Redhill Tourist Information

Redhill is a rural market town adjacent to Reigate and 20 miles south of London. It is situated in the North Downs of Surrey.

Redhill did not officially exist until 1818 when a road was built in the area. The settlement which developed was known as Warwick Town. It changed its name to Redhill when the post office relocated from Red Hill Common in 1867 and the small town adopted the name.

When the railway developed from Brighton to London it passed through the area of Redhill as there was a convenient gap in the hills at that point.

One of the earliest buildings at Redhill was St John's Church, built by J.T. Knowles in 1843. It was remodeled in 1889 by J.L. Pearson and has a graceful spire and eight bells.

In 1852 astronomer Richard Carrington built a house and observatory on high ground overlooking Redhill. It was ideal for his work and he discovered the existence of solar flares and their influence on the earth.

In 1867 Alfred Nobel tested dynamite in a quarry in Redhill.

The area is one of the few natural sources of the clay-like Fuller's Earth.

The Royal Earlswood Psychiatric Hospital was built near Redhill in Victorian times. The hospital has more recently been converted into flats.

Present Day Redhill

Redhill has a strong sense of community and locals are proud of its special history and identity. Being relatively close to London it is a popular commuter town.

The Belfry Shopping Centre is the main area for chain stores. Redhill also has a street market on Thursdays and Saturdays with the occasional French Market.

In the centre of the town is the Warwick Quadrant, a red brick complex with the library, shops, cinema and the Harlequin Theatre. There are several restaurants, pubs and nightclubs for entertainment.

The Donyngs Sports Centre has an indoor swimming pool and leisure activities. The town is also the home of the Redhill Football Club.

The Redhill railway station is served by three different lines with good rail services to London, Reading and Brighton.

Things to Do Around Redhill

The surrounding Surrey Hills were one of the first places to be recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a varied landscape which is well wooded and offers a variety of outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, horse riding and nature spotting.

Chessington World of Adventure is a popular local theme park for families.

Denbies Wine Estate makes an interesting visit. It is one of the largest vineyards in the UK and tours can be taken to see how wine is made. Tastings of the wine are also available.

Chartwell was the home of Sir Winston Churchill with magnificent views over the Weald of Kent. The house and gardens are filled with his personal mementoes, making it a wonderful way to touch with history.

The 13th century Hever Castle was lavishly restored by William Waldorf Astor in 1903. The Tudor manor was built for the family of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. It has award-winning gardens with a walled garden and a stunning 110-metre long herbaceous border.