Living in Cranleigh

Cranleigh is renowned for its strong sense of community and active local life. The village supports a busy calendar of events, including the annual Cranleigh Carnival, food festivals, and Christmas celebrations. The Cranleigh Arts Centre acts as a focal point for cultural and creative events, offering workshops, exhibitions, and performances.

Residents enjoy access to a variety of local clubs, societies, and sports teams, spanning interests from cricket and tennis to gardening and amateur dramatics. The High Street’s shops, weekly market, and selection of independent retailers further reinforce the village’s sociable and community-driven character. Cranleigh’s proximity to the Surrey Hills means walking, cycling, and horse-riding are all popular, adding to the area’s distinctive lifestyle appeal.

Cranleigh is perceived as a safe and secure place to live, benefiting from Surrey’s generally low crime rates. Violent crime and anti-social behaviour remain well below national averages, contributing to the area’s reputation as a tranquil village community. Certain pockets of the village centre may experience occasional issues typical of built-up areas, but these are limited and addressed through proactive policing.

The presence of neighbourhood watch schemes and strong community ties foster a sense of collective responsibility. Cranleigh is covered by the Surrey Police force, which maintains a visible presence in the village and supports local safety initiatives such as youth outreach and community events. Ongoing investment in public spaces and lighting continues to enhance the local environment and deter petty crime.

Parking in Cranleigh is generally convenient, with several public car parks available close to the High Street and main shopping areas. On-street parking is also accessible, though resident permit zones are in operation in selected residential streets to manage demand. The village is less prone to traffic congestion than urban centres, allowing for easier vehicle movement during peak periods.

Road access is a notable asset for Cranleigh, thanks to the A281 which passes through the village and links directly to key destinations. The bypass minimises through-traffic, contributing to calmer village streets. Main roads provide reliable connections to larger towns and cities in Surrey and Sussex:

• Guildford – approx. 20 minutes via A281 (8 miles)
• Horsham – approx. 30 minutes via A281 (13 miles)
• Godalming – approx. 25 minutes via B2130 (10 miles)
• London – approx. 75 minutes via A3/M25 (40 miles)

Cranleigh offers a varied selection of places to eat, drink, and socialise. The High Street features a variety of independent cafes, tearooms, and bakeries that provide relaxed spots for breakfasts and lunches. Dining options include classic local pubs such as The Richard Onslow and The Three Horseshoes, both popular for hearty menus and welcoming atmospheres. The Curry Inn is a favourite for Indian cuisine, while there are also several Italian and Asian choices scattered across the village.

For nightlife, Cranleigh caters mainly for a relaxed social scene, with a handful of traditional pubs and bars rather than vibrant nightclubs. The Cranleigh Arts Centre regularly hosts live music, film nights, and theatre performances, making it one of the village's top evening destinations. During the summer months, the beer gardens and outdoor seating areas fill up, creating a lively yet laid-back community feel.

School Quality: Cranleigh offers high-performing primary schools and access to respected independent and state secondary schools in the wider area, providing good education choices for families.

Parks & Green Space: The village features ample green areas, children's playgrounds, and easy access to countryside walks, making it ideal for active families who value outdoor space.

Childcare: Childcare provision includes a number of nurseries and pre-schools, alongside childminding services and holiday clubs which support working parents.

Safety: Low crime rates and a visible policing presence ensure Cranleigh is regarded as a safe place to raise children, with active neighbourhood watch groups and safe public spaces.

Family Activities: Family-friendly activities include swimming at Cranleigh Leisure Centre, youth sports clubs, arts workshops, and seasonal festivals — all contributing to a supportive environment for young people.

Cranleigh is highly accommodating to pets, especially dogs, due to its rural surroundings and extensive green spaces. The Downs Link walking trail and the open countryside offer ample dog-walking opportunities, and several public parks provide space for exercise and play. Local pubs such as The Three Horseshoes are noted for being dog-friendly, and pet owners benefit from convenient access to veterinary clinics and pet supply shops in the village centre.

Community attitudes are welcoming towards pet owners, with regular local pet events and a visible presence of dog walkers throughout the village. Many rental and sale properties in the area are open to pets, reflecting the local lifestyle and preferences of residents.

Cranleigh’s transport links make it popular with commuters and those seeking access to surrounding towns and countryside. Although the village does not have its own railway station, nearby stations in Horsham, Guildford, and Dorking provide access to London and the South East. Cranleigh is well-served by local bus services, notably routes to Guildford, Godalming, and Horsham.

Main road connections include the A281, which links Cranleigh directly to Guildford and Horsham. The A3 and M25 motorways are within easy reach, providing further connectivity across southern England. For air travel, Gatwick Airport is around 25 miles away and generally accessible within 40 minutes by car, making international travel feasible for residents. Cycling and walking routes, including the Downs Link path, provide traffic-free access to the wider countryside.

Commute Times (approximate):

• Guildford – 8 miles, 20 minutes by car or regular bus
• London – Just over 1 hour by train (from Guildford) plus local transport
• Horsham – 13 miles, 30 minutes by car
• Gatwick Airport – 25 miles, 40 minutes by car

Primary Schools:

Cranleigh is home to several well-respected primary schools. Cranleigh Church of England Primary School, located on Parsonage Road, is central to the community and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its last inspection (2019). Park Mead Primary School, set on Park Drive, is another popular option known for its diverse curriculum and supportive learning environment. Both schools enjoy a reputation for fostering academic achievement and vibrant extracurricular offerings.

Secondary Schools:

The village itself does not have a state secondary school, but the nearby Glebelands School in Cranleigh caters to students up to GCSE level and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2020. For sixth-form and A-level education, students often travel to Guildford or Godalming. Independent education is a prominent feature in the area.

Independent Schools:

Cranleigh School, a leading independent boarding and day school, is perhaps the village's educational crown jewel. Founded in 1865, the school is known nationally for its impressive academic, sporting, and artistic achievements. The independent St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School, situated a short drive away, serves the local Catholic community.

Colleges and Universities:

Post-16 options are widely available in nearby towns. Godalming College and Guildford College offer further education, A-levels, and vocational courses. For higher education, the University of Surrey in Guildford is the nearest university, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.