Discover Godalming

Godalming combines historic townscapes, unusual stories and paths along the water. Anyone planning a trip with culture, activities and varied discoveries will find different ways to spend memorable days here. The more than 200 listed buildings give the town a distinctive historical character. This character is particularly evident in Church Street, which is lined with timber-framed buildings dating from the 15th century.

History, townscape and remarkable stories

A distinctive landmark is the Pepperpot. It was built in 1814 as a replacement for the old market hall and is therefore one of Godalming's architectural features. For a more in-depth visit, the Godalming Museum is an excellent option. Its galleries cover Godalming's history from the Stone Age to the present day. This makes it possible to get to know the town not only through individual buildings, but also through its long development.

One gallery in the museum focuses on the work of Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens in the Arts & Crafts movement. Another gallery is dedicated to Jack Phillips, a young telegraphist aboard the RMS Titanic and his role in saving hundreds of people. These topics offer different perspectives: architecture and design stand alongside a personal story from the world of seafaring. In addition, Godalming Minster St Peter & St Paul's has stood at the heart of Godalming for more than a thousand years.

Park and waterways for different day plans

For a quieter part of the day, Phillips Memorial Park is an obvious place to visit. The park, which has received the Green Flag Award, covers 4.5 hectares. The park is also home to the Memorial Cloister, which was built in 1913 through public donations in memory of a selfless act. Anyone who wants to combine a historical visit with time in green surroundings during the day can include these places in their personal itinerary.

The waterways also shape Godalming's history and character. The Godalming Navigation opened in 1764 and enabled cargo barges to travel a further four miles upstream. Today, visitors can walk along the towpath of the River Wey Navigations and explore different sections of the waterways. The River Wey runs along the edge of Godalming and is accessible from several points. This provides both historical attractions and time by the water as options for trip planning.

Godalming as a base

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, the desired combination of local history, a museum visit, parkland and waterways may be a deciding factor. Anyone wishing to combine several of these themes should consider the location within the town and their own daily itinerary when searching, without automatically assuming that the individual attractions are immediately next to one another. Godalming railway station is on the Portsmouth line; the town centre can be reached on foot from the station in a short time. This information can be taken into account when planning your journey and choosing suitable accommodation.

In 1881, Godalming became the first town with private and public electricity supply. This detail also adds to the picture of the town: alongside its medieval buildings, museum and waterways, a notable story of technological development forms part of Godalming's identity.

Further places for your trip planning

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Godalming, here is a concise selection: Peaslake, East Horsley, Charlwood, Addlestone, Woldingham, Bagshot, Salfords and Ash.

For the higher-level travel overview: Surrey.