Farnham is the largest town in Waverley, boasting the Maltings venue and a 12th-century castle among its attractions.
The high street and surrounding roads of Georgian and half-timbered buildings are full of retailers and food outlets, such as the Giggling Squid, Bill's and the Queen's Head.
In summer, there's regular live music in Gostrey Meadow, beside the River Wey, and the Maltings arts centre hosts concerts, film, theatre and comedy.
Farnham was recently named one of the best places to live in the south east by the The Times, based on connections, broadband, education, air quality and properties.
To pledge your support to NHS Heroes press here
SurreyLive has come up with eight reasons why Farnham is a brilliant place to live.
1. Happiness index
In December 2019, Farnham was rated the fourth happiest place to live in Surrey, according to Rightmove's happiness at home index.
The property website surveyed more than 22,000 residents across Great Britain to determine the happiest places, and Farnham was placed 19th out of 27 in the south east.
2. Transport links
Trains to Waterloo run approximately three times every hour.
The fastest train takes 55 minutes with one change at Woking. The second fastest train, with no changes, takes 59 minutes.
There's a half-hourly direct train to Guildford, from 23 minutes – a vast improvement on the old service, which involved a change at Aldershot.
By car, it takes 20 minutes to get to Guildford, around an hour and 15 minutes to London, and you can drive to the south coast in an hour or so via the A3.
3. Attractions and things to do
Farnham is home to some wonderful family attractions and beauty spots, which are even more stunning when it's bright and sunny.
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, plans to visit these places will have to be put on hold - at least for now.
Farnham Maltings
Farnham Maltings is one of the busiest and most diverse arts centres in Surrey, offering theatre, film, craft, music, festivals, children's theatre and more.
Farnham Castle
The impressive motte and shell keep of Farnham Castle was founded in 1138 by Bishop Henry of Blois.
The keep was abandoned after Civil War service, but much-altered parts of the medieval bishops' residence remain in private hands and you can visit the site for free throughout the year.
Rural Life Centre
Step back in time at the open-air museum and visitor attraction which collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local crafts people.
Birdworld
The 26-acre park is home to hundreds of birds including penguins, plus there is a farm on site.
The park can also be hired out for birthday parties and events.
4. Walking and cycling
Bourne Wood
If you want to embrace nature and breathe the fresh air, then head to this forest. You will find a beautiful hilly woodland with sections of heathland.
Since 2000, part of the woods have been frequently used as a location for filming movies, television series and music videos, most notably the opening battle scenes of the film Gladiator.
Alice Holt Forest
This large woodland has adventure play areas, natural play, safe off-road family cycling, and lots of space to create dens - not to mention homemade cakes for after the adventure.
Come rain or shine you can have a great day out with the family. It's open daily.
5. Harry Potter
It's been nearly nine years since the final Harry Potter film was released in cinemas, but the magic is far from dying out for fans.
Thanks to Surrey's connections to the film industry and its beautiful scenery, many scenes were filmed in the county, including Farnham.
Bourne Woods is where the chase scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I was shot.
Some woodland scenes from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince were also filmed in the woods, which are managed by Forestry England.
So, for any wizarding fans out there, why not embark on your own Harry Potter tour for free?
To find out more about other Harry Potter filming locations in Surrey, click here.
6. Schools
Weydon is the best state secondary school in the country without a sixth form, according to The Sunday Times Parent Power guide.
All Hallows, a mixed secondary school with a sixth form, was rated outstanding in 2014. It is ranked 193= in the Parent Power state secondary league table.
South Farnham, a two-time Sunday Times state primary school of the year, was rated outstanding by Ofsted at its last inspection in 2012, as were Highfield South Farnham (2018), St Polycarp's (2015) and Folly Hill infants (2010).
7. Properties
A home on Castle Street or close by is the goal, as it's within walking distance of shops and the station.
Prices run from £450,000 for a two-bedroom flat to £3 million for a family house.
Further out of town, Lower Bourne is popular with families, as are the villages of Frensham, Rowledge and Tilford.
Last year, most of the property sales in Farnham were detached properties, which sold for £789,298 on average, according to Rightmove.
Semi-detached properties sold for £453,494, on average, while terraced properties fetched £367,811.
Farnham, with an overall average price of £565,754 was cheaper than nearby Frensham (£949,286), Rowledge (£620,373) and Churt (£1,040,604).
During the last year, sold prices in Farnham were 4% down on the previous year.
8. Restaurants
Farnham boasts a wide variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes, meaning you're spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink outlets.
Popular restaurants include the Giggling Squid, Bill's, the Queen's Head and The Lost Boy.
