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Town in Hampshire, England
Photo: Antony McCallum, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Farnborough is a town in the northeastern corner of the English county of Hampshire, adjacent to the borders with Surrey and Berkshire. Once an isolated hamlet, Farnborough grew into a medium-sized town over the course of the 20th century. This growth was built on the back of the aviation industry; Farnborough was the site of the first powered flight in Britain, made by Samuel Cody in 1904. Today, the aerospace, defence and technology industries thrive and aviation heritage is evident all around the town. Farnborough is best known as the home of the biennial Farnborough International Airshow, which has been running since 1948.
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Local gem dedicated to retelling Farnborough's extensive aviation history, from early balloons and canvas aircraft, through the world wars, the first jet engines, wind tunnel trials, supersonic flight and space exploration. Static aircraft on display include a Hawker Hunter, Harrier T4, Lightning, Puma and Gazelle, which you can sit inside. Or you can try your hand at flying in one of the cockpit simulators. The Cody pavilion houses a scale replica of the pioneer's first plane and an exhibition on his exciting life. However, the museum's greatest assets are its volunteers, who are genuine experts on the exhibits and are always keen (occasionally a little too keen!) to impart their knowledge.
A statue of Cody's likeness, unveiled in 2013 on the centenary of the aviator's death in a crash of one of his experimental aircraft.
The now rather mundane site of Samuel Cody's first flight is marked by a stone and plaque. You can still look across the airfield from here and admire Cody's legacy.
A replica of the first ever aircraft built by the RAE's factory at Farnborough. This model represents that which was flown by World War I ace pilot Edward "Mick" Hancock, who was awarded the Victoria Cross medal posthumously. You can read about his life on a small poster in the centre.
A sculpture of Whittle's Gloster Meteor, a pioneering jet aircraft created at the RAE. See the original plane in London's Science Museum.
For aviation enthusiasts, there is always something interesting going on around the airport. A loyal band of spotters can usually be found there on most days, often with their car radios tuned into air traffic control, and always open to sharing their passion with like-minded visitors from near and far.
Abbaye Saint-Michel - Chapelle impériale
Built by Empress Eugénie de Montijo in the 1880s, the abbey's main attraction is its typically French Flamboyant Neo-Gothic chapel, beneath which lie Napoleon III, his wife and their son, Louis Napoléon Eugène. The abbey is home to a small community of Benedictine (Roman Catholic) monks, and also houses a relic of St Alban. The guided tour involves a visit to the chapel, grounds and imperial crypt. The mass and vespers, sung in Latin Gregorian chant, are an unusual experience. The tiny shop stocks handmade religious memorabilia, local history books printed by the abbey press, and produce from the monks' farm.
This Anglican church's crypt is believed to house the remains of many of the Earls of Anglesey, and it is a pretty Norman church in its own right, probably with Saxon origins. On one of the walls inside is the damaged remains of a medieval fresco depicting Saints Agnes, Eugenia, and Mary Magdalene, which was uncovered by accident in 1880 at roughly the same time the Empress moved into Farnborough; coincidence or Divine providence?
A giant indoor play zone for kids featuring an 8,500 sq ft soft play frame, dodgems, a carousel, a full-sized 'high street' for shop-based role play, a 'messy play' area for arts and crafts, and a café. Your kids will probably love you for it; your wallet may not.
Teamsport Farnborough
Race electric karts at up to 65 km/h along an 800-m indoor track on two levels.
Indoor laser tag arena for kids and teens.
Indoor soft play centre for kids.
8-screen multiplex cinema showing all the latest new releases.
Offers activities such as indoor and outdoor climbing walls, an archery range, rifle shooting, orienteering, caving, and with the benefit of being next to the Basingstoke Canal, watersports such as kayaking, canoeing and raft-building. For groups, there is permanent indoor accommodation and an extensive area for camping.
Offers a wide range of watersports courses: canoeing, dinghy sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and powerboating, for adults, children, families and groups. Course lengths vary but one-day taster sessions are offered.
Cove's village green is mostly a flat expanse of grass for ball games, exercise and picnics, but it also has a children's playground and free tennis courts. A popular place to watch the airshow for free; if you do so, arrive on foot or by public transport.
Homeowners Jonathan and Andreas have created a rather spellbinding miniature garden in front of their house. Hidden amongst the tropical plants is a model village depicting an idealised version of Nanny Town, where escaped slaves sought refuge from the British in the mountains of Jamaica. There are lots of hidden details that kids love to spot, from a venus fly trap and newts in the 'river', to a giant spider and stick men enjoying various activities. In summer, they open an outdoor pop-up café in the South East Asian-themed back garden, serving inventive drinks, cakes and lunches.
Extensive open space which hosts a number of events throughout the year, including Farnborough's famous donkey derby. Three football pitches, a cricket pitch and bowling green. Large playground.
