Car Hire Cranleigh

Driving into Cranleigh, you quickly sense the shift—hedgerows tighten, roads narrow and open countryside takes over. Set between the Surrey Hills and the South Downs, this large village with 11,000 residents offers an easygoing base for drivers exploring the region. The A281 runs straight through, making it a handy point between Godalming and Horsham, especially if you’ve hired a car for a few days of local wandering. Spring and autumn bring the best light for scenic drives and trails, though any dry spell opens up access to woodlands, hills and tucked-away viewpoints without the mud.

Attractions In Cranleigh

Many of Cranleigh’s highlights are best reached with four wheels—from outlying viewpoints and heritage sites to nature reserves tucked along back lanes. Car parks are usually free or modestly priced and there’s rarely trouble finding a space midweek.

Knowle Park Country Park

Along Knowle Lane, with its open entrance and small car park nearby, Knowle Park is a firm favourite for families and walkers. We parked up easily and followed the path to the lake—a peaceful spot with benches and ducks drifting past. The huge play area draws local families and those driving in from Albury, while the trails offer a gentle loop through managed parkland. It’s open all hours and worth visiting in early evening for softer light and fewer crowds.

Downs Link

We joined the trail near Snoxhall Fields car park—convenient, free and just off the main road. This section of the long-distance Downs Link runs through quiet countryside and is ideal if you’ve brought walking boots in the boot. The flat path suits bikes and pushchairs too, making it a flexible stop for those on a road trip through Surrey. A popular option with those based in Bookham, especially at weekends.

Wild About Britain

Set in a quiet cul-de-sac just beyond the centre, Wild About Britain is a hands-on wildlife experience tucked behind a modest row of homes. Parking is available nearby and the sessions (9am–8pm daily) are well-organised and genuinely engaging. We watched a cub scout group learn about hedgehogs and native birds—great for families with younger passengers.

Pitch Hill

If you’ve got a car and a bit of time, Pitch Hill should be on your list. Reached via a short drive from the village, the trailhead has informal parking and rewards with one of the best views in southern Surrey. We arrived mid-morning from Dorking and had the place almost to ourselves. Walkers, mountain bikers and photographers all find a reason to return here.

Cranleigh Arts

Centrally located on the High Street with public parking nearby, Cranleigh Arts is a compact but vibrant venue. We dropped in on a whim and caught a short film screening followed by coffee in the café. It’s a good indoor option if the weather turns—and the parking’s free after 6pm.

Vickers VC-10 RAF Tanker

Situated at Dunsfold Aerodrome—best accessed by car—this Cold War-era tanker is a surprising find. We swung by en route to Leigh and although there’s no formal signage, it’s a point of interest for aviation fans or anyone keen on Surrey’s motoring legacy.

Bookhurst Wood

Just off Bookhurst Road, there’s space to park on the verge or in a small pull-in nearby. From there, trails meander through quiet woodland, often muddy in winter but manageable year-round. We nearly missed the entrance—blink and you’ll drive past it—but it’s worth a pause for those after solitude and birdlife.

Marylands

Driving out toward Ewhurst, you’ll pass farmland and narrow hedged roads before spotting Marylands’ chimneys beyond the trees. It’s a private residence now, so viewing is from the road but still a rewarding detour if you’re tracing the village’s older architectural fabric. An ideal detour for drivers coming from Guildford.

The Sayers Croft Trust

A short drive west of the centre, with ample space to park, this nature preserve is open 24/7 and ideal for those seeking low-key trails and wildlife spotting. We saw families arriving from Hindhead, parking up with binoculars in hand and heading straight for the hedgerows.

Cranleigh War Memorial

With its central location on The Common, this memorial is easy to find and well connected to nearby street parking. Surrounded by neat grass and benches, it’s a respectful and informative spot—often overlooked by those driving straight through the village.

Gambon

Motorsport fans will recognise the name. Just off Perimeter Road at Dunsfold, this unmarked track corner earned fame via “Top Gear.” Driving through from Ripley, we stopped briefly to walk the perimeter. While access is restricted, the atmosphere lingers—a nice nod to local legend.

Baynards Railway Station

Once part of the Guildford-Horsham line, the remains of Baynards Station lie off a rural road. The final stretch requires slow driving but there’s enough space to stop nearby. No facilities, no fanfare—just a slice of quiet history and a mossy platform half-sunk into the landscape.

Viewpoint

Best accessed via a short uphill drive from the village, this spot on the edge of the Hurtwood offers sweeping views without the crowds. We planned a morning outing from the west side of the Surrey Hills and were rewarded with total stillness and panoramic countryside. There’s no signage but locals know the turn-off well.

Where To Pause, Refuel Or Stay

Driving around Cranleigh, it’s easy to pull into one of the village’s independent cafés or pubs without fighting for a space. We had a solid lunch at The Richard Onslow—a former coaching inn with parking just behind—and enjoyed coffee at Cromwell’s Coffee House, which sits near a handy layby on the High Street. For accommodation, The Cranley Hotel offers simple rooms with free parking and a central location. Whether you’re planning a circular route around the Surrey Hills or just passing through, Cranleigh offers the kind of ease and openness that suits car-based exploring.