Is Cranleigh a Nice Place to Live?

If you’ve been thinking of a change of scenery lately, but don’t want to be too far from London’s busy streets, Cranleigh may be one option on your radar. This quiet, laid-back village is known for its tight-knit community and lower cost of living, complete with robust amenities and transport links for commuters and other travellers.

But how nice a place is Cranleigh, really? And what can it offer that other locales can’t?

This guide explores everything this cosy village has to offer, from its shops and amenities to its community and events.

Cranleigh is a village and civil parish within the Borough of Waverley in Surrey, South East England. It sits a short drive from Guildford and Godalming, and is approximately 43 kilometres from Burgess Hill, which makes it feel pleasantly rural without being cut off from bigger towns.

Worried that Cranleigh is too far away from London? Good news: driving yourself to London takes less than 90 minutes. If you don’t mind a commute, you can visit Chilworth to take the train, or drive past Bramley to visit one of the area’s many bus stations. Since Cranleigh is very accessible by car, your loved ones can drop by with relative ease.

There are plenty of things to see and do within Cranleigh’s roughly 33-kilometre area. From tranquil parks to drool-worthy restaurants, there is truly a little something for everyone.

Below are some of the most popular places to eat, relax, and entertain yourself in Cranleigh:

• Parks and green spaces - There are plenty of unique and beautiful green spaces within Cranleigh’s borders. The Knowle Country Park offers beautiful, sweeping views of the lake, along with a playground for little ones. There’s also the popular Snoxhall Play Park, which is a stone’s throw away from the Snoxhall Community Centre and Snoxhall Fields.

• Shopping and retail - Cranleigh offers everything you need to live comfortably without driving to distant towns. There’s a Sainsbury's located conveniently along High Street, as well as recreational shopping areas like Between The Lines, the Oxfam Bookshop, and a Notcutts Garden Centre.

• Food and drink - The Three Horseshoes is one of the most popular pubs in Cranleigh. But if you’re in the mood for more international food options, you might explore Tay Tar Thai @Cranleigh, Amarone Italian Restaurant, or Spice Indian takeaway.

Don’t let its humble size fool you: Cranleigh has one of the most diverse selections of schools in Surrey. You’ll find options for boarding schools, state schools, and faith-based schools, depending on the education you want for your children. 

Below are a few of the highest-rated schools to choose from:

• Park Mead Primary serves students from Reception through Year 6 with high-quality education ranging from Good to Outstanding according to Ofsted reports. 

• St Joseph’s Specialist Trust commands an Ofsted Outstanding score and provides children with disabilities with excellent education (ages 5 to 19).

• Glebelands School supports children ages 11 to 16 with a wide variety of activities outside of traditional academics (currently holds a Good Ofsted score).

• Cranleigh Church of England Primary School has received a SIAMS rating of Good, with previous scores ranging up to Outstanding.

Cranleigh’s community is proud to host several events, festivals, and holidays that the whole family can enjoy.

Some examples include:

• Cranleigh Lions Bonfire & Fireworks

• Cranleigh Lions Carnival & Fun Day (MorrisFest)

• Cranleigh Show and Cranleigh Showground

• Cranleigh Christmas Fair

Keep in mind, there are plenty of community organisations as well. The Cranleigh Lions Club is a popular local favourite. There’s also the Cranleigh Village Sports and Social Club, which requires a £5 joining fee, plus a £30 annual subscription.

Crime rates in Cranleigh are 36% lower than the average Surrey crime rate. According to Crimerate, it’s one of the top five safest small towns out of Surrey’s 105 villages, towns, and cities. So yes: Cranleigh is certainly a safe place to live.

Cranleigh is best accessed via car from the junction of two B roads east of the A281 Guildford near Horsham road. It’s also on a number of bus routes: Compass Travel and Stagecoach South often pass through Horsham, Godalming, Guildford, and Ewhurst.

There is currently no train station available in town. But take heart! There have been several feasibility studies in recent years, and you can always join the petitioners actively looking to bring back the railway. 

Cranleigh is an excellent destination for professionals, couples, families, or really anyone looking for a new life in the countryside. This quiet little village offers the connection of a small town with the amenities of a much larger city. You’re welcome to enjoy its tranquil parks, involve your children in its high-quality schools, and engage in exciting events nearly all year-round. 

Before making your next big move to Cranleigh, be sure to explore solutions that will make your transition easier. Self-storage options can help you store away sensitive, fragile, or cumbersome items while transitioning homes. The team at Make Space Self Storage also offers boxes and packing items so you can easily prepare your belongings for short or long-term storage. 

Learn more about our affordable self-storage options near Cranleigh.