Discover Farnham Royal through two distinct themes: its layered architectural history and the natural setting around Burnham Beeches. There are also opportunities for walking and sport. When planning your time here, you can first decide whether historic buildings, surfaced paths or sporting activities best match your interests.
Architectural history in Farnham Royal
St Mary's Church combines medieval origins with extensive later rebuilding. The parish church dates from the 12th century; the surviving chancel preserves this early part of the building. Most of the church was rebuilt by Eden Nesfield between 1867 and 1869. This brings together its 12th-century origins and a defining phase of construction in the 19th century.
The lychgate in the churchyard of St Mary's Church also has its own date: it was built in 1893 in the Tudor style. Its materials and features include dressed flint, ashlar and some “Roman” bricks, as well as black-and-white half-timbering and a Tudor-style oak arch. The lychgate is prominent in the streetscape and is designated a building of note within the Farnham Royal Conservation Area. It therefore offers a different perspective on architectural history from the church itself.
Yew Place adds another sequence of changes to this picture. The building has 16th-century origins, was refaced in the 18th century and later restored. Inside, it retains panelling from the 16th and 18th centuries, as well as a staircase with a newel post. Here, different periods of construction and interior fittings come together in one building.
Other listed buildings include The Green Man Public House on Beaconsfield Road and The Stray; both are Grade II listed. Farnham Court was formerly the manor house of the manor of Farnham Royal and the site of the manorial court. Its origins date back to the 17th century. A different historic date is commemorated by the war memorial at the entrance to Church Road: it was erected in 1920.
Burnham Beeches and its paths
Burnham Beeches lies within the parishes of Farnham Royal and Burnham. The area has three different designations: Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation. Access is also important when planning a visit. There are open spaces where the public has a right of access or may be granted access, with or without payment. These also include roads, thoroughfares and other rights of way. Check the rules at each location before setting out.
Around 1.5 miles of surfaced paths with easier access are designated for walking. This approximate distance and the type of paths offer practical guidance if you are looking for a surfaced route. As a nearby reference point for getting there, it is about a ten-minute walk from the bus stop in Farnham Common to the entrance to Burnham Beeches. This is a guide to that access point, not precise transport information for Farnham Royal.
Sporting activities
Farnham Park Playing Fields offer numerous rugby and football pitches. They will remain open as usual during a multi-year project; check the latest information before travelling. Farnham Park Golf Club has an 18-hole course for beginners and amateurs. Here too, check the latest operating conditions before your trip.
This makes it easier to choose what to focus on: St Mary's Church and the other historic buildings reflect different periods of construction and functions; Burnham Beeches offers nature reserve and walking themes. The playing fields and golf club are separate options if you would like sport to be part of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Amersham, Wing, Great Missenden, Loudwater, Fulmer, Easington, Stokenchurch, St Leonards.
For the main travel overview: Buckinghamshire.
