Antiques & Ales: A Day Out Near Farnham By Bike
Written by Jaillan Yehia
Get on your bicycle and head to Bears, outside Farnham
I recently moved to Farnham, Surrey, a pretty market town less than an hour’s train ride from London.
Since the move I’ve been to Egypt, Italy, Menorca, the list goes on, but I’ve not made enough time to explore the area in which I actually live, until now.
I decided to get out my trusty bike and pedal my way through some local Surrey highlights.
This is the story of a leisurely day out which you can try too – exploring the picturesque town, rural antique shops and a craft brewery in the countryside just south of Farnham, all by bike.
My most recent overseas trip was a cycling holiday to France, but despite good intentions to go on long cycle rides in the countryside near my house to warm up, I failed spectacularly at using my own bike to go anywhere more exciting than the gym and the supermarket.
On my bike near Farnham
I’m sure a lot of people find themselves thinking, like me, that they want to get out and about locally come summer, so if you’re hoping to do the same and fancy a day out exploring Farnham by bike – popping into countryside antique stores, cycling down cobbled streets, along country lanes and tasting local ales – this could be the day out for you.
Packhouse, Farnham
If you follow me on Instagram you’ll probably know that I love cycling in cities and towns, I cycle around London loads and I have got on my bike (or rather someone else’s bike) in places as varied as Laos and Nicaragua, Denmark and Slovenia.
But I am not into mountain biking, or anything adrenaline-related on two-wheels. I like my biking slow and sedate, peaceful and pleasurable so that’s just what this day out in Farnham by bike will be.
Cycling in Margate was lovely
What Does This Post Cover?
Getting To Farnham (Not By Bike)
Around Farnham by bike
If you’re coming from London you can pick up one of the numerous South West Trains services to Farnham from Waterloo (or try Clapham Junction if you live south already). If you’re coming from somewhere else I can’t help you, as I don’t know where you live but there may well be a train – and if not you could always drive: there are a couple of easy to find car parks in the centre of Farnham.
The station itself is very close to the middle of town so it will be simple for you to jump on your bike and start exploring.
Coffee In Farnham
Cycle to Lion and Lamb Yard
Where you go in Farnham is entirely up to you – like most market towns there’s a nice sprinkling of boutiques, and a few great places to grab a coffee or a snack before you head off on your bike ride.
Most are chains, though I really like The Botanist and there are some nice independent places like Lion and Lamb in a gorgeous cobbled courtyard just off the main street – which is called West Street.
Around Farnham By Bike – The Antique Agenda
The road to Farnham – there are two major antique treasure troves here. Who Knew?
I discovered that very close to my house, and only about a 3 mile cycle from Farnham is a little enclave of antiques warehouses around Runfold on the northern edge of the South Downs.
Though the word warehouse does little to accurately describe the delightful and highly historic environments you’ll find. I had driven past this sign in my car countless times and always vowed to stop one day, before I made time to come by bike.
The Antiques Warehouse
The Antiques Warehouse, Farnham
First stop is The Antiques Warehouse, described as an ‘exciting and unusual antiques centre and in an incredibly charming setting on a farm, meaning you’ll see horses on your way in.
The Antiques Warehouse, Farnham
You’ll do a double take once you enter the building – I couldn’t believe just how many amazing items were packed inside the Elizabethan barns; paintings and prints, kitchenware and ceramics, clothing and jewellery, you could spend hours browsing.
The word treasure trove is probably overused, but if anywhere deserves the description this has to be it – a chair from the 17th century, a rolling pin from the 19th or a diamond ring from the 20th, it’s all here.
The Antiques Warehouse is open 7 days a week, 10.30am to 5pm.
Packhouse Farnham
Packhouse, Farnham
It’s just a couple of minutes pedalling away until you’re at the next gorgeous Surrey location on your cycling day – though it’s pretty close to the Hampshire border round here too – and that’s Packhouse Farnham.
The garden furniture matched my pedi at Packhouse
New meets old in this large sprawling historic building with the slogan ‘Lose yourself amongst beautiful things’ and it’s easy to do just that.
They sell their own things, as well as eclectic wares brought in by 65 traders – including everything from old curiosities to greeting cards and candles so its a fun place to meander.
Lose yourself amongst beautiful things
There’s even a restoration company on site dedicated to reimagining cast offs and turning them into desirable shabby chic stock.
Bears, at the Packhouse, Farnham
They also run events, workshops and have partnered with a new cafe and restaurant, Bears, which is ideal if you’re ready for a bite before moving onto beer.
The Packhouse is open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm and 10 am to 4.30 pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.
How cool is this?
On To Ales
Hogsback Brewery
Another surprising turn up on my cursory glance around my local neighbourhood was a really cool looking brewery – Hogsback Brewery is a family-owned business which uses mostly hops from within 5 miles of the 18th Century farm buildings which house the brewery.
Hogsback Brewery
They also planted a hop garden here which grows a variety unique to this part of Surrey – Farnham White Bine hops – so if you’re a beer enthusiast there’s something unique for you here and the brewery has an onsite shop and runs Hogsback brewery tours daily.
Being on a bike means that you can have a tipple without worrying about driving – just be extra careful on your cycle back to Farnham station.
Tags: Cycling, England, Farnham, Surrey
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