The last vestige of Windsor Forest in Farnborough was once part of Farnborough Hill Estate; Empress Eugénie used to call it Compiègne Wood after the royal estate in France. There are plenty of beautiful mature trees and rhododendron shrubs which flower in spring. Lots of wildlife including foxes, buzzards, red kites, woodpeckers and common garden birds. Small pond, play area, and children's climbing wall near the Cabrol Road end.
of greenspace linked together in 2019. The easternmost part, known as Rafborough Marshes, is mixed wetland and woodland at the source of Cove Brook. Straddling Ively Road is a former golf course which has been converted into parkland. West of this area is the deciduous Southwood Woodland, mostly of birch and oak, but with some clearings where heather prospers. The whole park has a multitude of wildlife, including deer, badgers, nationally-rare insects, reptiles and amphibians.
Grade II-listed centrifuge which was operated by the RAF for medical research into the effects of g-force on the human body from 1955 to 2019. The 2-hour tour is led by a retired research scientist and test subject, who explains in detail the purpose of the research, some of their findings, and their first-hand experiences, with the visual help of the facility's equipment and archive footage.
Guided visit to two of Farnborough's listed wind tunnels: enormous structures which allowed the RAE to test the performance of its prototype aircraft in lab conditions, from 1931 to 1994. On the talk, you'll hear about how they were built and what research they contributed, particularly during the second world war and in the supersonic jet age.
The airshow is held in Farnborough Airport for one week every two years. Public days are the last weekend only, although there are many locations around town to watch the displays all week. Local pubs' beer gardens, such as The Swan and The Alexandra are good places to try, as are parks such as Cove Green and Southwood Pavilion. On-site, static exhibits cover civilian and military aircraft, as well as innovation in technology and scientific discovery. The afternoon's 5 hour flying display of modern and heritage aircraft is of course the main attraction, climaxing in the stunning RAF display team the "Red Arrows". You can also visit town during the so-called "validation week", which normally lasts a week to ten days before the show officially opens, although flying display times are unpredictable and often repetitive.
Farnborough's annual Donkey Derby is held every Spring Bank Holiday. In addition to the signature donkey races, be prepared for campy British summertime entertainment: music, dancing, dog and baby shows, fairground attractions and rides. Jolly good fun, and all in the name of charity; the Rotary Club organisers usually raise thousands of pounds for worthy causes every year.
Annual series of six summer concerts, first Sunday of the month between May and October, and a special Advent concert. The Cavaillé-Coll organ is played by either resident organist Neil Wright or a guest recitalist.
Super-friendly greasy spoon, serving delicious Turkish-influenced fried food in outrageously big portions. Consistently busy, with speedy service.
Local small chain bakery. The bread, pastries and coffee are nice, but the sandwich fillings are poor.
Cheap fine dining courtesy of FCOT's catering and hospitality students. Young chefs and waiters get to hone their skills on you, and you get to dine on scallops and venison for peanuts.
Welcoming Christian bookshop with a cafe at the front, serving cakes and ice cream, plus homemade soups, salads, and hot meals such as chilli and cauliflower cheese. Takeaway available.
Floral tablecloths and china cups abound in this cute North Camp tearoom serving all the classics: scones, cakes, sandwiches and light meals.
This family-owned restaurant serves real Italian food just like Nonna used to make. The dated interior is more than offset by the friendly welcome. Takeaway available.
Nepalese and Indian restaurant which offers an aromatic mix of the familiar and unexpected. A firm favourite with locals, so you can try something new with confidence. Takeaway and delivery available.
Nepalese cuisine amidst decoration inspired by the Brigade of Gurkhas, who have deep roots in the area. Booking recommended. Takeaway and delivery available.
Email via online contact form. Chef Antonio prepares regional dishes from his native southern Italy. Quite smart décor, with columns, large windows and chandeliers. Takeaway available.
Pan-Asian cooking, specialising in Malaysian and Thai food. Diners generally share several small plates. One of Farnborough's best-loved restaurants, so don't be put off by their woeful online presence.
Great British pub grub served alongside international favourites. All food is freshly prepared to order, so service can be slower than the average pub. Despite a weird location, the place is popular with travellers and locals, so booking is recommended.
Family- and pet-friendly pub with a great selection of traditional meat dishes, including Hampshire pork chops and sausages. Two gardens, of which the family one is home to pigs, rabbits and a golden retriever called Russell.
Gastropub serving seasonal and locally-produced British food. Very smart beer garden with views of incoming planes and a prime spot for the airshow. Beware of the changeable and inconsistent opening hours.
Email via online contact form. The only "full-whack" fine dining restaurant in town serves seasonal British and European cuisine. Many dishes use local produce, all are well-prepared and are of impressive quality. The Brasserie (main restaurant) and Sky Bar (afternoon teas) offer an intimate setting in low light, while the Terrace offers outdoor seating with sweeping airport views during the warmer months.
Stylish lounge bar for classic and original cocktails.
The Alex
Traditional red brick pub with jukebox, beer garden and bar food served lunchtimes. Poker and quiz nights during week, with live music every Friday night..
Cheaper than the North Camp five doors down, with a long room squeezed next to the bar. Large gin and lager selection, and sports on the telly.
Sports-oriented pub that's actually rather smart inside, and has an above-average selection of cocktails (for Farnborough). Has pool table and jukebox, but the "beer garden" is just a couple of tables on the pavement.
