44. Reigate
Reigate, is a historic market town located in south east Surrey. Nestled at the foot of the North Downs, which provides a magnificent back drop, the town, which retains a village feel, is home to a range of independent shops including antiques, craft, clothing boutiques, furniture and gift ware. Just behind the High Street, you’ll discover the tranquil Castle Grounds which provide a quiet retreat in the centre of town, great for picnic lunch.
The town is also boasts the magnificent Priory Park, which offers 200 acres of open space and woodland, a fantastic children’s playground and modern pavilion café, designed by renowned French architect Dominique Perrault.
Reigate also has the remains of a castle, now a mound with a dry moat and underground caves which may well have been the dungeons. One of Reigate’s most famous residents was Margot Fonteyn, who was born here in 1919. A statue of the great ballerina still stands today near Reigate station on the A217.
