Farnham – A guide for the Elderly

 

From enjoying a historic afternoon at Farnham Castle, to taking a gentle walk through the park, Farnham is a wonderful location for elderly people to live. With a bustling community and plenty to do and see, seniors can easily keep their schedules full and active – be it with social clubs or day trips to fully accessible attractions.

In this local elderly guide to Farnham, you can find days out and activities for seniors who may need to support their life in Farnham. Read on for community transport schemes, exercise groups, local pharmacies, the best gardens and garden centres to visit, and more.

If you or an elderly loved one needs care and support at home to live as independent a life as possible, explore our live-in care options in Farnham here.

What services are available to the elderly in Farnham?

As we age, it becomes more and more important to remain an active member of our local communities. Farnham offers extensive support for the elderly to stay connected or to meet new people, and there are many regular activities and clubs that meet up in the town and surrounding villages. These groups cater to all interests, from arts and crafts to gardening or gentle exercises. Find some societies, clubs, and activities available to Farnham seniors below.

Senior social clubs in Farnham

Pie & Pint Club 

This club meets regularly at three local Farnham pubs: The Royal Arms, The Forest Inn and The Hare & Hounds. With an exclusive offering for seniors, this club meets on three Mondays a month at 12:25 pm. It’s a great opportunity for retired men to meet with others and enjoy a pub meal! Contact 01252 717710 for more information.

Ladies Pub Lunch 

This pub lunch is specifically for ladies over 60 who are living on their own. They meet every fourth Monday of the month at 12:30 pm, and transportation is available. Contact 01252 717710 for more information.

Knit ‘n’ Natter

This group is perfect for seniors who love to knit and appreciate some good company! This Knit ‘n’ Natter group meets every Monday from 1 – 2:30 pm in St Andrew’s Parish meeting rooms. Bring your own knitting, or knit for a local charity!

Sunflower Cafe

Perfect for those living with dementia and their carers, this cafe provides a chance to chat over a warm drink, relax, enjoy fun activities, or speak with a health expert. The Sunflower Cafe meets in the Ivy Room at the Farnham Conservation Club – every Monday from 10 am to 12 pm. Contact 01252 783426 for more information.

Dementia-Friendly Cricket

Meeting at the Farnham Leisure Centre every Thursday at noon, this dementia-friendly cage cricket is suitable for all abilities and mobility levels. Cage Cricket is a dynamic and visual activity and may bring back treasured memories. Contact 01483 523 394 or  leisure@waverley.gov.uk for more information.

Brightwells Gostrey – Day centre for over 50’s

This warm and friendly environment is the perfect location for seniors to meet and make new friends. They offer a variety of daily activities and services including:

• Two-course lunch – freshly prepared every day
• Art and craft classes
• Bingo
• Exercise to Music with Yoga Stretch
• The Brightwells Choir Singing Group
• Game afternoons
• Book club
• Ceramic painting
• The Brightwells Gardeners
• Regular outings and theatre trips

Farnham Gardening Society

Join this group for gardening and meeting like-minded people. The group is held at The United Reform Church on South Street. Contact lajtrusler@yahoo.co.uk or 01252820431 for more information.

Farnham Leisure Centre for seniors

Socialise while keeping fit! This leisure centre hosts two exercise groups that are perfect for the elderly:

• The Senior Sports Club – meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30 – 4 pm
• 50+ Keep Fit – a low-intensity aerobic workout meeting on Mondays from 12 – 1 pm

Monthly Roast Lunches 

These monthly lunches are available for retired people who are living on their own. They occur in two locations:

• Farnham Memorial Hall – every second Sunday in the month
• Bethel Baptist Church – every third Saturday of the month

Illusion Dance Academy

Join this accessible dance school to move your body and have some fun! Sign up for a free trial class by contacting illusiondanceacademy@gmail.com or 07702265587.

Seniors’ Coffee Morning

Find this group at the Hale Community Center on Wednesdays from 10:30 to noon. Seniors’ Coffee Morning welcomes all those over the age of 50.

Farnham Walker

This group meets for regular walks through the Farnham sights and the Surrey countryside. For more information, contact info@farnhamwalker.co.uk or 07496 169224.

Accessible trips and outings for the elderly in Farnham

Farnham Castle

Discover over 900 years of history at Farnham Castle Keep, found on a hill overlooking Farnham town. Visit for free or book a guided tour for £5. Although the keep is accessed by uneven and steep steps, you can expect parking for blue badge holders and wheelchair access to the free exhibition about the castle. There are also some accessible toilets in the castle.

