The pearl of southern England: The town of Godalming lost in time

Not far from London is the beautiful market town of Godalming in the southwest of Surrey. The town is filled with thatched roof houses and Victorian buildings.

This ancient market town is perhaps the most beautiful of all the old settlements surrounding London. Godalming is located just four miles southwest of Guildford, the Express writes.

The ancient River Wey meanders along the outskirts of the city, then heads north and flows into the Thames. Unique and historic architecture can be found throughout the city, which is cut through narrow cobblestone streets. Its history goes back to the Iron Age, although the modern city is believed to date back to the 6th or 7th century.

There are 350 monuments in total, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Most of these buildings are concentrated along a tiny stretch of the busy High Street and the adjacent Church Street. Throughout history, the town has been in the spotlight due to its strategic location along the main route from London to the Portsmouth shipyard.

It is emphasized that the city became home to wealthy businessmen and traders who turned it into a bustling centre of trade and investment. Moreover, life in the city has its own special rhythm: the pace of walking. Although its train station offers a connection to London's Waterloo in less than an hour, you won't feel the hustle and bustle of city life here.

A short walk from the station will take you into the city centre and to The Kings Arms & Royal Hotel, which is said to have hosted royalty in its day. If you like a pub, there's The Star Inn, which has been operating since the 1700s.

A little further up the road is the Astrology Hostel, followed by the magnificent Church of Saints Peter and Paul. In addition, there is the well-maintained Phillips Memorial Park and Monastery, an ideal place to sit and relax in the sunshine.

Godalming is also known for a series of mini-festivals. In the summer, the city hosts the Beer Festival, which offers craft beer, homemade cider, and gins. The springtime Godalming Festival offers locals and visitors alike an exciting variety of artisanal street food and drink, as well as selections from local farmers.

However, travellers should be aware of the city's high prices. For example, last year, real estate here had an average price of £646,977.

Not far from London is one of the great places to live in terms of the price and location. TravelWise writes about this town.