Living in Caterham

Caterham has a strong sense of community, with a friendly atmosphere shaped by local events, active neighbourhood groups, and inclusive amenities. The town supports several annual fairs, charity runs, and festivals such as the Caterham Festival, which celebrates arts and local culture each June. The Church Walk Shopping Centre acts as a hub for shopping and meeting, while smaller outlets foster independent spirit.

Green spaces such as Queen’s Park and Manor Park provide places for walks, family gatherings, and outdoor sports. The East Surrey Museum, located on Stafford Road, reflects the area’s history and heritage. Several community centres and churches host well-attended groups for all ages, from fitness classes to toddler clubs.

The proximity to the Surrey Hills and local woods makes Caterham popular with walkers and cyclists. Volunteering, youth programmes, and neighbourhood watch schemes reflect the engaged and supportive nature of local life. The sense of community is often cited by residents as a key reason for living in Caterham.

Crime rates in Caterham tend to be lower than the national average, contributing to its reputation as a safe and welcoming place to live. The area is largely residential, and both Caterham on the Hill and Caterham Valley are considered peaceful, with relatively low levels of anti-social behaviour and property crime. Residents report feeling secure, particularly in established neighbourhoods and around parks.

Surrey Police maintain a visible presence, with initiatives such as neighbourhood policing teams and community outreach events contributing to safety awareness. Property crime and petty theft do occur, but they are generally isolated incidents. Areas around the railway station and high street may see higher footfall, particularly in the evenings, but these are well-patrolled. Ongoing community engagement and regeneration projects further support a low-crime environment.

Parking in Caterham is relatively accessible, with a mix of public car parks, resident permit zones, and on-street parking in both Caterham Valley and Caterham on the Hill. Main shopping areas are served by several car parks, including at Church Walk Shopping Centre and Morrisons, offering short and long-term options. Residential streets typically provide parking, though permit schemes may apply, especially near the town centre and railway station.

Access to the motorway is provided by Junction 6 of the M25, just south of the town, making Caterham convenient for those commuting by car. Congestion is typically limited to rush hour periods, especially around the town centre and during school runs. The A22 and B2208 roads run through Caterham, offering direct routes to neighbouring towns.

Driving times to nearby towns and cities:

• London – approx. 55 minutes via A22/M25 (20 miles)
• Redhill – approx. 20 minutes via B2208/A25 (7 miles)
• Croydon – approx. 25 minutes via A22 (10 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 40 minutes via A25 (23 miles)
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 20–25 minutes via M23 (14 miles)

Caterham offers a wealth of options for eating out and socialising. The town has a mix of well-known pubs, independent restaurants, family cafés, and takeaways. Popular local pubs include The William Garland and The Old Coulsdon, both providing traditional fare and a relaxed setting. For dining, visitors can enjoy international cuisine ranging from Italian trattorias to Indian and Thai restaurants. Caterham also has several cosy cafés that serve locally roasted coffee and homemade cakes, particularly along Croydon Road and Godstone Road.

Takeaway choices span the usual favourites like fish & chips and pizza to more niche tastes. While Caterham does not have a large clubbing scene, there are lively bars and occasional live music at local venues. The Miller Centre Theatre in Caterham on the Hill offers drama, films, and comedy nights, adding to the town’s cultural amenities. Overall, Caterham has a friendly, relaxed social scene suited to families and professionals alike, with the livelier nightlife of Croydon not far away for those seeking late-night options.

School quality: Caterham’s selection of primary and secondary schools enjoys good Ofsted ratings, complemented by independent options like Caterham School, making education a strength for families.

Parks and green space: Abundant parks such as Queen’s Park and the surrounding countryside provide safe, open spaces for play and recreation, while nearby sports clubs offer activities for all ages.

Childcare: Several nurseries and pre-schools are available locally, alongside after-school and holiday clubs, providing accessible childcare options for working parents.

Safety: Caterham’s low crime rates and community policing contribute to parents’ sense of security, with regular patrols and engaged neighbourhood groups supporting peace of mind.

Family activities: The town offers sports centres, the Miller Centre Theatre, playgrounds, and easy access to nature reserves, ensuring there is plenty for families to enjoy together year-round.

Caterham is very welcoming to pet owners, with an abundance of dog-friendly parks, walking trails, and open countryside. Queen’s Park and Manor Park offer safe spaces for walking dogs, while the nearby Caterham Woods and the expansive Surrey Hills provide more adventurous routes for active families and their pets. Several local cafés and pubs are noted for allowing dogs, offering water bowls and treats for four-legged visitors.

The area is well-served by veterinary practices and pet shops, including independent pet stores for specialist foods and supplies. Boarding kennels and dog grooming salons are also available in the wider area. The housing stock includes many properties with generous gardens, and local attitudes toward pets are positive, with many landlords permitting pets, especially in houses or maisonettes. Parks and the open nature of the community make Caterham a popular choice for animal lovers.

Caterham boasts excellent transport links that make it an ideal location for commuters. The town is served by the Caterham railway station, located in Caterham Valley, with regular direct services to London Bridge (approximately 45 minutes) and London Victoria via East Croydon. Trains also connect to Purley, where further routes to wider destinations are accessible.

Local bus routes provide connections to Redhill, Croydon, Oxted, and other Surrey towns. For drivers, Caterham is close to junction 6 of the M25 motorway, providing straightforward road access to London and the south, as well as connections to the M23 towards Gatwick Airport, which is about 20 minutes’ drive. Heathrow Airport can be reached in around 45 minutes via the M25.

Travel times to key destinations:

• London Bridge: approx. 45–50 minutes by train
• Croydon: approx. 25 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train
• Redhill: approx. 20 minutes by bus or car
• Gatwick Airport: approx. 20–25 minutes by car
• Guildford: approx. 40 minutes by car via A25

The town’s transport options make Caterham a practical base for those working locally or in central London, while easy motorway access is an advantage for those commuting by road.

Primary Schools in Caterham
Caterham is home to several reputable primary schools. St John's CofE Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2017) is known for its inclusive ethos and supportive learning environment. Hillcroft Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2023) serves the Caterham Valley and receives praise for its pupil progress and strong sense of community. Audley Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2023) is located in Caterham on the Hill and is appreciated for its creative curriculum and positive leadership. Marden Lodge Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022), located near Queen’s Park, rounds out the set of well-regarded options in the area.

Secondary Schools
de Stafford School (Ofsted: Good, 2022) is a non-selective secondary school offering a broad curriculum, modern facilities, and a strong community ethos. Another notable choice is Warlingham School (nearby, Ofsted: Good, 2022), which is popular with Caterham families for its academic record and enrichment activities.

Independent Schools and Colleges
The prestigious Caterham School, an independent day and boarding school with a rich history dating back to 1811, is well known across Surrey and beyond for its academic record, wide range of extracurricular options, and excellent facilities. The area is also near Oakhyrst Grange School, a small co-ed independent school serving younger pupils.

Colleges and Further Education
Older students often travel to nearby East Surrey College in Redhill or Reigate College, both easily accessed by public transport. These colleges offer a wide selection of A-levels, BTECs, and vocational courses.

Universities
Caterham does not have its own university but offers convenient transport routes to higher education institutions in Guildford (University of Surrey), London (various universities), and Kingston (Kingston University), making it suitable for students who wish to commute from home.