Birdworld

This 26-acre park is home to hundreds of birds and is a great outing for animal enthusiasts. It is particularly welcoming to those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues with wide, flat paths, no steps, special car parking areas, and free admittance for carers. Areas such as the restaurant and shop are wheelchair accessible, and accessible toilets are located throughout the park.

Rural Life Centre

This open-air museum is a collection of preserved objects and spaces associated with local crafts, people’s farming and goods. With good disabled access, free parking, crafts and trades, a cafe,and a historic railway, the Rural Life Centre is perfect for elderly visitors who would enjoy taking a step back in time.

Museum of Farnham  

This local museum is located in a stunning Georgian townhouse with a lovely walled garden. It shares Farnham’s rich history, from prehistoric times to its boom as an arts and crafts hub. The museum, garden, and garden gallery are all accessible to wheelchair users. Click here for detailed access information.

Farnham Maltings

Farnham is home to one of the busiest and most diverse arts centres in Surrey – the Farnham Maltings. It makes for a great outing for those interested in theatre, film, craft, or music. The main entrance, Maltings stores, riverside cafe and Box Office are fully accessible, and all other areas are accessible by lift. Carers may accompany you for free, and registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building.

Farnham green space and grounds

Farnham Park

This impressive, 320 acres medieval deer park is found right next to Farnham Castle. It features stunning scenery, from woodland to ponds and streams, and ancient trees. You may also find sporting facilities and a golf course with a cafe.

Badshot Lea Pond

Find a moment of quiet and relaxation by this peaceful pond. It is located opposite The Gere’s open grassed area.

Waverley Abbey Ruins

An atmospheric space filled with history, these ruins mark the site of the first Cistercian abbey in England. This lovely area is owned and maintained by English Heritage. Walk around to discover a yew tree that is up to 400 years old.

Victoria Garden

This award-winning garden is found right in the heart of Farnham off Brightwells Road and amongst the back alleys of South Street. Located on the site of the former Farnham Swimming Baths, this is a perfect oasis from the bustling town centre.

Gostrey Meadow

Located just outside the town centre, this meadow is a lovely and easily accessible outdoor space for local people to enjoy. The River Wey runs along the far side, and many community events are held in this meadow such as live music in the summer.

Haren Garden

Near Gostry Meadow, you will find the Haren Garden (when entering from South Street’s  East side). This monument location features a plaque that celebrates the friendship between Farnham and the Holland town of Haren. 

Accessible toilets in Farnham 

Accessible toilets can be found at Central car park as well as in the Hart and Gostrey Meadow. These toilets use the RADAR scheme and require a key which can be bought for £5.

There is also a community toilet scheme in Farnham available to all visitors and locals who need clean, safe and accessible toilets. Certain local businesses provide these toilets during opening hours, and the public are able to use the toilets without making a purchase. Any participating business will display a sticker on their window. You will find these toilets here:

• The Queen’s Head, The Borough
• The Plough, West Street
• Borelli’s Wine Bar, Borelli Yard
• Farnham Town Council, South Street

For the location and opening times of Farnham public toilets, click here.

 

Farnham Shopmobility 

Shopmobility provides a wide selection of mobility aids and equipment to local Farnham seniors to independently access the town centre and local area. Find their office in the ground level in the Osborn Road Multi-Storey car park. Wheelchairs can be hired for £5.50 per day and electric scooters or powered chairs for £6.50 per day. Call 01329 282929 or email shopmobility@cfirst.org.uk for more information.

Community Transport Schemes in Farnham 

Hoppa – Community bus service

Hoppa provides transportation services for those living in the Farnham area who would like to go to:

• Supermarkets
• Library
• Day Centres and Medical Centres (Brightwells, Farnham Hospital, Hale Road)
• Central town locations (Elphicks, East Street (former Marlborough Head)
• Garden Centres (Badshot Lea)

They offer either DRT (Demand Responsive Transport), or group travel. DRT accepts valid bus passes or £2 for an adult single and £3.50 for an adult return. Group travel is £40 per hour. Call 01428 681701 to book.

Local Farnham Hospital  

• Farnham Hospital and Centre for Health – on Manor Road. 

Local Farnham Pharmacies 

• Rowlands Pharmacy Farnham – on Hale Road 
• Vaughan James Chemist – on West Street 
• Lalys Chemist Farnham – on Downing Street
• LloydsPharmacy – on Water Ln
• Avicenna Pharmacy Farnham – on Fresham Road 
• Heath End Pharmacy – on Farnborough Road
• Boots – on the Borough

 

If you are looking for caring support at home in Farnham explore our Farnham home care services. A Farnham carer can provide support and companionship at home, so you can live as independently as possible and involve yourself with the wider Farnham community.