as more sport facilities such as tennis and paddle courts.

Within the university there are many sport clubs and societies ran by the Students' Union relating to sports and physical activity.

Farnham viewed from a distance

Outdoor spaces

Farnham is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Gostrey Meadow, located in the heart of the town, is a popular green space where you can relax or enjoy community events during the summer months. 

The nearby Farnham Park provides extensive open space for walking, running and outdoor sports. The surrounding Surrey Hills offers countless opportunities for hiking, cycling and exploring nature. 

Other popular spots locally include Frensham Common and Frensham Ponds, Bourne Wood and Caesar's Camp. These natural spaces can provide a welcome escape from university life. 

An image of a prayer scene for Ramadan

Religion & faith

Farnham and the surrounding towns are home to places of worship for a wide range of faiths. Students of all religions and beliefs can find opportunities for worship, reflection and community engagement. 

Many local faith groups organise events, support networks and activities that help people connect with others who share similar values and interests. 

UCA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students can express their beliefs, learn from different perspectives and feel supported throughout their university experience.

Our Farnham local area guide for students includes information about local places of worship for many faiths. 

Nearby towns & cities

One of the benefits of living in Farnham is that it's easy to access several other large towns and cities. Whether you're looking for additional shopping, entertainment, transport connections or cultural experiences, there are plenty of options nearby.

Aldershot

Aldershot is just a short bus or train journey away from Farnham. Known as the home of the British Army, the town offers a range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. It is also home to the Princes Hall theatre and several international supermarkets and food outlets that reflect the town's diverse community. 

Guildford

Guildford is one of Surrey's largest towns and is only 20 minutes away by train. It’s a popular destination for shopping, nightlife and entertainment. Guildford is a university city, which gives it a lively student atmosphere.

Farnborough

Farnborough is a major centre for business and technology, but also offers a town centre with additional shopping, restaurants, gyms and entertainment options.

Camberley

Camberley provides another excellent shopping and leisure destination It’s particularly popular with students looking for additional entertainment options beyond Farnham.

London

Not so local, but for those wishing to explore the capital, London can be reached in around an hour by train. That makes it easy to enjoy world-class museums, galleries, concerts, shopping, and cultural attractions while still benefiting from the more relaxed lifestyle that Farnham offers.

Our Farnham campus

Get to know more about the courses offered at UCA Farnham, our on-campus accommodation, and the wide range of facilities and resources available to all students.

Learn more about UCA Farnham Launch the virtual tour