Whats it like to live in Godalming

 

Snow Covered Godalming
Drew de F Faw - Flickr
Godalming is extremely popular among families due to its outstanding education, convenient transportation, and numerous recreational opportunities. For those planning a trip to London, Godalming achieves an ideal balance between a tranquil country village and a bustling market town. Godalming is a magnificently lush village in the famed Surrey countryside, surrounded by other equally amazing villages in amongst the unending green fields, making it a highly desirable spot to settle. 

History of Godalming

 

Godalming was a historic hundred in the English county of Surrey, located in the south-west. It corresponds to the centre third of the current Waverley borough and sections of the current Guildford borough. It spanned roughly from Guildown in the north to the Sussex border in the south. Locals maintain the concept of the hundred, also known informally as Godhelmia, owing to the area's prevalence of north/south communication routes that have existed since ancient times. There were suggestions (from Surrey County Council) as late as 1995 to recreate a local government entity based on the historic hundred borders. The name of the hundred can still be found in the town of Godalming.

Famous People from Godalming

There are many notable people born in Godalming The most notable being  politician Jermey Hunt.




 Places to Visit in Godalming

 
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The traditional market town is situated on the lovely River Wey, a prominent tributary of the River Thames, where cattle still graze on riverbank pastures and canal boats rest along the bank. This beautiful river runs through the town and offers numerous chances for long hikes to adjacent towns, like Guildford with its bustling main street. On a hot summer day, nothing beats renting a riverboat with the family. 

The National Trust Winkworth Arboretum is a wonderful family day out that allows you to reconnect with nature and discover the gorgeous Surrey countryside. Stop by the Tree Adventure Park to let the kids run around before enjoying a long walk into the woods and finishing with a delicious treat at the tearoom.

Philips Memorial Park, located just off the high street beside the river, is a Green Flag Award-winning magnet for locals comprising 11 acres of excellent Godalming real estate. The famous bandstand is located in the heart of the park and is managed by Godalming's town council, which does a good job of organising popular events and live music throughout the summer months. Every Godalming resident eagerly awaits the day when they may bring out their picnic blanket and relax in front of the brass band on a summer day, pretending to be transported back to the 1950s.

Education Opporunities

Godalming has nine primary schools and two secondary schools, all of which are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. Broadwater School and Rodborough Technology College are two of the area's most popular state schools. Charterhouse, Prior's Field School and St Hilary's School are among the several independent schools in the affluent Surrey area. Charterhouse is a private independent school that was established in 1611 and was one of the first seven English schools as specified by the Public Schools Act of 1868.  

Godalming College, located on the Godalming Grammar School campus, is a state-run college for students aged 16 to 19. It received Beacon Status in 2006 after becoming the best performing public school in the Surrey area at AS/A Levels in 2004. In its 2005 Ofsted inspection, the institution stood out in six of the seven important areas and fared well in seven.

 

Getting Around in Godalming

Andrew Bowden - Flickr



 

 













Godalming is around 30 miles from the UK's two main international airports, London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Godalming train station is on the Portsmouth railway line, which connects London Waterloo to Portsmouth. The extremely long platforms serve a large number of commuters making the 45-minute trip up to the capital in the morning. Guildford, Surrey's county town, is also only a 10-minute train ride away. Godalming is also easily accessible via the A3, which connects London to Portsmouth and provides fast access to the M25 and beyond.

 

Godalming Taxis

 Godalming is well served by Taxi Companies,  including All Godalming Taxis

 

All Godalming Taxis

More details on Godalmings Taxi Ranks

 

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