Introduction
The town of Godalming is situated in some of the finest countryside in southern England. Narrow attractive streets, lined with many ancient and historic buildings, lie alongside the River Wey. Godalming is a town with many famous sons and daughters, for example artist, gardener and craftswoman Gertrude Jekyll, and in 1881 became the first town in the world to have electric public street lighting.
Suggested Day Out
Our suggested day out takes in both the history of the town and its glorious countryside setting as well as the River Wey.
Morning
If arriving by train, why not make the most of your location and take one of our walks that start at the station. Choose between the circular Town and Country walk (12.4 miles) and the shorter (8.4 miles) Hydons Ball walk.
If you wish to stay within the town centre, you can enjoy a walk around the main places of historical interest. For a route description see the Godalming Town Centre Walk page.
On the corner of Mint Street, you will see the Georgian property – Brook House. Percy Woods, Godalming historian was born here in 1842. At one time there was a lot of industry in the town and it is stated that in the collection of the King of Denmark are two pennies of Ethelred II which were coined in Godalming, perhaps this is where “The Mint” gets its name.
The ‘Pepperpot’, the symbol of Godalming, was once the market house or Town Hall and dates from 1814 replacing a former timber structure. Opposite is the Godalming Museum, which is worth a visit to learn more about the history of the town.
Continuing down the High Street, on the right, is the former Old White Hart Inn (nos. 99 – 103). This 16th century, timber framed building is reputed to have had Dick Turpin stay the night. As you walk down the High Street, looking on both sides of the street, you will see many interesting features up to roof level. On the left, the area now named Angel Court used to be The Angel Coaching Inn, which faced directly onto the High Street. Properties on the right hand side of Moss Lane date back to the 18th century. On the right, the Bank at no.77 High Street is timber framed (16th/17th century). No. 75 has a timber upper storey and goods hoist. This used to be a wool merchant’s house.
Lunch
Back on the High Street, why not enjoy a pub lunch at the Jack Phillips, named after John George Phillips (1886 – 1912), who was sometimes known as Jack and educated locally. Jack Phillips was the Chief Marconi Officer on “RMS Titanic” which was sunk on her maiden voyage after a collision with an iceberg on 15th April 1912. Chief Officer Phillips stayed at his post sending out the signal CQD (at that time the conventional distress call). At the suggestion of the Captain, he switched to the new code of SOS which had been agreed at an International Convention so that at 12.45am that call went out for the first time, making maritime history.
Or why not make your way back up the High Street to enjoy traditional ale at The Red Lion.
For those with transport, Secretts Farm shop at nearby Milford is a good place to pick up food for a picnic.
Afternoon
From Godalming you can head out to Winkworth Arboretum just follow the brown signs. Owned by the National Trust, the arboretum has over 1,000 different shrubs and trees, many rare species and an impressive display of spring flowers and autumn colour. In the summer it is an ideal place for a picnic or throughout the year, to enjoy afternoon tea in the tea-room. Admission is £4.50, child £2.00, family £10.00. Reduced rate when arriving by public transport, cycle or on foot.
Or staying in town, why not walk along the river to Farncombe Boat House on the River Wey where you can take out a rowboat, punt or canoe. You will also find Hectors Bistro here where you can enjoy Bistro style lunches or afternoon teas. Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (July and August open everyday). Further information can be found at www.riverweytrips.co.uk.
Links
Further ideas for activities around Godalming