Godalming, a historic market town on the River Wey in the Surrey Hills, is thriving with independent shops and community spirit, nearly 150 years after it became the world's first place with public electric street lighting in September 1881.
The town recently took Gold honours at the national RHS Britain in Bloom awards and is packed with hanging baskets, but it is the loyal trade for local independents that keeps the streets full. Church Street mixes traders who have been there for 50 years with brand-new shops and confectionery spots, drawing in impressive online reviews.
Historic firsts and modern awards
Godalming's trading roots date back to 1575, when Elizabeth I granted it a royal market charter. For generations, it thrived as a coaching stop between London and Portsmouth, but the Victorians put it on the map. In 1881, the town hooked up water turbines on the River Wey to Siemens generators, beating London, Paris and New York to become the world's first place with public electric street lighting.
The area also left an outsized mark on British design. World-famous gardener Gertrude Jekyll lived just down the road at Munstead Wood, pioneering the naturalistic cottage-garden style that reshaped British gardens for the next century.
Godalming Town Council recently made headlines after its rescued Crown Court public amenities swept the national Loo of the Year Awards, taking home a Platinum prize and earning Godalming a spot in the UK's local authority "Premier League".
Community and traders working together
Albert Chan, who runs Godalming Delights, says: "We chose it because it has that timeless village charm, with the church creating the most beautiful backdrop. We are heading into our ninth year here. People love coming in, seeing the displays, and watching our videos online. There's real personality on the street that you simply don't get with big department stores."
Jonathan North, whose business, Priory Antiques, has stood for 50 years, says: "I've lived here my entire life – leaving was never on the cards. The backbone of this place is how closely traders and the town council work together. We team up on everything from seasonal promotions to sponsoring a free Santa's grotto with gifts for local children. Everyone pulls in the same direction."
Daniel Reddick, who has just opened Front Room Vintage, says: "This street has built-in nostalgia and built-in vintage, and the people are extremely welcoming. Godalming was the main factor in my decision to open - this street in particular, and the fact that it's a conservation area that's been kept as it is. If this fell through, I would never have gone anywhere else or opened another shop. It was here or nothing."
Tim Fraser, general manager of The Star, crowned Greene King Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards 2025, says: "We're known for our real ale and cider, with up to 15 ciders on tap, and we've won the CAMRA cider pub title 14 years running. On Church Street, we know all our neighbours, everyone gets on, and there's a great sense of community."
Practicalities and property
Commuters and day-trippers benefit from direct South Western Railway services from London Waterloo, with journey times around 45 minutes. For motorists, the town is accessible via the B3000, just off the A3, with ample central parking close to the main shops.
Hungry visitors can nip into Time for Tea on Church Street for loose-leaf pots and homemade cakes or pick up Italian delicacies at Roost. For a proper pint and pub grub, head to the 17th-century building occupied by The Star, which has been operating under various owners for nearly 200 years.
According to Rightmove, overall sold property prices averaged around £699,000 over the past year. Entry-level apartments and Victorian conversion flats average around £297,000, compared to pricier nearby Guildford.
