Discover Waverley
32 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
51.171736
A semi-rural spot on the outskirts of southwest London — rolling fields, hedgerows and small woodland patches typical of Surrey’s commuter belt. Photographers can capture pastoral landscapes, seasonal textures (mists, autumn colour, spring blossoms) and dramatic skies. Best at golden hour and blue hour; mornings often have low mist in cooler months. Location is roadside-accessible; expect limited lay-bys and small public footpaths rather than formal parking. No entry fees, but observe private‑f|
National Trust - Winkworth Arboretum
Woodland arboretum famed for seasonal displays — spring bluebells and magnolias, summer canopy, and spectacular autumn colour reflected in winding ponds and formal plantings. Gentle hills give panoramic Surrey Hills views. Managed paths, NT entry and car park on-site; some slopes and steps limit full wheelchair access. Visit at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and fewer visitors; misty autumn mornings add atmosphere.
Frensham Great Pond
Shallow heathland lake with open water, sandy shores, pine fringes and distant Surrey heath—excellent for reflections, minimalist compositions, migrating and resident waterfowl, and moody skies. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; misty autumn/winter mornings give atmospheric shots. Accessible via nearby car parks (seasonal charges may apply); well‑used footpaths but some uneven terrain. No special entry permit; check local drone and wildlife disturbance rules. Weekdays/
Frensham Little Pond
A shallow heathland pond with sandy banks, pines and open sky—great for reflective waterscapes, moody mist at sunrise, and intimate nature shots (dragonflies, waterfowl). Easy access from Frensham Great Pond car parks; short walk over sandy trails. No entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; blue hour and misty mornings add atmosphere. Weekdays and early mornings reduce dog-walker crowds. Summer offers clear skies; autumn brings richer colors.
Old Market Place
Historic cobbled square framed by Georgian and timber‑framed shopfronts, outdoor cafés and frequent market stalls — great for architectural details, street scenes and atmospheric light. Best at golden hour or blue hour when façades warm and Christmas or market lighting adds mood. Centrally accessible on foot; short walk from Farnham station with several public car parks nearby (e.g., Union, Gostrey/West Street). Weekday mornings are quieter; market days (check local schedule) add candid human‑sc
National Trust - Hydon's Ball and Heath
A compact sandstone hill and open heath with panoramic views over Surrey and the Wey valley — excellent for wide vistas, textured heathland, gorse and seasonal heather. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; late spring for vivid greens and gorse, autumn/winter for stark moody skies. Short uphill walk from Salt Lane car park or trails from Godalming; National Trust site with no entry fee but limited parking — weekdays and early morning reduce crowds. Paths are clear but,
National Trust - Frensham Little Pond
Shallow heathland pond with sandy shores, reed fringes and scattered pines offering intimate waterscape compositions, reflections and moody skies. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mist; autumn and late winter bring dramatic colours and atmospheric fog. Easily reached from Priory Lane with a small National Trust car park; check NT for parking fees and seasonal restrictions. Well‑marked footpaths and boardwalks make most vantage points accessible; expect walkers and dogs, so visit
Farnham Park
Farnham Park offers rolling lawns, mature woodland and a high vantage at Folly Hill with broad views over Farnham and the Surrey hills — great for landscape panoramas, seasonal color and intimate nature scenes. Easy access with free entry and parking near the visitor area; well‑maintained paths suit tripods and walking between spots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings reduce dog‑walkers and joggers. All seasons offer interest: spring wildf
Old Kiln Light Railway
Heritage narrow‑gauge railway set inside the Rural Life Centre — photogenic steam and diesel locos, vintage carriages, signal boxes and tracks winding through meadows and woodland. Best at golden hour or on special steam days for smoke and activity. Site parking available; entry requires Rural Life Centre ticket (check event timetable). Weekdays or early mornings reduce crowds. Compact site offers intimate detail shots and contextual landscape frames.
Rural Life Living Museum
A living museum of Victorian and rural Hampshire life: thatched cottages, period interiors, vintage farm machinery and tractors, heritage gardens and costumed interpreters. Photograph architectural details, textured materials, candid portraits of re‑enactors and pastoral scenes. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for softer light and fewer visitors. Site is rural with on‑site parking; check seasonal opening times and entry fees. Interiors can be dim—ask staff permission for close-ups of re‑
Farnham Maltings
Former Victorian maltings repurposed as an arts centre — rich red-brick facades, industrial rooflines, timber beams and intimate courtyards offer textured architectural and detail shots. Best at golden hour for warm brick tones, blue hour for interior/event lighting; weekdays are quieter. Centrally located with nearby public parking and Farnham station a short walk. Some areas require event tickets or permission; check opening times for workshops and galleries.
Parking layby for RSPB Farnham Heath
Small roadside layby serving RSPB Farnham Heath — a gateway to open heath, gorse and birch copses popular with warblers, woodlark and heathland raptors. Photographers come for dawn/dusk bird activity, low-angle golden-hour light across purple heather and misty mornings in autumn/winter. Layby parking is limited (free), trails are on foot; respect reserve rules and keep to paths. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon on weekdays for fewer people and best light.
Gostrey Meadow
Gostrey Meadow is a riverside green in central Farnham with open lawns, streams/ponds, mature trees and views toward the town and nearby Farnham Castle. It’s ideal for pastoral landscapes, water reflections, seasonal colour and informal wildlife. Visit at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and few people; blue hour brings moody river reflections. Easily accessible on foot from South St, with nearby public car parks and level paths for tripods; no entry fee.
Bishops Meadow
Bishops Meadow is a riverside green space on the River Wey offering open meadows, mature trees, reedbeds and reflective water — ideal for pastoral landscapes, seasonal wildflowers and birdlife. Easy, free access from Farnham town centre via footpaths; limited roadside parking nearby. Best at golden hours and after rain for reflections; spring and early summer for blooms and nesting birds. Expect walkers, dogs and cyclists; respect local wildlife.
The Victoria Garden
Compact Victorian-era public garden in Farnham offering formal flowerbeds, mature trees, winding paths and seasonal color — ideal for close-ups of blooms, intimate landscapes and quiet street-to-garden transitions. Visit spring–early autumn for peak blooms; golden hour and overcast soft light work well. Small site with level paths, free public access; town-centre parking a short walk away. Weekday mornings minimize visitors and reveal dew/mist on flowers.
Polecat Copse
Small ancient beech and mixed woodland offering intimate forest scenes — twisting trunks, mossy banks, seasonal carpets of bluebells (spring) and rich autumn colour. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated greens and mist; accessible via public footpaths from Lion Lane and Haslemere village. No entry fee; paths are uneven and can be muddy so wear boots. Park in nearby laybys or Haslemere station and walk in. Quiet, local spot for close-up nature and moody woodland compositions.
Mother Ludlam's Cave
A small mossy riverside grotto on the River Wey set in Moor Park woodland — photogenic textures (stone, moss, roots), reflections, and intimate compositions. Best visited at golden hour or overcast days for even light; autumn and after rain give rich colours and stronger reflections. Access via Moor Park car park (short walk); paths can be muddy and uneven, bring waterproof shoes. No formal entry fee or facilities; respect the fragile site and local folklore about 'Mother Ludlam'.
Church Passage
A narrow historic lane leading to Farnham’s churchyard — photogenic flint and brick walls, timber doors and leaded windows framed by mature trees. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and contrast; wet cobbles enhance reflections. Pedestrian-only passage with nearby town car parks (short walk). No entry fees; weekdays and early mornings reduce foot traffic. Great for intimate architectural details and moody street scenes in a compact, easily accessible setting.
Manor House
Manor House at Busbridge is a picturesque period residence set against Surrey parkland—ideal for architectural details, formal facades, and garden/landscape frames. Public access may be limited—photograph from nearby lanes, footpaths or Busbridge Lakes area. Best visited at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and long shadows; weekdays have fewer passersby. Parking available in nearby Godalming; respect private property and local residents.
The Haren Garden
A compact, historically influenced town garden offering intimate flower beds, mature trees and winding paths—ideal for close-up floral studies, textured landscape frames and quiet portrait backdrops. Best at golden hour or overcast afternoons for even light; spring–summer for peak blooms. Accessible from South St; likely free or low-cost entry with limited on-street parking and nearby Farnham town car parks. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Jubilee Walk
Jubilee Walk in Farnham threads through compact historic streets, timber-framed buildings and pocket squares — ideal for architectural details, street scenes and intimate townscapes. Best light is early morning or late golden hour for warm façades and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. The route is mostly flat but includes cobbles; central car parks and short walks from Farnham station make it accessible. No entry fees; be mindful of traders and residents during markets and events.
Octavia Hill Memorial Seat
A small commemorative bench honoring Octavia Hill set beside the River Wey in Godalming. Photograph intimate textures (weathered wood/bronze plaque), riverside reflections, framing with willows and historic town buildings. Best at golden hour or early morning mist; weekdays are quieter. Easily accessible on foot from Godalming town centre; street parking and public transport nearby. No entry fee—public space with modest foot traffic. Good for combining close-up memorial detail with wider watersc
Museum of Farnham
Compact local museum in a historic West Street building — shoot detailed interiors, period rooms, ceramics and local craft displays, plus the attractive Georgian/Georgian-revival façade. Best visited weekday mornings for low crowds and steady museum lighting; golden hour suits the exterior. Small site with limited wheelchair access and small galleries — check opening hours and photography policy (tripods often restricted). Public car parks and on-street parking nearby; entry is low-cost or free,
Rowledge Recreation Ground
A compact village green with mown sports pitches, mature hedges and a small play area—good for capturing pastoral English village scenes, seasonal colours and community activity. Best light is golden hour at sunrise or sunset for long shadows and warm tones; overcast days suit muted, documentary portraits. Easily accessible from School Road with roadside parking nearby; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect families at weekends and school term times.
Community wildlife garden
Small community wildlife garden featuring native wildflowers, ponds and insect hotels — excellent for close-up pollinator and macro shots, seasonal blooms and intimate landscape frames. Best visited spring–early autumn for flowers and insects; golden hour brings warm side light. Easily accessible on foot or by car with limited street parking; no formal entry fee. Quiet neighbourhood setting means respectful, low-impact shooting; bring macro and short-telephoto lenses for wildlife.
Park
Small suburban park in Farnham offering tree-lined paths, lawns and seasonal plantings — good for intimate landscape and nature studies, parkland portraits, and quiet street-to-green transitions. Best light is golden hour and overcast for even foliage tones. Easily accessible on foot from Upper S View; on-street parking nearby. Public, no entry fee; expect local dog walkers and families so weekdays or early mornings are quieter.
Lion Green
Lion Green is Haslemere’s compact village green framed by period buildings, a classic pub and mature trees — a good spot for charming small‑town street and architectural shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour when warm light softens facades; weekday mornings are quieter. Easily reached on foot from Haslemere station (10–15 min). On‑street parking and nearby car parks available. No entry fee; respect residents and private property. Seasonal events (markets, fairs) add variety.
Mosaic Court
Small covered arcade in central Farnham with decorative mosaic flooring, shopfronts and period ironwork — great for detail shots, patterns and intimate street scenes. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons for soft ambient light and fewer shoppers. Interior light is mixed (warm shop lights + window daylight) — no entry fee; street parking and public car parks nearby; Farnham station ~10–15 min walk. Ground-level, step-free access but narrow aisles can restrict tripods.
Borelli Wey Bridge
A small historic pedestrian bridge over the River Wey in Farnham offering intimate waterscape and architectural details: stone/brick arches, river reflections, nearby willow trees and towpath leading to framed compositions. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side light and long reflections; blue hour for moody water and lit bridges. Easily reached on foot from Farnham town centre; free access, level paths and limited roadside parking on The Borelli Walk. Autumn and misty mornings add drama;
Langhams Recreation Ground
Small municipal green in Farnham with open sports lawns, mature trees, play areas and winding paths — good for informal landscape, environmental portrait and community life shots. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; weekday mornings are quiet. Easily accessible from Ridgway Rd with on-street parking and no entry fee. Flat terrain and clear sightlines make it easy to compose wide vistas or intimate tree studies; expect typical British seasonal variation in light and foliage.
Lion green Astroturf Football pitch
Compact astroturf football pitch in Haslemere offering strong graphic lines, saturated green color and local-sport atmosphere. Best for minimal, sports-action and environmental portraits. Visit golden hour or under overcast skies for even color; weekday mornings or school hours reduce activity. Pitch may be booked by clubs—check local council/club for access and nearby street parking on Lion Lane. No special entry facilities; portable gear recommended.
Kids Park
Small neighborhood playground in Farnham with bright play equipment, mature trees and informal lawns — good for colorful children’s portraits, candid family scenes and detail shots of textures and geometry. Best at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings and late afternoons reduce crowds. Easily accessible on foot or by car from Ridgway Rd; informal street parking nearby. No entry fee; always get parental consent before photographing children.