Reigate Caves Open for Summer Tours: A Rare Glimpse Underground
Medieval History Beneath Our Streets
Tucked underneath the heart of Reigate lies a fascinating piece of Surrey's past that most residents have never experienced. The Reigate Caves represent a direct link to the town's medieval heritage, with experts believing one chamber originally served as a wine cellar for the castle estate. For those of us living in the commuter belt between Guildford and Dorking, these caves offer a tangible connection to centuries gone by—a reminder that our modern town centres were once centres of quite different activity.
The caves exist in two separate locations: one within the grounds of Reigate Castle and another accessible from near the town centre. Both are carved from the same Folkestone sandstone that characterises the local geology. Peter Burgess from the Wealden Cave and Mining Society explains the significance perfectly: these underground chambers represent “long forgotten times when Reigate was a completely different place.” On peak visiting days, the two sites attract approximately 600 visitors combined, demonstrating genuine community interest in understanding local history. It's the kind of heritage tourism opportunity that often gets overlooked in favour of trips further afield.
The Volunteers Who Keep History Accessible
Opening these caves to the public isn't a council-funded operation—it's entirely volunteer-driven. The Wealden Cave and Mining Society has taken responsibility for maintaining and operating tours during the limited season from May through September, offering locals just a handful of opportunities each year to descend below ground level. Lisa Brunt, one of the dedicated tour guides, brings passion and expertise to every session. As a schoolteacher by profession, Brunt sees the caves as an educational resource, a way to spark curiosity and excitement in visitors who arrive with little idea of what awaits them underground.
This volunteer commitment matters profoundly to our community. Without these dedicated individuals—who manage safety protocols, conduct repairs, and lead interpretive tours—Reigate's caves would remain sealed beneath our feet. The team has worked tirelessly to restore and preserve the sites, ensuring they're both accessible and safe for public visitation. Their efforts represent the kind of grassroots heritage conservation that often goes unrecognised. If you've visited the caves or plan to, consider the hours of unpaid labour behind each tour. These volunteers deserve recognition for keeping our town's underground history alive and available to residents and their families.
What Local Residents Should Know This Summer
If you live in Reigate or nearby towns like East Horsley, Horsley, or Woking, now is your chance to experience something genuinely unique. Tours run sporadically throughout the summer months, with one of the final opportunities scheduled for September. Spaces fill quickly on popular days, so planning ahead is essential. The caves aren't just for history enthusiasts—they appeal to families, educators, and anyone curious about their community's heritage.
There's also a practical reason to learn about these caves: similar underground chambers exist in nearby Godstone, where geological instability led to a significant sinkhole that closed local roads for extended periods. Understanding Reigate's own cave system helps residents grasp the geological landscape beneath our homes and businesses. Whether you're a longtime resident or newer to the area, visiting the caves offers perspective on the natural and historical environment we inhabit. Keep an eye on local announcements for final tour dates. Contact the Wealden Cave and Mining Society or check Reigate's community notice boards for booking information. These underground chambers won't stay open indefinitely each year—take the opportunity while it's available to connect with something truly special beneath our town.
