Godalming's pub scene is best approached by purpose. One is for a serious pint, one for a garden afternoon, one for a riverside lunch and one for the family. Here are four we would point you towards, three of them within a short drive of the town centre.
The Star Inn, Godalming: for real ale and cider
The Star Inn is at 17 Church Street, in the town centre. CAMRA's listing describes up to 14 cask ales and ten ciders and perries on offer, with hundreds of pub clips pinned to the beams and a patio. It was named Surrey Pub of the Year 2024, according to Surrey Live (getSurrey), which also calls the beer garden a secret oasis, with covered seating and heaters for use all year round.
CAMRA's local branch says the building became a beerhouse soon after 1830, with parts of it older, and that it keeps a small separate public bar at the front. It suits anyone who wants to choose carefully from the pumps, and it is a sound pick for a cold evening because of the heated garden.
Where: 17 Church Street, Godalming GU7 1EL
Good for: cask ale, cider, a heated garden
The Inn on the Lake, Godalming: for a garden and a stay
The Inn on the Lake is on Ockford Road, south of the centre and about 800 yards from the station. It is a Grade II listed building, run by the Innkeeper's Collection, and it has rooms, so it works for an overnight stay as well as a drink.
Surrey Live has covered it several times. Coverage describes a makeover that brought in a cocktail station, leafy domes and woodland pods in the garden for secluded drinks, and seasonal menus with craft drinks. Tripadvisor reviewers are more mixed, at 3.7 out of 5 across more than a thousand reviews, so go for the setting and the garden rather than expecting perfection.
Where: Ockford Road, Godalming GU7 1RH
Good for: cocktails, garden pods, staying over
The Stag on the River, Lower Eashing: for a riverside lunch
About two miles west of Godalming, the Stag on the River sits on the banks of the Wey at Eashing. Its own site describes a riverside pub, restaurant and boutique B&B. Muddy Stilettos calls it a popular feast-and-stay destination with a riverside setting and a chic country feel.
It suits a long lunch by the water, or a night away without going far. Book ahead for weekends.
Where: Lower Eashing, near Godalming
Good for: a riverside lunch, an overnight stay
Cyder House Inn, Shackleford: for families and cider
The Cyder House Inn is on Peper Harow Lane in Shackleford, a village about three miles south-west of Godalming. CAMRA says it serves local ales and two hand-pumped real ciders, with a garden and play area for families. SquareMeal says it was purpose-built as a pub around 1900.
It is the one to choose when children are in tow and you still want a proper pint of cider.
Where: Peper Harow Lane, Shackleford GU8 6AN
Good for: families, cider, a garden with a play area
Choosing between them
A serious pint in town: the Star Inn.
Cocktails and a garden, with a bed for the night: the Inn on the Lake.
A lunch by the river: the Stag on the River.
A family afternoon with cider: the Cyder House Inn.
Check opening hours and booking with each pub before you set out, particularly for Sunday lunch.
Sources and further reading: CAMRA on the Star Inn, the Inn on the Lake, the Stag on the River and CAMRA on the Cyder House Inn.
