Farnham high street

It's also worth heading into Farnham for a dander around the historic town. The town lays claim to prehistoric roots thanks to the Palaeolithic axes and mammoth fossils found here and was also associated with figures in the 19th century arts and craft movement – we might’ve checked the museum for proof but since it closes on Sundays we contented ourselves with a stroll along the quaint high street.

The many Georgian buildings here hold a mix of independent and chain shops, with a handful of charity shops and local craft and homeware stores that were worth a look. The primary attraction in this part of the world is the sprawling Surrey Hills on the doorstep, and Farnham is also the starting point for the long-distance walking trail, the North Downs Way. On our short stay though, the town itself was a pleasant way to ease back into city life after the utter escapism of the Surrey countryside.

Bel and The Dragon is just over an hour from central London by car or around two-and-a-half hours from Birmingham. Rooms range from £75-£95 per night, bed and breakfast (excluding VAT). Trains from Waterloo to Farnham take 55 minutes and cost £30.50 for an off-peak return. A taxi from Farnham to Bel and The Dragon costs around £15.

Words: Siobhan Morrin

Review: Bel and The Dragon, Surrey