Farnham Town Centre: Shopping Streets, Markets and Car Parks
A resident guide to where Farnham shops cluster, the monthly farmers market, who looks after the town centre and where to park.
Farnham's shops are mostly independent and spread along The Borough, Downing Street and Lion and Lamb Yard, with the Brightwells development adding a cinema and restaurants. Farnham Town Council runs a free farmers' market on the fourth Sunday of the month, 10am to 1:30pm, in Central car park. Waverley runs the pay and display car parks.
What the town centre is like
Farnham's town centre is a mix of independent shops and well-known brands, rather than a single shopping centre. Farnham BID's visitor site, Make It Farnham, describes the town as a market town with deep trading roots and names these areas:
- The Borough and Downing Street: the central pedestrian friendly hub, with independent shops and high street brands, with seasonal markets and events.
- Brightwells: the newest development, with leisure and dining, including Nando's and Reel Cinema, and a children's soft play and activity gym.
- Lion and Lamb Yard: one of Farnham's oldest streets, cobbled, with independent boutiques, homeware shops and cafes.
We do not rank or review individual businesses; the BID's site has a directory by category. Farnham Town Council's shopping itinerary also suggests combining shops with the New Ashgate Gallery, the Crafts Study Centre and the Museum of Farnham; see our museums and history guide.
Farnham Farmers' Market
Farnham Town Council's market page says the market is held on the fourth Sunday of the month, 10am to 1:30pm, except December when it is usually earlier in the month. It is held in Central car park, off Victoria Road, Farnham GU9 7RD. It is free to attend, with around 35 producers each month and produce grown, reared or made within 50 miles where possible. The page listed 25 October and 22 November 2026 among its upcoming dates. See also our markets and events guide.
Who looks after the centre
The town council's BID page says Farnham BID represents over 450 local businesses and has a five-year mandate, with marketing, a safe, clean and welcome centre, business support, and access and travel as its priorities. Waverley Borough Council runs the pay and display car parks; Farnham Town Council runs events and the farmers' market.
Where to park
Waverley's Farnham car parks page lists pay and display car parks at Brightwells Yard, Central, Farnham Leisure Centre, Farnham Park, Lower Hart, Memorial Hall, Riverside, South Street, St James, Upper Hart and Waggon Yard. Two examples of what it publishes:
- Brightwells Yard: 170 spaces, charging Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm including bank holidays, RingGo machines on levels 2, 4, 6 and 8, and a 1.9 metre height barrier, per its car park page.
- Central: charging Monday to Saturday 8am to 10pm including bank holidays, with Sundays and Christmas Day free, per its car park page.
Tariffs, permits and fines are covered in our Farnham parking guide, and Blue Badge arrangements in our Blue Badge guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Where are the main shopping streets in Farnham?
- Make It Farnham, the BID, names The Borough and Downing Street as the central pedestrian friendly hub, with Lion and Lamb Yard for independent boutiques and cafes.
- What is Brightwells?
- Make It Farnham describes it as Farnham's newest development with leisure and dining, including Nando's and Reel Cinema, and a children's soft play and activity gym.
- When is Farnham Farmers' Market?
- Farnham Town Council says the fourth Sunday of the month from 10am to 1:30pm, except December when it is usually earlier, in Central car park off Victoria Road.
- Who looks after the town centre?
- Farnham BID, branded Make It Farnham, which the town council says represents over 450 local businesses. Waverley Borough Council manages the pay and display car parks.
- Where do I park in Farnham?
- Waverley lists pay and display car parks including Brightwells Yard, Central, South Street, Lower Hart, Upper Hart, Waggon Yard, St James, Memorial Hall and Riverside.
- When are the Central car park charges?
- Waverley publishes Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm including bank holidays, with Sundays and Christmas Day free, for Central car park.
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