Reigate is one of my favourite Surrey towns.
Recently, I read about hidden caves under Reigate Castle and thought, what castle?! While we have been shopping in Reigate many times (and even considered moving there!), we never knew Reigate had a castle or caves.
I guess part of the reason we didn't know about it is because what you see above is all that is left of the castle.
The castle belonged to William de Warenne, the Earl of Surrey and after a bit of history including capture by the French, was demolished in 1648.
The door on the triangle above actually leads down into what is now known as the Barons' Caves. Only open a handful of times each year, for £2 per person, you too can tour the caves with a guide.
Down we go!
The walls are littered with graffiti and our guide advised us that back then, visitors would have been encouraged to leave their mark.
The oldest date found on the walls is from the 1600's and you can quite clearly read the word "king" above. If I recall right, the actual reference is "King G" and the writing is quite beautiful.
Carvings of heads and animals also line the walls. It's amazing to think how long this has all survived!
After your tour, be sure to walk along the High Street and visit the tea room for a bit of warming up- it's cold underground!
The Vintage Tea House shouldn't be missed.
Yummy tea and cakes after a bit of history hits the spot!







