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Pictures of Reigate

a Historic Market Town in the county of Surrey

Reigate Castle Grounds. Reigate, Surrey

About Reigate

This is a bustling part of the Surrey landscape, it is easily reached via the M25 from London and is right on the North Downs Way.

The town is particularly noted for its fine castle constructed by William de Warenne. The castle, standing in the midst of beautiful grounds was captured by Simon de Montfort in 1264 and was subjected to siege during the English Civil War. The large Gatehouse guarding the bridge to the bailey is a folly built around the middle of the 19th century. This is a lovely place to see, the surrounding parkland is a joy with lovely views in all directions.

Historically, the name of the town is thought to derive from de Warenne's time and may come from Roe Deer Gate, as initially the town spread out from the entrance to William de Warenne's deer park, the landscape of which now forms Priory Park and Reigate Park. The caves beneath the castle are reputed to have been used by the rebellious barons prior to meeting at Runnymede for the signing of the Magna Carta. Although not a great deal is left of the castle, this and the caves and park remain open for the enjoyment of the public.

The 13th century Augustinian Reigate Priory lasted as a monastery until the Dissolution and was later granted by Henry VIII to William Howard, Ist Baron Howard of Effingham for use as a residence. In later years the priory became the home of the Earl of Nottingham, who as Lord High Admiral commanded the force who defeated the Spanish Armada. Today, this gracious building is used as a school.

Ringed by the dancing River Mole, Reigate has some very pleasant residential areas, it is therefore unsurprising to find a few well known faces around. It is the home of the BBC's Royal Correspondent Nick Owen, and of ITV's News Presenter Nicholas Owen. Dame Margot Fonteyn was born in the town as was Caroline Quentin and DJ Fatboy Slim.

Visitors will find plenty to see and do, there is a lively shopping centre with several individual shops, one, "The Penny Black" is the noted haunt of stamp collectors. Spacious streets hold several styles of architecture including beautiful churches and the lovely old town hall. You will also find a wide selection of pubs, quaint inns, restaurants of different cuisines, cafe's and tea rooms.

Reigate is conveniently placed for easy reach of London with its historic buildings, chic shops and nightlife, or for reaching the attractive seaside towns of the Sussex coast, which include Brighton, Hove and Worthing.

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Book the Best Western Reigate Manor Hotel in Reigate Hill, Surrey, Surrey, England3 stars

Best Western Reigate Manor Hotel

Reigate Hill, Surrey, Surrey, England (0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
Conveniently situated just a few hundred yards south of junction 8 on the M25, the Best Western Reigate Manor Hotel offers an ideal location for a Conference, Business Meeting( Complimentary Wi Fi), W...
More info and book online..  Price from £85.00

Book the Bridge House Hotel in Reigate Hill, Reigate, Surrey, Surrey, England3 stars

Bridge House Hotel

Reigate Hill, Reigate, Surrey, Surrey, England (1.2 miles, 2.0 km, direction N)
Perched high on Reigate Hill, offering superb views of the surrounding countryside, this hotel is conveniently located on the A217 motorway, just off junction 8 of the M25. The Bridge House is id...
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Book the Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa in Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey, England

Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa

Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey, England (2.4 miles, 3.8 km, direction E)
Nutfield Priory is set in beautiful Surrey countryside and ideally located only 8 miles from Gatwick Airport, and only 20 miles from London This idyllic country mansion with newly refurbished rooms...
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De Vere Venues Hartsfield Manor

Sandy Lane, Betchworth, Surrey, England (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction W)
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Skylane Hotel

34 Bonehurst Rd, Horley, Surrey, England (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction SE)
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Nearby travel help

Reigate Station(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
M25 Junction 8 (Reigate Hill Interchange)(1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction N)
Earlswood (Surrey) Station(1.8 miles, 2.8 km, direction SE)
M23 Junction 7(3.6 miles, 5.9 km, direction NE)
London Gatwick Airport(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction S)
Reigate to London(19.0 miles, 30.6 km, direction N)
London Heathrow Airport(19.4 miles, 31.3 km, direction NW)

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