Area Overview for Tongham

Hog's Back Hotel in Tongham
Footpath across a wheat field in Tongham
Arable field north of Seale in Tongham
Slip road onto eastbound A31 on Hog's Back in Tongham
Bus stop and junction with White Lane on A31, Hog's Back in Tongham
Woodland, Poyle Park in Tongham
Footpath, Poyle Park in Tongham
Elstead Road on the junction from the A31 in Tongham
Footpath to Poyle Park in Tongham
A31, approaching Seale turning in Tongham
The Elstead Road, Seale in Tongham
Ugly industrial building in Poyle Park in Tongham
32 photos from this area

Area Information

Tongham is a small civil parish located in north-east Surrey, England, with a total land area of 3.3 km². The village forms a triangle situated between the A31 and A331 roads, positioning it approximately 1½ miles south-east of Aldershot in Hampshire and north-east of Farnham. According to 2021 data, the population stands at 2,350 residents, a demographic that combines historical roots with recent residential growth. Archaeological evidence confirms occupation since Neolithic times, with Iron Age farmsteads remaining in the landscape. St. Paul's Church, designed by Ewan Christian, was completed in 1865 and remains a key landmark alongside the Historic Hogs Back Brewery located just north of the Hog's Back. Living in Tongham offers a distinct community feel, though this sense of locality faces pressure from ongoing development. Several new residential projects are underway, including a notable planning application submitted in December 2025 by Taylor Wimpey for 450 homes on greenfield land. This expansion reflects the parish's fast-growing status while raising local concerns about maintaining the village's identity. Historically, the area played a significant role during the development of the Aldershot military camp, which the village railway station served from 1856 until 1870. Today, the parish falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council. Whether you research schools near Tongham or consider life in these Surrey homes, you are entering an area defined by its rural character, historic ties to Aldershot, and a tangible sense of place.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
3.3 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community in Tongham displays a unique demographic profile characterised by an older population. The median age is 70 years, indicating a significant proportion of residents are elderly. While the provided data does not specify the breakdown within specific age brackets beyond the total, the figure suggests a retirement-focused settlement where many homes in Tongham are occupied by those born in earlier decades. Home ownership is prevalent, with 73% of households owning their property outright or with a mortgage. This high rate of ownership typically contributes to a stable community environment where long-term residents have deep local knowledge. Regarding household composition and accommodation types, the available statistics cover the total population but do not provide granular details on family versus single-person households. The predominance of older residents often correlates with smaller household sizes or single-person dwellings. In terms of diversity, the dataset lists the predominant ethnic group, religion, and household composition simply as "total," leading to a demographic picture that appears largely uniform. This homogeneity often aligns with rural villages in the south-east of England. Safety assessments further reinforce the stability of living in Tongham, with a crime risk score of 70/100 indicating below-average crime rates. For those considering homes in Tongham, the demographic mix suggests a quiet, established neighbourhood where the community fabric is anchored by an older, settled population rather than a transient workforce or young families seeking rapid change.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

73
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

38
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
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  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
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  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the community in Tongham distinctive?
The community in Tongham is characterised by an older population with a median age of 70 and a high rate of home ownership at 73%. This demographic composition fosters a strong community feel among a stable group of residents. Although the village feels small, recent planning applications for 450 new homes by Taylor Wimpey indicate that the area is fast-growing despite its rural roots.
How are transport and connectivity in the village?
Residents enjoy excellent digital connectivity with a fixed broadband quality score of 96 and a good mobile network score of 80. Physically, the village is located between the A31 and A331 roads, providing road access to Aldershot, which sits just 1½ miles away. There is no current railway station, as the historic one closed in 1870, so most daily travel relies on these key road arteries.
Is it safe to live in Tongham?
Tongham is a safe area with a crime risk score of 70, signifying below-average crime rates and a generally secure neighbourhood. The village also has a low flood risk, scoring 5.27 on safety scales. While the environment is safe, property buyers should note that parts of the parish lie within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which imposes planning constraints on new construction to protect the landscape.

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