Cranleigh
Cranleigh is reputed to be the largest village in England. The village takes its name from the craneries at two nearby estates, which were reputed to have bred cranes as delicacies for the King. The crane has since become the village symbol, adorning monuments in the town.
Cranleigh was also noted for its hawking and hunting grounds and, in 1657, Oliver Cromwell visited the village with his men. Whilst Cromwell himself stayed at Knowle, some of his men were billeted at the house now known as Oliver House; the fine 15th century cottage adjoining has since been known as Cromwell Cottage.
Running through Cranleigh, the Downslink, connecting the North and South Downs, runs through the village along 61 acres of former railway line and adjacent embankments and cuttings. It is one of the country’s long distance bridleways, as well as a designated Public Open Space, following a level route through woodland, wetland and agricultural land. Way-marked by signs, and with seating en-route, the link is popular with cyclists, horse-riders and walkers alike.