W Davis & Son’s Funfairs

Vintage fairground rides and proper old-school fun - that's what W Davis & Son's Funfairs delivers near Godalming. The rides have real character; these aren't the corporate theme park machines you'll find elsewhere. Expect wooden coasters with genuine rattle and clank, dodgems that feel properly dangerous, and the sort of attractions that remind you why funfairs existed before everything went digital.

It's a proper family day out if you've got kids aged 5 to 14 who aren't jaded yet. Teenagers might find it a bit quaint, but there's something genuinely fun about the rickety, authentic fairground atmosphere. Adults often get more out of it than they expect - nostalgia does that.

The whole visit takes two to three hours if you're doing most rides without queuing too badly. Best to go mid-week or early on weekends to avoid the crush. Admission and ride costs aren't steep compared to major theme parks, which is refreshing.

If you're staying at Little Cowdray Farm Glamping just down the road - 3.4 miles away - this makes a cracking half-day addition to your holiday. The site sits nicely with a broader Surrey itinerary. Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is equally close at 4.3 miles, making either a logical base for exploring the area beyond just the funfair.

The main caveat: opening hours vary seasonally and it's not a full-time operation. Check ahead before driving over.