Located seconds from the M25 is a desirable town called Reigate. Recently named in the Muddy Stilettos guide as one of the best places to live in Surrey, the lovely neighbourhood is a popular commuter town given its excellent links to the capital.
The M23 is just 10 minutes drive away, Reigate train station is in the heart of the town, and motorists can reach the A3 within half an hour. Also, Gatwick Airport is five miles from the border.
According to Muddy Stiletto’s, Reigate is “a thriving and affluent market town with a high street chock full of independent shops and restaurants, and still an easy commute to the capital.” I visited the east Surrey neighbourhood just outside London, and was surprised at just how good the views were given how close it was to the motorways. My first stop was Reigate Hill.
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The National Trust site is where the North Downs and Surrey Hills meet, making it a wonderful place for ramblers. The chalk downland is abundant with grasslands and woodland, and even on a grey winter’s day when I visited, the views were remarkable.
As soon as I entered, I reached Wray Lane car park. I noticed a lot of people sitting in their warm cars enjoying their lunch while soaking up the countryside vista. There was a café kiosk serving a good range of food and drink.
From bacon and sausage sandwiches and hot pressed ciabattas, to toasties and wraps, the prices were very reasonable too with toasties costing just £2.95 and a bacon sarnie £3.70. There were lots of vegan options including a pancake wrap, vegan cheese, tomato and avocado ciabatta and a Cornish roll, plus gluten free bread available.
Drinks-wise, coffee costs from £2.10, hot chocolate from £2.60, chai latte from £2.90 and tea £1.60 – all much cheaper than your typical coffee shop. There was also milkshakes, smoothies, juices and fizzy drinks. After a little wander around the beauty spot, I got back into my car and ventured down the hill to the town centre.
The High Street, Bell Street and Church Street was buzzing, and I noticed lots of great restaurants including which opened this summer. Specialising in Indonesian, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Thai cuisine all under one roof, the award-winning pan-Asian restaurant chain offers buy one get one free cocktails all day every day, so that’s worth a visit.
Reigate is known for its ‘caves’ which riddle the town centre. Tours inside Barons’ Cave in the Castle Grounds and the East and West Caverns in Tunnel Road are open in the summer, so of I do return, I will certainly try that out.
I did however, explore Priory Park, a few minutes walk away. The family-friendly spot has lakes, tennis courts, football pitches, multisport courts, skatepark, playground, picnic area, toilets and parking, and I can imagine during the warm months its heaving.
According to Rightmove, properties in Reigate had an overall average price of £623,960 over the last year. The majority of sales in Reigate during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £296,588.
Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £609,846, with detached properties fetching £1,178,160. Overall, sold prices in Reigate over the last year were 11% up on the previous year and 22% up on the 2020 peak of £511,100.
Places to visit in Reigate
