Reigate Heath Golf Club

Reigate Heath Golf Club — a heathland gem beneath a windmill

There can be few more charming spots in golf than Reigate Heath, where nine holes of heather and gorse wind across a protected common beneath a hilltop clubhouse and an eighteenth-century windmill. Peter Alliss called it “a little gem”, and he was right.

Reigate Heath Golf Club is a nine-hole heathland course in Surrey, laid out on a 120-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest and played over eighteen separate tees for a full round. Established in 1895, it measures around 5,658 yards over eighteen holes to a par of 68. Natural, unspoiled and steeped in character, it is one of the most delightful and historic golfing experiences in the South East.

Key Details

• Location: Reigate Heath, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8QR
• Length: approximately 5,658 yards (18 holes, played over 9 with separate tees)
• Par: 68
• Designers: evolved from the original 1895 heathland layout
• Established: 1895
• Notable: nine holes on a 120-acre SSSI; historic 18th-century windmill by the clubhouse; praised by Peter Alliss as “a little gem”

History and significance

Reigate Heath Golf Club was established in 1895 on the common at Reigate Heath, and it has retained its natural, old-world character ever since. The land is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, its heather, gorse and acid grassland protected, which is a large part of why the course feels so timeless.

Its most famous landmark is the post mill that stands beside the clubhouse, erected around 1753 — one of the oldest surviving windmills of its type and a much-loved symbol of the club. The course’s charm and heritage earned it national affection when Peter Alliss featured it on his BBC television series, describing it simply as “a little gem”.

The course and how it plays

This is pure, natural heathland golf on a compact scale. Heather- and gorse-lined fairways run over gently rolling common land, firm and fast-running, with the ever-changing appearance created by the eighteen separate tees keeping the round interesting even second time round.

It is not long, but accuracy and course management matter — stray into the heather and gorse and you will pay for it, while the natural, undulating greens reward a delicate touch. Played in the fresh air of the heath beneath the windmill, it is as enjoyable and characterful as golf gets.

Signature holes

As a nine-hole course played over eighteen tees, Reigate Heath is defined by its overall character and setting rather than by a single celebrated hole, and the club does not nominate formal signature holes.

What players remember is the atmosphere: the heather and gorse framing every shot, the wide heathland views, and above all the windmill and hilltop clubhouse presiding over the course. The clever use of alternate tees means the holes change appearance between the first nine and the second, so a full round never feels repetitive. It is the whole experience, beneath that famous mill, that makes Reigate Heath so memorable.

Why play Reigate Heath Golf Club

You play Reigate Heath for charm, history and the simple pleasure of natural heathland golf. It is a genuine escape — protected common land, rare wildlife, a centuries-old windmill and a warm, traditional club — all within easy reach of London.

For golfers who value character over sheer length, and for anyone wanting a relaxed, atmospheric round, it is a true Surrey delight.

Clubhouse and facilities

The welcoming hilltop clubhouse, beside the historic windmill, offers dining and fine views over the heath. There is a professional’s shop and a professional for tuition, along with practice facilities, and the friendly, traditional atmosphere is very much part of the appeal.

Green fees and booking

Visitors are welcome, with tee times booked through the professional’s shop or online; as a members’ club some times are reserved for members, so it is worth booking ahead. Green fees vary by season and day of the week.

Because rates are reviewed regularly, it is best not to rely on a fixed figure. For current green fees and tee times, check the official website.

Getting there and parking

The club is on Reigate Heath, just west of Reigate town.

• By car: from Reigate follow the A25 west toward Dorking; the club is signposted at Reigate Heath.
• By public transport: the nearest railway station is Reigate, served by Southern and Great Western Railway, with onward taxi to the heath.
• Address & parking: Reigate Heath Golf Club, Reigate Heath, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8QR. On-site parking is available.

Where to stay

The natural base is Reigate itself, a historic market town just to the east, with Dorking and the wider Surrey Hills close by.

Reigate offers a good choice of hotels and guesthouses within a few minutes of the course, while the surrounding Surrey Hills and towns such as Dorking give more options for a longer stay. Its position near the M25 also makes it an easy base for exploring London and the South East.

What to pack

Heathland golf on open common can be breezy, so bring warm and waterproof layers along with well-gripped shoes for the undulating turf. A few spare balls are wise given the heather and gorse, and as the course sits on a nature reserve, it is worth keeping to the paths and playing with respect for the protected landscape.

Nearby attractions

Reigate and the Surrey Hills offer plenty of countryside and history.

Conclusion

Natural, historic and utterly charming, Reigate Heath Golf Club is heathland golf as it used to be — nine glorious holes on a protected common, played beneath a 250-year-old windmill. It may be small, but as Peter Alliss knew, it is a little gem, and a round here is a genuine pleasure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can visitors play Reigate Heath Golf Club?

Yes. Reigate Heath welcomes visiting golfers, with tee times booked through the professional’s shop or online. As a friendly members’ club, some times are reserved for members, so booking ahead is recommended, particularly at weekends. A smart golf dress code applies. Because the course is laid out on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, players are asked to treat the protected heathland with care. It is a relaxed, characterful round rather than a long championship test, which is a large part of its charm. For current availability and tee times, check the official website, which carries the up-to-date visitor details.

Is Reigate Heath a nine-hole course?

Yes, and that is part of its character. Reigate Heath is a nine-hole heathland course, but it is played over eighteen separate tees, so a full round takes in all eighteen holes with each played from a different angle and length the second time around. This clever use of alternate tees changes the appearance and challenge of every hole between the first nine and the second, keeping a full round varied and interesting. Measuring around 5,658 yards to a par of 68 over eighteen, it is compact but genuinely engaging, and the nine-hole layout adds to its intimate, old-fashioned appeal.

What is the windmill at Reigate Heath?

The windmill beside the clubhouse is one of Reigate Heath’s most distinctive features and a cherished symbol of the club. It is a post mill — an early type of windmill — erected around 1753, making it one of the oldest of its kind still standing, and it sits on the hilltop alongside the clubhouse overlooking the course. It even served for a time as a chapel. Together with the surrounding heathland and the hilltop setting, the windmill gives Reigate Heath a sense of history and place that few golf courses can match, and it featured prominently when Peter Alliss praised the course on television.

How do I get to Reigate Heath Golf Club?

The club is on Reigate Heath, just west of Reigate in Surrey. By car, from Reigate follow the A25 west toward Dorking, where the club is signposted at Reigate Heath; the postcode for sat-navs is RH2 8QR and there is parking on site. The location is also convenient for the M25 and M23. By train, the nearest station is Reigate, served by Southern and Great Western Railway, with a short taxi ride to the heath, making it an easy trip from London and across the South East.