Farnborough Air Show Tourist Guide Saint Michael's Abbey Hampshire

Farnborough Tourist Information

Farnborough is at the far north east corner of Hampshire on the border with Surrey. It falls within the Rushmoor area along with Aldershot and the River Blackwater that forms the county boundary with Surrey. Despite its modern appearance it is actually an old village founded by the Saxons. The old part of Farnborough is centred around Farnborough Street. The town began to grow in line with the military camp at Aldershot. The Royal Aircraft Establishment based in Farnborough brought more prestige as it developed into the centre for aviation research and development.

Farnborough has frequently undergone many changes and redevelopment. Its core is the Farnborough Aerospace Centre business park where businesses linked to the aviation industries are based.

The town centre has a good choice of shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels for differing tastes.

The nearest Tourist Information Centre is in Aldershot although there is a local information point at: Hampshire County Council Information Centre, Farnborough Library, Pinehurst Avenue, Farnborough. Free helpline: 0800 028 0888. Email: info.far@hants.gov.uk

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Farnborough Air Show

Every two years Farnborough hosts the Farnborough Air Show. It is essentially an international trade fair for the aviation industry including exhibition halls and an outdoor exhibition of aircraft. It lasts for seven days and is open to the public on the last two days.

The demonstration flights and flying displays are the big draw for most people. The daily flying display showcases the world's most advanced aircraft and lasts for around four and a half hours. Check the current information on the Farnborough Air Show website, link right, but the displays usually start around midday. The display also usually includes both historic and modern aircraft as well as the world famous aerobatic displays by the Red Arrows. You can also get up close to the static aircraft for a closer look.

Check the weblink right for information on past air shows and nearer the time information on the up-and-coming show. There is also detailed information on how to get to the air show.

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Saint Michael's Abbey and Imperial Mausoleum

Farnborough is the location of a Benedictine abbey, Saint Michael's Abbey. It was founded in 1881 by Empress Eugenie, wife of the nineteenth century French Emperor.

She moved to Farnborough in 1880. In memory of her husband, Napoleon III, who unusually she'd married for love rather than for political advancement as was the custom, had the Abbey built as a mausoleum. Tragically her son had just died in the Zulu War in 1879 at the age of 23. He was also buried in the crypt alongside his father. The Empress herself was later buried in the crypt when she died in 1920.

You can visit the Abbey as a day visitor or for a personal retreat. Contact the Guest Master to arrange a visit. All services are open to the public too. There is a guided tour of the church and crypt every Saturday and Monday Bank Holiday at 3.30 pm and a programme of Organ Concerts are organised during the summer. The monks at St Michael's Abbey are renowned for their liturgy which is sung in Latin and Gregorian Chant.

Find out more from the St Michael's Abbey link right. Email: info@farnboroughabbey.org. Guest Master Email: guestmaster@farnboroughabbey.org

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