Attractions and Places To See around Farnborough - Top 20

Farnborough and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Battle of Edgehill Site, which marks a significant pitched battle of the First English Civil War. The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum offers deep insights into the town's pivotal role in aviation innovation. Additionally, St Michael's Abbey, the final resting place of Napoleon III, provides a glimpse into royal connections and Benedictine monastic life. The RAE Heritage Quarter, near Farnborough Airport, also holds historical importance as the former Royal Aircraft Factory.

Yes, several historical religious buildings are worth visiting. All Saints' Church, Burton Dassett, is a beautiful Norman church with 13th-century wall paintings and medieval tiles. Another notable site is St. Giles Church, Chesterton, featuring a 17th-century square tower and registers dating back to 1538. St Michael's Abbey, a serene Benedictine monastery, also offers guided tours of its church and crypt.

Farnborough is surrounded by numerous green spaces perfect for outdoor activities. Queen Elizabeth Park offers woodlands and walking paths, while Southwood Woodland is an 80-acre nature reserve ideal for walking and cycling. The Basingstoke Canal provides scenic routes for walking, biking, or even boating. Hawley Lake and Woods, often open to the public, feature well-maintained trails through lush woodlands. You can also explore Cove Brook Greenway for wildlife spotting or Rowhill Nature Reserve for diverse habitats.

Families visiting Farnborough have several options. All Saints' Church, Burton Dassett, is listed as family-friendly. Upton House and Gardens, a National Trust property, offers beautiful grounds and a cafe. Frimley Lodge Park is a great choice with a miniature railway, pitch and putt, and a running track. The Farnborough Leisure Centre also provides a children's soft play area, swimming, and tenpin bowling.

For easy hikes, consider exploring the trails highlighted in the Easy hikes around Farnborough guide. Routes like the 'Harts Hill – Footpath Entrance loop from Fenny Compton CP' or the 'Fenny Marina loop from Fenny Compton CP' offer pleasant, manageable distances for a relaxed outdoor experience.

Yes, Farnborough offers a variety of running trails. The Running Trails around Farnborough guide includes options from moderate to difficult. You can find moderate routes like the 'Harts Hill – Burton Dassett Country Park loop' or challenge yourself with the 'The Castle at Edgehill – Battle of Edgehill Site loop'.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can find several trails in the vicinity. The MTB Trails around Farnborough guide features routes ranging from easy to difficult, such as the 'Track Leading to the Salt Way – Madmarston Hill Roman Road loop' for an easier ride, or the more challenging 'Banbury to Everdon Stubbs loop'.

The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum is dedicated to Farnborough's significant contributions to aviation. It showcases early aircraft, engines, wind tunnels, and flight simulators. Visitors can learn about the development of pioneering technologies like high-altitude space suits and carbon fibre frames, with guided tours of the famous wind tunnels often available.

St Michael's Abbey is a serene Benedictine monastery that welcomes visitors. It is the final resting place of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. You can take guided tours of its church, crypt, and peaceful grounds, and there's a small museum detailing its royal connections. Public Sunday masses are also held, and guided tours are typically available on Saturdays.

Beyond the FAST Museum, aviation enthusiasts can appreciate Farnborough's rich heritage at the RAE Heritage Quarter, which housed the Royal Aircraft Factory and features Grade I-listed wind tunnels where iconic aircraft were tested. The town also hosts the Farnborough International Airshow biennially, one of the world's most significant aerospace events.

Yes, for water sports, Quayside Wakeboard & Waterski offers various activities. If you prefer indoor options, TeamSport Farnborough provides an indoor go-karting track for some high-speed fun. The Farnborough Leisure Centre also has a 33m swimming pool, gym, squash courts, and tenpin bowling.

Visitors often appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The historical sites, like the Battle of Edgehill Site, offer fascinating insights into the past, while places like Upton House and Gardens provide beautiful settings for relaxation. The area's diverse green spaces and waterways are highly valued for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature.