Visitors and local people are spoilt for choice as the Haslemere area has wonderful and diverse countryside for all leisure and sporting pursuits.
The National Trust has owned much of the beautiful countryside surrounding Haslemere and Hindhead since 1905, so ensuring its protection from development. Sir Robert Hunter, one of the three founders of The National Trust, lived in Haslemere from 1883 until he died in 1913. He was Chairman and its legal expert for 18 years from 1895, and drew up the constitutional documents for the 1907 National Trust Act. Tel: 01428 683207 www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Haslemere is a gateway town to Surrey Hills Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which was
designated in 1958 and has a diverse and rich
landscape waiting to be discovered. Surrey Hills extend
across the chalk North Downs running from Farnham in
the west, above Guildford, Dorking and Reigate, to
Oxted in the east. The Greensand Hills in the south
include Black Down and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, to Leith
Hill in the east, with the river valleys of the Wey,
Tillingbourne and Mole in between.
Tel: 01372 220 6530 www.surreyhills.org
WALKING is a favourite pastime in Haslemere and Hindhead as the area is surrounded by beautiful countryside, wooded hills, heathland and valleys. There is an extensive footpath network, open commons with breathtaking views, attractive market towns and villages. Haslemere enjoys many local walks and is easily accessible by South West Trains from most stations between London Waterloo and Portsmouth.
The Haslemere Visitor & Local Information Centre has a selection of free walks leaflets. Please visit www.haslemere.com/vic/walks
The Town Trail commences at Haslemere Educational Museum in the High Street and takes you through the historical market town. Swan Barn Farm is a nearby short walk, and Black Down and Devil’s Punch Bowl are picturesque walking areas around Haslemere.
You can also enjoy one of six Rail to Ramble walking
routes. These interlinking routes extend from 4 miles
(2.4 kilometres) to 12 miles (7.5 kilometres) and begin
and end at a railway station. Rail to Ramble packs are
inexpensive and can be ordered online at
www.surreyhills.org or follow one of the walking routes
such as Frensham, Churt or Tilford. Free leaflets are
available via www.surreyhills.org or download a route
description and map.
The Greensand Way from Haslemere can be extended into a longer walk continuing to Ham Street, Ashford, Kent. www.nationaltrails.gov.uk
CYCLING is a favourite pastime for visitors and residents. Haslemere provides a wonderful starting point to see the beautiful and diverse countryside. The Surrey Cycleway is a signposted on-road leisure route around the south of Surrey and includes links with Haslemere, Cranleigh, Farnham, Woking, Egham and Leith Hill, the highest point in southern England. www.surreycc.gov.uk
RIDING
There are a variety of trails for all riders with something
to suit everyone and their horses, whatever their
experience or needs.
Rights of Way networks offer both on and off road hacking with waymarked circular routes, horse box parking and horse friendly pubs on the way.
The South Downs Way and The Ridgeway are
excellent for a trekking holiday – long distance trails
through beautiful countryside with friendly B&Bs
providing accommodation at the end of the day.
There are many local stables offering organised trips with other riders and experienced horses.
| Churt | |
| Mayfair Farm Riding Stables, GU10 2QS. | 01428 712264 |
| Wishanger Equestrian Centre, GU10 2QQ. | 01252 792604 |
| Elstead | |
| Truxford Riding Centre, GU8 6LW. | 01252 702086 |
| Woodside Stables, GU8 6HQ. | 01252 703687 |
| Woolfords Farm Livery Stables, GU8 6LL. | 01252 703706 |
| Frensham | |
| Priory Equestrian Centre, GU10 3DP. | 01252 794161 |
| Fernhurst | |
| Blackwood Riding Club, GU27 3JD. | 01428 654106 |
| Haslemere | |
| Puckshott Farm Stables, GU27 1AA. | 01428 654464 |
| Thursley | |
| Hedge Farm Liveries, GU8 6QJ. | 01252 702903 |
| Tilford | |
| Overhill Riding Stables, GU10 2ET. | 01252 792476 |
Haslemere is well-known for its sporting activities and achievements. There are three major centres
The Haslemere Recreation Association sporting activities are centred upon the recreation ground which has stunning views over surrounding countryside. It consists of Haslemere Youth Football, Haslemere Cricket and Lawn Tennis clubs plus The Heights School. There is a licensed and spacious pavilion which is available for meetings, events and parties. Please contact Roy Bishop Tel: 01428 661486
Sport Haslemere promotes and supports all local sports’ organisations and schools through its membership. It works closely with Haslemere Sports Association, which is a registered charity, and has a liaison with the town, borough and county councils, ensuring members’ best interests are always served, with their views being sought on any issues affecting sport in the Haslemere district.
Haslemere Sports Association deals with local and national government funding agencies having enjoyed particular success in establishing two artificial pitches, a large sports hall (The Edge) and an athletics track at Woolmer Hill Sports Ground. The Sports Awards presentations are one of the highlights of the sporting year. The Sport Haslemere Committee encourages all affiliated clubs and disabled sports to give their members the chance to receive an award by nominating as many members as possible. The adjudicators wish to see nominations from all different sports.
An exciting new opportunity enables the winner of the Sport
Haslemere awards from
affiliated clubs in Surrey to
be put forward to the
Active Surrey Partnership
awards, then to county
stage and regional level,
finally going on to the BBC
Sports Personality of the
Year.
Sport Haslemere holds open meetings throughout the year – these feature topical speakers and act as a conduit for information from other local sports councils.
Haslemere is well situated to visit the Festival of Speed, Motor
and Horse racing at Goodwood, West Sussex; swimming on the
south coast at the Witterings; cricket can be enjoyed at nearby
Test, County and Club grounds; polo at Midhurst and sailing at
Frensham Ponds.
There are several local parks with children’s play areas, usually adjoining other pitches, many with stunning views. www.haslemere.com
Angling is very popular due to there being numerous ponds, lakes and rivers. www.haslemere-as.co.uk
Athletics, Badminton and Basketball are featured at The Edge Leisure Centre.
Bowling is focused at Haslemere Recreation Ground which has a first-class green. There are currently 60 members but the club would welcome more. Do try your hand at this relaxing but skilful game. Peter Brackfield, Tel: 01428 656328.
Cricket is played by numerous clubs enjoying attractive surroundings. www.haslemere.play-cricket.com
Football and Hockey are leading sports enjoyed in Haslemere. Main facilities at The Edge Leisure Centre.
Golf is played on many challenging and picturesque golf courses.
Rugby is played by many junior and senior clubs with the main centres being Haslemere Recreation Ground and The Edge Leisure Centre.
Sailing available at Frensham Ponds.
Skateboarding is enjoyed at Herons Leisure Centre.
Swimming reaches a high standard with an excellent
swimming pool complex at the Herons Leisure Centre.
Tennis is a leading sport, with Haslemere Lawn Tennis Club at Haslemere Recreation Ground providing tennis to a high standard. There are Astroturf facilities at The Edge during the summer months on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis.
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