Haslemere

Haslemere is a town in the county of Surrey that has a significant musical history that can be attributed to Arnold Dolmetsch, a musician and instrument maker who came here from France in the early 19th century. The Dolmetsch family set about reviving instruments like the descant recorder and others. Arnold’s son Carl Dolmetsch went on to take over the business and the family firm still manufacture viols, recorders and harpsichords today. The family is the inspiration behind the International Dolmetsch Early Music Festival held here every year.

The town’s heart is its broad High Street that was previously used as a Victorian cattle market; which explains its width. There are pubs, independent shops, restaurants, cafes and ample amenities in Haslemere as well as cultural attractions in keeping with its heritage. Haslemere Hall is a concert hall that is in regular use as a theatre, concert venue and cinema.