Reigate Caves

Reigate Caves are a series of historic underground tunnels beneath Reigate, with parts of the cave system believed to date back to shortly after 1088. We visited Baron, one of the two available cave tours during one of their limited summer open days, with tours only running around once per month and booking available in advance. Groups were small (around 11 people), and the guide was excellent - very informative with good humour throughout. Visitors are given lanterns at the beginning, which adds to the atmosphere. Inside there are uneven steps, soft sand and salt walls, and a surprising amount of historic graffiti, including a carved date from 1644. One section originally extended from the castle grounds and walls, while another area was later mined for especially pure sand used in glassmaking and casting. The caves have had many uses over the centuries, including possible wine storage due to the constant cool temperatures, later a 20th century hippie commune, and during both World Wars as air raid shelters and storage areas. Parts of the wider cave system beneath roads were eventually filled with sand after concerns about subsidence. Parking: Town centre parking nearby within walking distance. Tours: Limited open days during the summer season, so worth checking dates in advance. Prebooking available, though spaces on our visit did not appear completely full. Accessibility: Uneven steps and surfaces throughout the caves, so not suitable for everyone. Other: The lanterns and smaller group sizes made the tour feel much more immersive than expected. Toilets: short walk to public toilets

· via Google

This was my second visit to the Reigate Caves as I have enjoyed my first visit so much. The tour was taken by a young lad called Philip, which he did an excellent job even it was his first one. There are two caves one in the west side and the other in the east which are separated by a tunnel road in 1823 and is the oldest road tunnel in the UK and even in the world. The beauty of the caves is the history behind them, how they have been used as a shelter during the Second World War, and before that were used as a sand mine and that the sand is so fine that it was called silver sand. The cave on the East side it was used a storage for wines and beers and you can still see the original layout. It's also houses a small museum with all the finds from the caves. The caves are open a few times a year and you can purchase tickets from their website.

· via Google

Highly recommend visiting Reigate caves tour when available (see their website for dates). Run by dedicated, enthusiastic and friendly volunteers. Had a very enjoyable time and our tour guide was an expert and so knowledgeable. You could easily imagine what it was like for folk years ago. There was also a well presented museum like self guided tour on the opposite side of the tunnel, which amongst other events showed the usage during the II world war.

· via Google

Fantastic visit to the caves dug after the tunnel was put through. Since then used for many purposes especially during WW2 to accommodate local council and folk seeking refuge from bombing. Now there are displays from the time, very interesting geological formations and displays even a beer cellar!! Takes about 90 mins to absorb One highlight is the 2000 year old Roman Kiln rebuilt on display recovered from earthworks in the town - amazing You have to book appointment and make a donation to caving funds but really excellent interlude.

· via Google