Living in Redhill

Redhill’s community is welcoming and active, with a growing blend of long-time residents and newcomers attracted by employment opportunities and the town’s regeneration. Local life benefits from a steady calendar of events, from farmers’ markets to food festivals and seasonal fairs hosted around Memorial Park and the town centre square.

Community centres including the YMCA Redhill and The Harlequin Theatre provide social spaces and activities for all ages. Parks and open spaces like Earlswood Common are popular for walking, jogging, and group sports, while local churches and sports clubs add to the feeling of belonging. The town retains a neighbourly spirit, particularly in residential streets towards Reigate and the Redstone Hill area.

There is a strong culture of volunteering and charity work, with several active groups supporting causes in education, health, and youth development. Outdoor life is enhanced by access to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South Downs, both of which are within a short drive or cycle ride of the town centre.

Safety in Redhill is generally perceived positively, with many residents highlighting a sense of community responsibility and visible policing in the town centre and residential areas. The town’s crime rates are typical for a busy commuter hub, with most issues concentrated around public spaces and transport interchanges, particularly at peak hours.

Redhill has seen the benefits of increased CCTV coverage, improved lighting, and local neighbourhood watch schemes. Ongoing regeneration has also contributed to a generally safer and more welcoming town centre environment. Areas close to the common and in surrounding villages tend to see lower reported incidents. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council works in close partnership with Surrey Police to address community concerns and run regular safety campaigns.

Parking in Redhill is widely available in central car parks as well as through on-street parking options in residential neighbourhoods. Controlled parking zones operate close to the town centre and railway station, with both resident permits and pay-and-display schemes in place. While congestion can occur during peak periods, particularly around main commuter times, traffic management measures have helped to ease flow.

Redhill is easily accessible via major A-roads — the A23 connects directly to nearby Gatwick Airport, while the A25 links to neighbouring towns. Direct motorway access is available to the M25 and M23, helping drivers reach London and the south-east efficiently.

• Reigate – approx. 5 minutes via A25 (2 miles)
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 15 minutes via A23 (6 miles)
• Croydon – approx. 25 minutes via A23 (13 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 40 minutes via A25 (23 miles)

Several car parks cater for shoppers and commuters, making daily parking manageable even during busier periods.

Redhill offers a diverse food and drink scene centred around the town centre and surrounding streets. Popular local pubs include The Junction, which offers a traditional atmosphere, and The Sun in nearby Dorking Road, known for its outdoor seating and food menu. Chain options sit alongside independent eateries and cafés, with The Home Cottage standing out for its gastropub fare and garden space.

Families and couples enjoy the range of restaurants available, with cuisines spanning Italian, Indian, Thai, and modern British. Popular spots such as Prezzo and Eighty Ate Burger Bar attract both locals and visitors. Takeaways are plentiful too, providing convenient options for busy evenings.

For nightlife, Redhill is relatively low-key compared to neighbouring Reigate. However, a handful of lively bars, traditional pubs, and live music venues keep evenings interesting. The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema is a local cultural hub, hosting plays, concerts and community events throughout the year.

Redhill is considered a family-friendly area by many who move to or grow up in the town. Local schools have achieved strong Ofsted results and offer a good mix of state, academy, and independent options, making schooling accessible and high quality.

Parks and green spaces such as Memorial Park and Earlswood Lakes provide safe and attractive areas for children to play and explore. The prevalence of nurseries, afterschool clubs, and playgroups ensures childcare options are broad and locally accessible.

Safety levels are generally regarded as good, especially in more suburban and residential neighbourhoods. Family activities are plentiful, with year-round events at The Harlequin Theatre and a choice of local sporting clubs for children and teenagers. Nearby leisure centres and swimming pools in Reigate also add to community appeal.

Redhill’s location on the edge of Surrey’s countryside means pet owners enjoy excellent access to green space and walking opportunities. Earlswood Common, Redhill Common, and nearby Gatton Park all provide wonderful dog-walking trails and off-lead areas.

Local veterinary practices and pet shops serve the area, and many of Redhill’s pubs such as The Home Cottage welcome dogs in their outdoor areas. Pet-friendly rentals and housing are increasingly available, with landlords often open to well-behaved animals, especially in houses with gardens.

Community attitudes towards pets tend to be positive, reflecting the outdoor lifestyle and high proportion of local dog owners. Occasional local events and charity dog-walks add to the inclusive, animal-friendly spirit of the town.

Redhill is exceptionally well connected by both road and rail, contributing to its status as a prime commuter location. Redhill railway station is a key interchange, providing fast and frequent trains to major destinations. The M25 and M23 motorways are nearby, delivering direct road links to London and the south coast.

The town’s extensive bus network links Redhill to local villages, neighbouring towns such as Reigate, Horley and Caterham, and larger hubs including Guildford and Croydon. Gatwick Airport is less than 15 minutes away by train, providing excellent international connections.

• London Victoria – approx. 35 minutes
• London Bridge – approx. 30 minutes
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 8 minutes
• Brighton – approx. 50 minutes

Major roads such as the A23 and A25 also offer straightforward access for drivers. Cycle paths and walkways make travel around Redhill itself easy and environmentally friendly.

Redhill provides access to a number of well-regarded schools and educational institutions, making it popular with families wishing to settle in Surrey while maintaining strong London connections. The town is known for both its state-funded and independent schooling options.

Primary Schools

Among the most notable primary schools in Redhill are St Matthew's CofE Primary School (Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2017) and Earlswood Infant and Nursery School (Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2017). Trinity Oaks Church of England Primary and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School are also well-regarded, serving the local community with diverse catchment areas.

Secondary Schools

Warwick School is a popular co-educational secondary, consistently rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2019), while The Beacon School in nearby Banstead and St Bede's School in Redhill (Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2017) attract pupils from across the borough. Carrington School provides another secondary choice.

Independent and Special Schools

Dunottar School, located in Reigate and within easy reach of Redhill, is an independent day school for boys and girls aged 11-18. Reigate Grammar School is also nearby, offering high academic standards and a broad extracurricular programme.

Colleges & Universities

East Surrey College, located on the edge of Redhill, offers a wide range of academic and vocational courses, apprenticeships and adult education programmes. Although there are no universities directly in Redhill, the University of Surrey (in Guildford) and Royal Holloway, University of London, are within commutable distance.