This is a circular walk starting from St Peter and St Paul church, taking us down the High Street of Godalming and returning via the Philip Memorial Park. The walk covers a distance of under 2 km and take 40 minutes.
Follow the entire walk on . The route map is available on .
The timeline of the waypoints on the video are:
A 0:00 Start and St. Peter & St Paul Church
B 7:12 The Pepperpot
C 11:30 76-74 High Street
D 15:11 Kings Arms Royal Hotel
E 21:20 Former Congregational Church
F 24:19 Phillips Memorial Park
G 38:36 St. Peter & St Paul Church
H 43:04 End
We commence our journey at the venerable St Peter & St Paul Church. Originally founded in the 11th century, the church has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years, incorporating architectural elements from nearly every era since its inception.
Our first turn leads us leftward along Church Street, culminating in the iconic Pepper Pot building at its terminus. The striking octagonal structure dates back to the 17th century and once functioned as Godalming’s market house. Next to the Pepper Pot is the Godalming museum.
As we proceed down the High Street, noteworthy buildings along the street include 76 and 74 High Street featuring upper-story Dutch-inspired brickwork and brick and Bargate stone facades dating back to 1663.
Continuing onward, we arrive at Kings Arms Royal Hotel, which has occupied its site since the 1300s. Although the first mention of the Kings Arms itself didn’t occur until 1639, the Georgian frontage was added in 1753. However, in the 1890s, the hotel underwent a size reduction.
As we approach the end of High Street, we are met with the Godalming Congregational Church, which served as a place of worship until 1977. A stunning stained glass display from the roundabout leading to Bridge Street can be viewed.
From here, we veer left onto the pathway leading to Philips Memorial Park, named in honour of John Phillips, Chief Wireless Telegraphist on the RMS Titanic and a resident of neighbouring Farncombe. Phillips heroically remained at his post, sending out distress signals in Morse code as the ship sank after striking an iceberg in 1912.
The River Wey flows along the park’s right side, while Llamas Land, a floodplain meadow, is situated on the opposite bank.
Our walk concludes as we return to St Peter & St Paul Church, completing our journey through Godalming’s rich tapestry of history and architecture.