CAMRA award-winning free house with good real ales and craft lagers. Hasn't served food since lockdown. Sporadic live music and quiz evenings.
Quiet locals' pub with beer garden and quite extensive food menus, including weekday set menus for £11/14 (2/3 courses). Large gin menu, including gin of the month, and a rotating selection of real ales.
The Thatch
16th-century former pottery, now a free house serving a range of local real ales, ciders and gins, and decent pub grub (see kitchen times here). Very rustic and cosy front half with a modern back room and large beer garden.
A large JD Wetherspoon pub named for Beatrice Shilling, an aeronautical engineer who worked at Farnborough during the Second World War, repairing fighter planes. The pub retains an aviation ambiance. Meals and bar snacks available.
Victorian villa on residential street. Rooms are small, but cosy with free Wi-Fi and en-suite. If the four-course cooked breakfast isn't enough, there are packed lunches available on request. Some rooms are only available for two nights minimum.
Very homely B&B in a quiet, detached 1920s house with gardens, licensed bar and friendly hosts. Rooms have independent character and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast included, supper available for extra.
Modern town centre branch of the reliable budget chain. Rooms are insulated from road noise. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning. Beefeater restaurant on-site. Parking available offsite, pay and display.
Older, suburban branch. Free wifi, Brewers Fayre restaurant (breakfast and dinner) next door.
In a converted office building, with onsite parking. Well-supplied with essentials (milk, laundry detergent, etc.), with fully-equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. No pets. Road noise is noticeable during the day.
Edwardian townhouse bed and breakfast. Free Wi-Fi, TV and DVD in room, communal lounge and kitchen, free off-street parking. Continental breakfast.
At a small service station on the western edge of Farnborough, and cheaper than the central Travelodge. Steakhouse and coffee shop in services. Pay extra and book in advance for a rather depressing "breakfast box". Pay for Wi-Fi. Free parking.
Small B&B overlooking the airport. Free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee. Fridge and en-suite in each room. Continental breakfast and basic communal kitchen. Free off-street parking.
Independent hotel with 30 comfy bedrooms, though décor is outdated. Lobby bar, Wi-Fi, airport views. Free off-street parking. Full English and continental breakfast. No lunch or dinner, but close to restaurants.
Queen's Hotel
Online chat available on website. A grand Victorian hotel offering the standard Holiday Inn experience across 142 rooms: free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and health club with swimming pool, steam room and gym. Restaurant on site, where kids eat free. Two accessible rooms. Pets £15/stay.
Town centre branch of the budget hotel chain. Hotel warns there may be road noise. Breakfast and dinner available in on-site restaurant. Pay for Wi-Fi. Parking available offsite, pay and display.
Large and modern hotel with free Sky TV and Wi-Fi in all rooms. On-site pub and grill (see 'eat' section), plus meeting rooms and coworking space. Pay an extra £5 for access to the gym and swimming pool - these are not exclusive to hotel guests so can get busy with locals. Hotel is wheelchair accessible.
Email via online contact form. Contemporary luxury hotel with sweeping views over the airfield. Has tempting offers for couples, groups and business travellers. On-site gym, two restaurants (see 'eat' section for brasserie) and bar (see 'drink' section). Facial and body treatments available. Free off-street parking.
The outdoor centre has catered and self-catering accommodation, in a 12-room and in 4-person camping pods. There is also a large campsite for tents. Toilets, showers and washing-up facilities provided. All the activities listed in the 'do' section of this page are available. These facilities are aimed at groups, especially school and youth groups, but other groups are welcome. Booking is essential.
Male visitors may stay in the monastery and share the Benedictine monks' daily lives and worship. Separate self-catering accommodation exists for female visitors and families. No long-term retreats are offered, but visits may last up to several days. All such visits must be pre-negotiated and are entirely at the discretion of the monks themselves - write to the guest master.
Colourful street market with a variety of stalls selling fruit and veg, meat, cheese, bread and pastries, clothing and carpets.
British version of a yard sale, selling knickknacks and bits of potentially-valuable junk.
Handmade bags, needle work, jewellery, knitwear, candles and more.
Hypermarket.
Convenient for travellers staying in Cove or Southwood. Equipped with a petrol station.
Handy for town centre hotels.
By car
Farnborough is served by the M3 motorway (junctions 4 and 4a) which runs from London to Southampton. The town is about an hour's drive from central London, and 15 minutes from junction 12 of the M25.
By train
Farnborough is served by five railway stations, listed in decreasing order of utility:
By bus
Frequent and direct local buses serve Farnborough from Aldershot, Camberley, Fleet and a few neighbouring villages. See below for details.
By plane
Farnborough is well served by airports. For travellers coming directly to Farnborough, the closest airports are:
By bike
Farnborough has a good network of cycle routes, the majority being either off-road or along lanes segregated from motor traffic.
By bus
Local bus routes serve the town from {{station|Kingsmead bus station}} in the town centre.
By taxi
Farnborough has both hackney carriages (black cabs), which can be pre-booked or hailed on the street, and minicabs, which must be pre-booked.
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