The Bush Hotel Farnham has been welcoming guests since 1618, and today it offers a blend of period charm and modern hospitality. Set right in the heart of the historic town of Farnham, this independent hotel is ideal for a relaxing getaway, or as a base for exploring the Surrey Hills and the surrounding countryside. For me, it was the perfect place for a mid-winter escape.
Disclosure: The Bush Hotel Farnham provided a complimentary stay for me and my husband in return for coverage on this site.
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A Historic Hotel
The Bush is proud of its history: the earliest recorded date is 1618, but it is believed to go back much earlier than that. Famous visitors include Oliver Cromwell, and William Thackeray mentioned the hotel in one of his novels. Evidence of this history is everywhere, in the timber beams, antique fireplaces, and many other original features.
Particularly notable is the Oak Lounge, with its frescoes and unusual indoor sundial (possibly designed to catch light reflected from an outside pond). A portrait above the fireplace depicts Mary of Modena, wife of King James II: this is a place where you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Yet the hotel has been designed with the modern traveller in mind. It has been thoughtfully updated, combining historic architecture with contemporary design. With friendly staff and modern conveniences, The Bush manages to feel both welcoming and timeless.
Uniquely Styled Bedrooms
The Bush has 95 bedrooms, each individually styled to reflect the character of the property. The Vintage Rooms are located in the original hotel building, while the Courtyard Rooms (each with its own separate entrance) are set around the historic yard of the coaching inn. There are also Garden Rooms with private terraces beside the hotel gardens.
I stayed in the Bush Suite, in the oldest part of the hotel. It was spacious, with a desk, sofa, and bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. A coffee machine, tea‑making facilities, and bottled water were provided. The room was comfortable and tastefully decorated, with an original fireplace and three large windows overlooking the garden.
Eating And Drinking At The Bush
You can enjoy dinner in the atmospheric Oak Lounge. The menu offers a range of classics and main courses, with vegetarian choices (I enjoyed my meal of mushroom bourguignon pie). Sunday lunch and afternoon tea are also available in the Oak Lounge.
Breakfast – with both vegetarian and vegan options – is taken in the light and airy Garden Restaurant. And the separate bar has an all-day food menu, along with a selection of cocktails and local ales.
(Note that the restaurant is closed for dinner on Sunday and Monday evenings.)
Staying At The Bush Farnham
Situated at one end of the North Downs, Farnham is a pleasant town with lots of historic buildings and independent shops. It is also designated as a World Craft Town, with a community of makers, art shops, and events throughout the year.
You can pick up a Heritage Trail leaflet from the Council Offices on South Street. For those who want to explore in more detail there are also leaflets on individual aspects of history, from Prehistoric to Industrial (the latter is particularly interesting, with evidence of the brewing and textiles industries still to be seen).
Further afield Waverley Abbey, with monastic ruins and riverside walks, is 3.5 km from the town centre, and the Rural Life Living Museum, with historic farm buildings and a light railway, is around 6 km away. You can visit Jane Austen’s House at Chawton (19 km), Gilbert White’s House in Selborne (23 km), and the medieval city of Winchester (43 km). Farnham is around an hour from London Waterloo Station by train.
Practicalities For Your Visit
- The Bush is located on The Borough, in the heart of Farnham. It is a short walk to the shops, cafés and galleries of the historic town centre.
- There is a small charge for car parking. At busy times you can also use the public car park next door to the hotel.
- London Waterloo is around an hour away by train. The railway station is 500 m from the hotel.
- The Bush has 95 rooms. Guests with mobility issues may prefer the Courtyard Rooms with their individual ground floor entrances; for other accessibility requirements contact the hotel directly.
- Dining is available in the Oak Lounge and the Bar. The Garden Restaurant is open for breakfast and private events.
- The restaurant is closed for dinner on Sunday and Monday evenings, but room service is always available.
