Discover Farnham Royal’s history and natural beauty

Farnham Royal offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: historic buildings in the village, sports facilities and Burnham Beeches, with its nature conservation designations. The building history of St Mary’s Church dates back to the 12th century; other buildings reveal later periods and different architectural styles. If you are looking for a hotel, you could first consider whether your stay will focus mainly on culture, nature or sport.

Historic buildings in Farnham Royal

St Mary’s Church dates from the 12th century and was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. The surviving chancel dates back to the church’s early period. Most of the church was rebuilt between 1867 and 1869 under the architect Eden Nesfield. This sequence of dates brings together medieval origins and a much later rebuilding.

A lychgate stands in the churchyard. It was built in 1893 in the Tudor style and is made of worked flint, dressed stone and some so-called “Roman” bricks. Black-and-white timber framing and a Tudor-style oak arch define its design. The lychgate is a prominent feature of the streetscape and is highlighted as an important building in the Farnham Royal Conservation Area.

Other listed buildings add to the picture. The Green Man Public House on Beaconsfield Road is Grade II listed; The Stray is also a Grade II listed building in Farnham Royal. Yew Place has origins in the 16th century, received a new façade in the 18th century and was later restored. Details recorded include panelling from the 16th and 18th centuries, as well as a staircase with a newel post. These details reveal different building phases, which should not be condensed into a single period of construction.

Farnham Court also points to the village’s earlier history: the estate was the manor house of Farnham Royal and the site of the manorial court; its origins date back to the 17th century. The war memorial at the entrance to Church Road was erected in 1920. Together, these buildings and memorials reflect different historical connections, from the former manor house to 20th-century remembrance.

Sport and Burnham Beeches

For sports enthusiasts, Farnham Park Playing Fields offers numerous rugby and football pitches. The playing fields will remain open as usual during a multi-year project; check the latest project-phase updates before your visit. Farnham Park Golf Club offers an 18-hole course for beginners and amateurs. As operating arrangements may change, check them before travelling.

Burnham Beeches is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation. The area lies within the parishes of Farnham Royal and Burnham. Around 1.5 miles of surfaced paths are designated as routes with easier access. If these paths are important to your plans, note that the stated length is approximate. The access arrangements cover open spaces to which the public has a right or may be granted access, with or without payment, as well as roads, thoroughfares and other rights of way. Follow the rules in force on site.

A useful landmark for Burnham Beeches is in Farnham Common: the entrance is about a ten-minute walk from the bus stop there. This information may help you plan access to Burnham Beeches. Also check the latest guidance for the area before your visit.

Plan a stay that suits you

The historic buildings and Burnham Beeches offer different ways to spend your time in Farnham Royal. Those interested in architecture can see clear differences between medieval origins, later changes and restoration in the building phases of St Mary’s Church, the lychgate and Yew Place. For a nature-focused stay, Burnham Beeches’ conservation designations and surfaced paths with easier access are useful points of reference. Sports facilities and golf offer additional options.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Weston Turville, Cheddington, Stoke Poges, Beaconsfield, Fulmer, Chalfont St Giles, Saunderton, Taplow

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