Pictures of Reigate

a Historic Market Town in the county of Surrey

Take a picture tour of Reigate

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.

Add town to favourites

Submit a history of Reigate

Recommended towns & villages near Reigate

	Dorking It is here that romantically Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton said their good byes before Nelson departed for the Battle of Trafalgar in the year 1805... Information \| Pictures (16) \| Hotels
	Epsom Epsom, is known world-wide for what is perhaps the most famous horse race of all time - The Derby... Information \| Pictures (5) \| Hotels
	Oxted A walk around the village reveals a riot of attractive 17th and 18th century cottages all standing on a rise surrounded by pretty flower-filled gardens... Information \| Pictures (8) \| Hotels
	Cobham Cobham Mill rests on a picturesque stretch of the river surrounded by dipping weeping willows and graceful swans... Information \| Pictures (8) \| Hotels
	East Molesey This picturesque pleasant place is fortunate to lie between the waters of the historic River Thames and the River Mole. It is perhaps best known for Hampton Court Palace, the building started by Cardinal Wolsey in 1514... Information \| Pictures (44) \| Hotels

All towns in Surrey
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Reigate

	Reigate & Colley Hill This area is one of Surrey's countryside gems. It mostly comprises of mature grassland and woodland where visitors may wander..... Information \| Pictures (8) \| Hotels
	Box Hill Country Park Box Hill lies in an area of exceptional beauty, it covers beautiful woodland and an outstanding area of chalk downland. It..... Information \| Pictures (6) \| Hotels
	Denbies Wine Estate England's largest vineyard. Enjoy a hearty lunch with excellent atmosphere and spectacular views. "Indoor Wine Experience" tours..... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
	Mickleham Priory .. Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
	Polesden Lacey Regency country house with renowned Edwardian interiors and gardens, set in beautiful downland countryside... Information \| Pictures (8) \| Hotels

All attractions in Reigate
All attractions in Surrey
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in Reigate

	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
	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... More info and book online.. Price from £45.00
	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... More info and book online.. Price from £99.00
	De Vere Venues Hartsfield Manor Sandy Lane, Betchworth, Surrey, England (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction W) Hartsfield Manor is the perfect melange of majesty and serenity, this beautiful Victorian venue offers the ideal atmosphere for meetings, learning or just pure relaxation. Easily accessible from Londo... More info and book online.. Price from £55.00
	Skylane Hotel 34 Bonehurst Rd, Horley, Surrey, England (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction SE) The Skylane Hotel in Horley is conveniently situated just 5.5 kilometres/ 3 miles from Gatwick Airport. Our small, friendly, family-run hotel offers competitively priced accommodation. Unfortunate... More info and book online.. Price from £49.00

More Reigate hotels...

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)