The Ultimate Day Out in Surrey: Shopping, Food & Independent Finds at The Packhouse

Packhouse
Aug 11
3 min read

Looking for things to do in Surrey? Just outside Farnham, on the edge of the Surrey Hills, you’ll find a shopping destination with a difference. Housed in a beautiful 400-year-old former hop kiln, The Packhouse brings together independent shops, vintage and pre-loved finds, home interiors, gifts, fashion, food and drink all under one roof.

Whether you’re planning a day out from London, looking for somewhere different to shop in Surrey, or simply want to spend a few hours browsing, eating and discovering something new, The Packhouse is an easy destination to add to your list.

A unique shopping experience near Farnham

The Packhouse isn’t a traditional shopping centre. Instead, its three floors are home to 60+ independent businesses, each with their own style and speciality.

From furniture and home accessories to lighting, mirrors, soft furnishings, fashion, gifts and carefully chosen vintage and pre-loved pieces, there’s plenty to discover.

The independent nature of The Packhouse means that the displays are constantly changing. You might visit looking for a particular piece for your home and leave with something completely unexpected.

For anyone who loves interiors, home décor, vintage shopping and independent retailers, it’s the kind of place where you can easily lose an afternoon.

Discover vintage and pre-loved treasures

One of the things that makes shopping at The Packhouse different is the opportunity to discover vintage and pre-loved furniture and homeware.

Rather than browsing identical high-street collections, you can explore individual traders and their constantly evolving displays. From characterful furniture and decorative pieces to unique accessories for your home, there’s always the possibility of finding something you won’t see anywhere else.

It’s also a more considered way to shop, giving pre-loved pieces another lease of life while helping you create a home with personality.

view down the stairs of the trader shop areas

Make a day of it with breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea

Shopping is only part of the experience. After browsing the three floors, take a break and enjoy something to eat or drink at one of the on-site options.

Palm House Restaurant

For a more leisurely meal, Palm House Restaurant offers waitress service in a beautiful setting.

The menu includes artisan breakfast, light lunches, more substantial dishes and Afternoon Tea, making it a great choice whether you’re starting your day with breakfast, stopping for lunch or meeting friends for an afternoon catch-up.

Afternoon Tea is particularly popular, so booking in advance is recommended.

The Coffee House

For something more relaxed, head to The Coffee House, located next to The Packhouse.

With outdoor seating and unique garden pods, it’s an easy-going place to enjoy a coffee, catch up with friends or take a break from shopping.

The outdoor space makes it a lovely choice when the weather is good, while the pods offer a more private setting for catching up.

A great day trip from London

If you’re searching for day trips from London that combine shopping, food and something a little different, The Packhouse is worth the journey.

Located in Runfold, just outside Farnham, it’s approximately an hour's drive from London and makes a great addition to a Surrey day out.

You can combine a visit with exploring Farnham and the surrounding Surrey Hills, making a trip to The Packhouse part of a wider day exploring the area.

And with free parking, you can arrive without the hassle of searching for a town-centre car park.

More than just shopping

Throughout the year, The Packhouse also hosts pop-up shops, seasonal events and special shopping experiences, giving regular visitors another reason to return.

The independent traders and constantly changing displays mean that no two visits are quite the same. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your home, searching for a unique gift, browsing vintage furniture or simply enjoying a day out, there’s always something new to discover.

Plan your visit to The Packhouse

If you’re looking for things to do near Farnham, a shopping day in Surrey or somewhere different to visit with friends, make The Packhouse part of your plans.

Explore three floors of independent shopping, discover vintage and pre-loved treasures, enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee or Afternoon Tea, and take your time discovering what makes this unique Surrey destination so special.

The PackhouseHewett’s Kilns, Tongham RoadRunfold, FarnhamSurrey GU10 1PJ

With 60+ independent businesses, food and drink, free parking and constantly changing displays, The Packhouse is more than a place to shop – it’s a destination for a great day out.