Farnham is home to Surrey's only intact castle , built around 1160 by Henry de Blois, Bishop of Winchester, as a convenient residence halfway between his diocese and London. The castle was continuously occupied until 1927, but now houses a conference venue. Its keep (April-Sept daily 10am-6pm; Oct daily 10am-5pm; ?2.10; EH), from where there are good views over Farnham's red-tile roofs to the Downs beyond, is the only part open to the public and holds a well shaft excavated from an earlier Saxon structure. Farnham's refined Georgian dwellings are at their best along the broad Castle Street , which links the town centre with the castle.

The train station , with frequent connections to London Waterloo, is over the river on the south edge of town, along South Street and over the bypass. The tourist office is in the council offices on South Street (Mon-Thurs 9.30am- 5.15pm, Fri 9.30am-4.45pm, Sat 9am-noon; tel 01252/715109, ). B&B options include Meads Guest House , 48 West St (tel 01252/715298; ?40-50) and the excellent Stafford House Hotel , 22 Firgrove Hill (tel 01252/724336; ?40-50), close to the station. About a mile south of Farnham Station off the Tilford Road, High Wray , 73 Lodge Hill Rd (tel 01252/715589; ?40-50), is located in a peaceful, semi-rural setting, conveniently close to the start of the North Downs Way - it's a little off the beaten track, so be sure to ask for clear directions. Back in town, the oak-beamed Nelson Arms , Castle St, offers reasonable bar food while, if you prefer to eat Italian, the best bet is the friendly Caffe Piccolo , 84 West St (tel 01252/723277).