A guide to living in Cranleigh, Surrey

What’s it like to live in Cranleigh, Surrey?

Often referred to as England’s largest village, Cranleigh is a charming and well-connected location that perfectly blends countryside tranquillity with modern amenities. Nestled in the beautiful county of Surrey and just a short drive from Guildford, Cranleigh has become an increasingly attractive location for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Its friendly community, thriving local economy, and excellent schools make it a top relocation choice for those seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing convenience.

With the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on your doorstep and London accessible in just over an hour, Cranleigh offers the best of both worlds – open space, good schools, and a true village lifestyle with urban accessibility.

Lifestyle

Cranleigh is home to a quaint village centre filled with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and traditional pubs. The high street is the heart of the community, and it still holds a proper village charm, from local butchers and bakeries to boutique gift stores and artisanal produce.

Food lovers will appreciate spots like The Richard Onslow – a stylish gastropub offering locally-sourced seasonal dishes, and Lemongrass, a Thai favourite among locals. For coffee and cake, Cromwells Coffee House and Manns of Cranleigh Café are warm and welcoming. And for something truly special, head to nearby Surrey Hills Café for brunch with countryside views.

Markets are a big part of village life here. The Cranleigh Artisan Market, held monthly, showcases everything from handmade crafts to gourmet street food and farm-fresh produce. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning and meet local makers and fellow residents.

For the outdoorsy, Cranleigh doesn’t disappoint. You can enjoy long countryside walks or bike rides along the Downs Link, which connects the village to Guildford and the South Downs Way. The Surrey Hills are a haven for hikers, while families love local green spaces like Snoxhall Fields and Knowle Park. There’s also Cranleigh Leisure Centre, which offers a gym, swimming pool, and exercise classes.

Cranleigh Arts is a hub for culture and creativity, offering live music, film nights, theatre productions, and community workshops. Throughout the year, residents enjoy village fairs, summer fetes, and festive celebrations, all of which add to the area’s strong community spirit.

Schooling

Cranleigh has a fantastic reputation when it comes to education, with plenty of high-performing state and independent schools in the area. For younger children, Cranleigh C of E Primary and Park Mead School are popular choices and both rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. For secondary students, Glebelands School in the village also holds a ‘Good’ rating and is well-regarded for its supportive ethos.

When it comes to independent education, Cranleigh School is one of the top co-educational private schools in the country, offering both day and boarding options from age 13+. With a 280-acre campus and a strong focus on academics, sport, and the arts, it draws families from across the region and overseas.

Nearby Guildford and Godalming also offer an extended selection of private schools including Royal Grammar School, Tormead, St Catherine’s Bramley, and Charterhouse.

Transport

While Cranleigh doesn’t have its own train station, the village is well connected to London and the surrounding region via nearby stations in Guildford (20 minutes’ drive) and Horsham. From Guildford, you can reach London Waterloo in approximately 35-40 minutes. For drivers, the A281 connects you directly to Guildford and Horsham, and the M25 is accessible in under 30 minutes.

Gatwick Airport is just 40 minutes away by car, making international travel convenient. Local bus routes also run regularly, connecting Cranleigh to the nearby towns of Godalming, Guildford, and Horsham.

Property

Cranleigh has a broad range of properties, from charming period cottages to large family homes and new-build developments. The village's rural appeal combined with excellent schooling options means demand is high, particularly for family homes with gardens.

As you’ll see, Cranleigh really is a beautiful place to live – but does this come at a cost?

Large family homes in Cranleigh typically start from around £1.8 million and can go up to £3.5 million for detached properties with multiple bedrooms, landscaped gardens, and easy access to the village or countryside. Smaller detached homes and semis can be found in the £700,000 – £1.2 million range, depending on size and location.

The rental market is competitive, with limited availability for family-sized homes. Rental prices for a 4-5 bedroom home start at around £6,500 per month and can rise depending on the property’s size and style. The market favours long-term tenants, and early planning is recommended if you are looking to move.

New developments such as Cala Homes’ Cranleigh Grange offer a more modern alternative with Georgian-style family homes, energy-efficient designs, and proximity to green spaces and schools. These are typically priced from £800,000+.

A Guide to living in Cranleigh, Surrey

Cranleigh is a quintessentially English village that offers a warm welcome, strong sense of community, and outstanding lifestyle benefits. Whether you’re raising a young family, enjoying a career break, or retiring to the countryside, Cranleigh combines convenience with natural beauty in a way few places can. If you’re considering a move, this guide to living in Cranleigh Surrey is a great place to start. From schools and property to lifestyle and transport, Cranleigh offers everything you’d expect from a sought-after village location.

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