Frensham is a magnet for visitors from near and far. There are two large ponds, known as Frensham Great and Little Ponds, which were built in the Middle Ages to provide fish for the Bishop of Winchester's estate and today are the backdrop for a hotel and used for fishing and sailing. Along with the stunning 1,000 acre common the area has a wealth of natural beauty.

In recent years Frensham and the surrounding area has featured in both television and films. Scenes from popular television dramas have taken place at Frensham Ponds and part of Bourne Wood is still frequently used as a location for filming movies, TV programmes and music videos, most notably the opening battle scenes of the film Gladiator.