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Elstead is a civil parish in Surrey, England with shops, houses and spanning the north and south sides of the River Wey; development is concentrated on two roads that meet at a central green. It includes Pot Common its southern neighbourhood. Hamlets in the parish, marginally separated from the village centre, are Charleshill and Elstead Common, both rich in woodland. Elstead lies between Farnham and Godalming on the B3001 road about west of the A3 Milford interchange.
The first known reference to Elstead is in the 1128 foundation charter for Waverley Abbey (sometimes spelt Waverly), where it was called Helestede. The church of St James was built around ten years later. It still contains 13th-century windows and some 14th-century timbers History of Elstead Church and is a Grade II* listed building.
In the 14th century, the Scheduled ancient monument bridge was built over the River Wey. Today this old bridge, strengthened by Surrey County Council in 1993, takes the westward traffic; eastward traffic takes the new bridge alongside.
Elstead had a forge built in 1686 which is now an office.
Elstead Mill, now a pub restaurant, was occupied by Oliver Cromwell’s ‘roundhead’ army during the English Civil War but subsequently burnt down. The present structure is described in its listing as being the result of several re-buildings from the 16th century.
There were two other pub restaurants in 2021, The Woolpack and The Golden Fleece, reflecting the early dependence on the local wool trade, also in 2021 three cafe's and a fish & chip shop.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Elstead was known for the quality and quantity of carrots grown there, with daily shipments by train from nearby Milford Station up to London's Covent Garden market during the growing season. This is attributed to the light soils in the village which are excellent for carrot growing.
In 1997 a millennium oak was planted at the southern apex of the village green under the auspices of the afternoon WI.Farnham Herald 1997
Thundry Meadow, close to Elstead, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and is an important breeding area for the dragonfly and damselfly.
The area around the village has several large farms and much of the land is used for grazing for horses and cattle.
Elstead is within the Green Belt and is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists.
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Elstead Cricket Club, founded in the 1880s, are based in the self-built pavilion on the Thursley Road recreation ground.
Elstead Royal British Legion has a club house. There is a bowling green, an activity hall, and an outbuilding used as a commercial cafe.
The village hall plays host to the Elstead Badminton Club every Tuesday evening.
Elstead Sharks are the junior football club and the Elstead Marathon has been held for over 100 years.
Elstead pancake race is held on a convenient day, near to Shrove Tuesday.
The Elstead Paper Boat Race is held every year in early July. Boats built to hold children and adults race on The Moat, a pond on Elstead Common.
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