HAROLD FALKNER (1875 - 1963)

Harold Falkner was an architect and craftsman who left his mark on Surrey's built heritage between 1875 and 1963. Based near Farnham, he designed and built properties that reflected the Arts and Crafts movement - a reaction against mass production that valued handmade quality and honest materials. His work appears throughout the local landscape, and tracking down his buildings has become something of a pilgrimage for architecture enthusiasts.

You won't find a visitor centre or formal attraction here. Instead, Falkner's legacy lives in the actual houses and structures scattered around the Farnham area. Walking the village streets and spotting his distinctive style - the careful brickwork, the thoughtful proportions, the way his buildings sit naturally in their surroundings - requires a bit of detective work and local knowledge. Architecture buffs will find it rewarding; casual visitors might walk past without noticing anything special.

This appeals most to those interested in early 20th-century design and the craftsmen behind it rather than families seeking a traditional day out. Allow a few hours to explore Farnham itself and hunt for his buildings on foot. There's no charge for looking, though visiting private homes obviously depends on access.

If you're staying at Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat nearby, Falkner's work makes for an absorbing afternoon walk around Farnham. It transforms a simple stroll into a genuine architectural hunt - the sort of thing that sticks with you long after the holiday ends.