Badshot Lea
Located between Aldershot and Farnham, the village of Badshot Lea boasts a fine church, a large garden centre with a popular café whilest Badshot Lea big and small ponds offer some excellent fishing opportunities. Badshot Lea Nature Reserve, the former quarry, is an exciting new project and feature for the area after years of mineral working.
The Bourne
The Bourne is the link between the protected picturesque countryside south of the town and the town centre. For many centuries the Bourne was the common to the Manor of Farnham before squatters gradually began to set up residence in turf huts. It is bordered by woodland and common land, with footpaths along The Bourne Valley that provide an important network of corridors for both residents and wildlife alike.
Today The Bourne does retain the feeling of a vibrant village. There are four shops, including a post office and a large village green, on which the annual Bourne Show is held. It is a traditional show with stalls, competitions, dog shows, races for children, fancy dress, vintage/classic cars, floral displays and refreshments.
Hale and Heath End
North of the town centre, where Mesolithic settlements have been found, is the area of Hale. With a successful annual carnival held on the first Saturday in July on the recreation ground, this green space is a focal point for the village. There is also a scout hut, the Hale Institute Village Hall and a Working Men’s Club. The History of Hale Project holds regular coffee mornings on the last Saturday of the month (with exception of December) in Hale Village Hall, 10am-12 noon and all are welcome. Opposite, The Ball and Wicket public house is a traditional village pub, and the nearby Alfred pub holds an annual beer festival. Hale also benefits from easy access to Farnham Park. As the Army expanded in neighbouring Aldershot, the village of Heath End was formed. The Rowhill Nature Reserve makes a natural boundary between the two towns: this ancient site is good for walking and provides a precious haven for wildlife and flora. The area is also home to Farnham Rugby Union Club plus pitches for the Aldershot and Farnham Hockey Club on Monkton Lane. For anyone walking around the village you might spot a baker’s plaque on Vyne Cottage, 75 Heath Lane. The cottage was once used by servants from the Old Manor House further up Heath Lane.
Rowledge
To the south of Farnham, on the county border of Surrey with Hampshire, the village of Rowledge has gradually developed from the original open fields to an attractive settlement with a thriving centre made up of a butcher, post office and convenience store, newsagent, hairdresser, garage, and two public houses (one straddling the county border where Surrey meets Hampshire). The village green hosts a very popular fayre on the second bank holiday in May. Rowledge Village Hall hosts a range of regular events including the very popular Friday morning Coffee Spot
This lovely village borders the fantastic Alice Holt Woodland and trails, and Birdworld is also nearby to enjoy.
Weybourne
Located to the east of Farnham, Weybourne was once home to John Henry Knight, inventor, engineer and local landowner. He is famous for building the first petroleum carriage for two people made in England in1895.
Wrecclesham
On the southern fringes of Farnham, the village of Wrecclesham has a recreation ground which hosts the annual village fair, held in late June, plus cricket, football, rugby and tennis clubs. The village also offers country pubs, including the traditional Bat and Ball with its annual charity Bat and Ball Beer, Cider and Music Festival supported by The Hedgehogs and held during the second weekend in June. Wrecclesham Community Centre has recently been refurbished and is a focal point for local clubs and activities.
See the Wrecclesham History Project for interesting stories about what the village was like.
For local residents and organisations, the Isabella Schroder Trust can assist those in need.
The village of Wrecclesham is best known for its pottery. To this day it is home to one of the best preserved examples of a working Victorian country pottery left in England. Farnham Buildings Preservation Trust bought the site in 1998 and Farnham Pottery have their own group of potters, West Street Potters, producing pottery there today.
