Area Guide: Cranleigh
This family orientated Surrey village, close to West Sussex, offers plenty to do for all ages.
Cranleigh is purported to be the largest village in England, attracting people to the area for the excellent schools, local shopping and entertainment facilities as well as the outstanding countryside.
FOR SALE IN CRANLEIGH
Did You Know?
St Nicolas’ Church is the oldest building in the village, having been erected by the Norman knights of William the Conqueror. The church as it stands today dates back to the mid-14th century, with the first building on the site recorded from about 1170.
Did You Know?
Cranleigh School opened in 1865 and was originally known as The Surrey County School.
Cranleigh has an interesting history, initially starting out as a very rural and isolated community but growing to become the bustling village it is today. Occupied by the Romans and later the Saxons, Cranleigh was nestled in the heart of excellent hunting country.
Over time the village grew, aided by the arrival of the railway and people appreciated its location at the foot of the beautiful Surrey Hills with easy access into Guildford or equally to the picturesque West Sussex villages and the south coast beyond.
Did You Know?
Former Beatle Ringo Starr and his actress wife Barbara Bach lived on the outskirts of Cranleigh village.
House Prices In Cranleigh
Cranleigh is a delightful small market town, reputed to be the largest village in England, located on the southern edge of the Surrey Hills, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Weald of Sussex, midway between the County towns of Guildford and Horsham.
Surrounded by wonderful countryside, the village has a traditional, friendly atmosphere with a real community feel and enjoys many events throughout the year.
Average house prices in Cranleigh have risen by £171,000 on average in the last 10 years.
Property prices start from around £150,000 for a one-bed apartment, whilst the range of larger houses are varied, not only by accommodation and location but also lifestyle, with the periphery villages around Cranleigh having many delightful aspects attributing to their charm.
Did You Know?
Cranleigh Hall, the home of Lord Cranleigh, was the principal location for the Doctor Who serial, Black Orchid.
Did You Know?
Cranleigh village lays claim to be the largest village in England.
Did You Know?
The name Cranleigh is believed to come from imputed large crane-breeding grounds at the Anglo-French named Vachery Pond. The figure of a crane adorns the old drinking water fountain in the middle of the village and a pair of cranes adorn the crest of the 21st century granted coat of arms of Cranleigh Parish Council.
What to see and do locally
There are a wide variety of independent shops together with established High Street names, together with excellent schooling choices in both the independent and state sectors, making Cranleigh and the surrounding villages an outstanding area to live.
There is always something happening in Cranleigh or the villages and hamlets surrounding it; from the annual Cranleigh Show to art exhibitions and events for children.
A particular highlight is the annual Cranleigh Bonfire, which includes a torchlight procession down the High Street to the bonfire on the common and a fun fair. Burns & Webber are proud to support the annual ‘Make A Guy’ competition for the local school children which is always very popular!
Dunsfold Aerodrome is a brownfield site in Waverley and for many years has been home to aviation facilities and a business park. The popular TV series Top Gear was filmed here along with movies and TV series including James Bond Casino Royale, Batman Begins, The Da Vinci Code and many more. More recently, planning permission has been granted for the construction of 1,800 new homes on the Aerodrome site.
Following the route of a disused railway, the Downs Link is an enjoyable way for walkers, horse riders and cyclists to enjoy the countryside along the route that connects the North and South Downs. The trail can be completed in stages and there is an off-road route from Guildford Station for walkers and cyclists only, that joins the Downs Link at Bramley.
Formerly the local village school, Cranleigh Arts Centre offers a very diverse range of activities and entertainment. From painting and pottery classes to art exhibitions, comedy nights and live music, to theatre and a cinema, local residents always have a reason to visit.
