Just two stops on the train, a ten-minute drive, or a pleasant bus journey away from Guildford is the beautiful town of Godalming, a real must see for visitors to the area.
Once home to the likes of Terry Thomas, Alvin Stardust, and Jack Phillips, Chief Wireless Operator of the Titanic, Godalming is the very definition of ‘bustling market town’. Packed with interesting independent shops, cafes and coffee places, pubs, delicatessens, restaurants, and lots of green spaces with lovely walks to be enjoyed all year round.
The town is quite old, and even earned a mention in the last will and testament of King Alfred the Great in 899…so yes, ‘quite old’. The High Street is classic Surrey, with quirky buildings aplenty, including the famous Pepperpot, built in 1814 at a cost of £865 6s and 8d, it was once the Town Hall, and now sits serenely overlooking the main shopping area.
You may have seen Godalming Market in the film ‘The Holiday’, as Cameron Diaz browses the stalls, and later makes a snowy car journey to the shops.
Godalming also has a significant claim to its own position in global history, being the very first place in the world to have a combined public and private electricity supply.
Not far from the town centre is the remarkable Winkworth Arboretum, a National Trust property that really has to be seen to be truly appreciated. With over 1,000 different species of trees and shrubs stretching over acres of beautiful Surrey landscapes, with stunning displays of azaleas, and magnolia, Winkworth is an internationally important attraction.
With so much going on in and around town, it’s no wonder that Godalming regularly tops ‘Best place to live’ polls, and from a visitor perspective there really is plenty to see, and do.
Please ask at reception for directions, public transport links are easy and regular, while for those guests wishing to drive, it is a very straightforward and extremely pretty journey.
There is plenty of parking in and around the town centre of Godalming.