Discover Farnborough

A stay in Farnborough can revolve around a range of interests: the town’s history along the Heritage Trails, aviation history at the museum and library, or a visit timed to coincide with an event. Southwood Country Park also offers a different way to shape your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Farnborough, the reason for your visit can help you decide how to explore these highlights.

Town history on the Farnborough Heritage Trails

The Farnborough Heritage Trails cover the history of Farnborough Street, aviation history, North Camp, St Peter’s and Cove Village. At points of interest, the trails app displays audio stories, images and facts. This lets you explore the routes’ themes not just through place names, but also through additional content.

One specific focus is the town’s early pottery industry: the Farnborough Street Trail tells its story. According to Rushmoor, St Peter’s Parish Church is the oldest building in Farnborough. The trails offer a range of historical starting points, rather than focusing on just one aspect of the town.

Aviation history at the FAST Museum

The FAST Museum covers different areas of aviation. Its collection includes aircraft and aircraft models, satellites, flight simulators and other material relating to the Royal Aircraft Establishment. The Farnborough Air Sciences Museum is housed in a building originally built as an Army Balloon School. The Cody Pavilion contains a full-scale replica of Samuel Cody’s Flyer.

The museum displays a working model of the Man Rated Centrifuge. The centrifuge was used to study the effects of G-forces on the human body and to develop anti-G suits. Also on display are a Göttingen wind tunnel model and models from wind tunnel tests.

The Wind Tunnels Tour offers a direct look at two preserved wind tunnels. One is the 24 Foot Wind Tunnel in Farnborough, which opened in 1935 and operated until 1994. If this visit is an important part of your trip, check the tour’s availability before making plans.

Abbey Church and the National Aerospace Library

The crypt of the Abbey Church of St Michael serves as the mausoleum for Napoleon III, the Prince Imperial and Empress Eugénie. Saint Michael’s Abbey offers a tour of the Abbey Church and the Imperial Crypt on Saturdays at 3 pm. No advance booking is required, and the tour lasts about an hour. As tour arrangements may change, it’s a good idea to check the visit information in advance.

Another way to explore aviation history is at the National Aerospace Library in Farnborough. It focuses on the development of aeronautics, aviation and aerospace technology. Everyone is welcome to consult its extensive collection. The regular group tour lasts 90 minutes and includes a presentation, as well as time to browse the collection. Visits in Farnborough therefore also differ in whether you’d prefer a guided tour or time with a specialist collection.

Event dates and outdoor routes

The Farnborough International Airshow takes place every two years. Its public day, Pioneers of Tomorrow, features hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and flying displays. As the programme may change, check the details for the date that fits your trip. For travel to the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, the connection from Farnborough Main station is also relevant: the station is 1.5 miles from the venue, which is five minutes away by taxi. Transport options on event days may vary, so check the latest information when planning.

If you’d rather include walking or cycling routes than an event, Southwood Country Park has around five kilometres of circular trails designed for both activities. No walking time or difficulty level is specified, so choose the routes according to your own schedule. Farnborough therefore offers a choice of clearly defined history and aviation themes, as well as an outdoor option.

Discover more destinations: Kingsclere, Wickham, Horndean, Basingstoke, Hedge End, Swanmore, Sandleheath, Fleet

For the wider travel overview: Hampshire.